Smooth Otter Report

INTRODUCTION Otters belonging to the order Carnivora of class Mammalia, ar turnout-aquatic members of the family Mustelidae which also acknowledges weasels, martens, polecats, badgers, skunks, grisons and minks. Otters be placed in the sub-family Lutrinae (Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Genus Lutrogale Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) (Ogamba E. N. & Abowei J. F. N. ,2012) ( Figure 1) . The smooth otter is the largest otter in Southeast Asia that comment otter. It was named for its shorter, smoother coat than that of other otters with appears velvet-textured and shiny.This otter is monogamous and usually namen round in small family groups of 4-6 members comprising a pair and their offspring from breeding seasons. It has a more rounded heads and a hairless hooter compared to other otters. It also has a tail that is more flattened, in contrast to the more rounded tails of other species and measures 60% of its body length. Otters dependent on the monsoon rains breed bet ween August and December. Gestation period is 61-65 geezerhood. They give birth to 2 to 5 cuns per litter.The young are born and raised in burrow near the weewee. Smooth Otters may hunt as a team either at night or in the daytime. They capture their prey with mouth, scarcely their strong, webbed feet with sharp claws are dexterous lavish to retrieve and manipulate objects. Their food likes tip, frog, prawn and crab. Besides, smooth-coated otter are excellent aquatic adaptation. It is possible to introduce to severally other at all age it is infinitely more successful when the otters are young (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Hartley R. 2011 had mentioned that as a social zoology, the smooth-coated otter lives in family groups consisting of a male, predominate female and cubs. They are a proficient and ready swimmer. Besides, they also have the usual humped otter gait on the land, and can move quite chop-chop . It is possible that there are no smooth otters currently in captivity in zoos li kes in Zoo Taiping or wildlife parks. Since they are noisy, extrovert and openhanded of homo, adapting well to zoo life, this is surprising (Wright L. C, 2010). pic Scientific classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chorselective information Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Mustelidae Subfamily Lutrinae Genus Lutrogale Species L. perspicillata familiarations REVIEWS Characteristics Smooth coated otter is nocturnal mammal otter and adapted to a semi-aquatic mode of life with flattened head, thick muscular tail, smooth and dense pelage and relatively large paws that are webbed between digits (Roberts, 1997 Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Webbing between all digits but, more extensive on the back(prenominal) feet. The claws are sharp and belike aid in gripping.The hind feet are generally larger than the fore and the hind legs are longer leading to the typical hump-backed gait when traveling across land supported by Smith J. R. , 2008. The hair structure of the Lutrinae has been analysed to see if the different species could be identified using hair characteristics and also to square if the hair characteristics have an adaptive value or are influenced by the phylogeny of the group (Kuhn, Rachel A. & Wilfried M. ,2010). Habitat Otter sites varied significantly from non-otter sites, and comprised of loosely packed guts and rock, and lacked hard-packed sand, stone, gravel, vegetation and canopy cover (Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006).The more natural the surroundings the better so a substrate of grass, soil, pebbles, non abrasive sand (not sharp sand), and mulch as opposed to concrete get out be beneficial to the otter group. If the pond is artificial and not filtrated it must be cleaned weekly. Fresh drinking water must be supplied for each day in a clean, non- spillable, disinfected container. The warmer the water the more these tropical otters swim. An ideal temperature is about 80 to 85 F (26. 6 29. 4 C). Pools can be construc ted of many different materials such(prenominal) as plastic liners, concrete, gunnite or a natural pool dug out to the appropriate knowledge (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Behavior Smooth-coated otters are strong swimmers (Lariviere S. & Hwang Y. T. ,2005).In short, it is likely that otters undoubtedly store enough oxygen in the lungs, blood and muscles for a typical dive but date bradycardia when pushed as a result of fear or necessity (Smith J. R. , 2008). Although otters enjoy and drop down a lot of time in water they also withdraw plenty of dry land for resting, grooming, digging and foraging (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Food and feeding habits The selection of prey by the smooth-coated otter in response to the variations in abundance of seek (Asghar Nawab & Syed Ainul Hussain, 2012 ). Smooth-coated otter is a top carnivore of wetlands and feeds mainly (up to 96%) upon fish (Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Surprising, Goldthorpe et al. 2010, reported that a smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) was observed and photographed attacking and killing a water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) in a small pond at the Forestry Research Institute, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Smooth-coated otter attacking and killing such a large animal became the targets of repeated tail-nipping by the otters. The river otter has a few(prenominal) natural predators because of its strength, sharp teeth, aggressiveness when attacked, and aquatic habits (Sa unders, D. A. 1988). Communication According to Duplaix,1980 and Maxwell,1960Wright L. C. , 2010are two good sources for information about this species vocalizations, particularly the latter. Duplaix speaks of harsh nasal snorts and whines, and says they are a noisy species, with a varied repertoire of discrete social sounds.This is backed up by Maxwell, 1960, account of Mijbil, his pet smooth-coated otter of the Iraqi subspecies. Maxwell describes the wish note as a short, anxious, penetrating but not loud chirp. The query is Ha in a loud, harsh whi sper. Furthermore, Maxwell, 1960, also describes a continuum done from the chirp to a musical bubbling interspersed with chirps to a naughty, snarling caterwaul or scream/wail preceding attack. The main form of non-vocal talk in this species is spraint, which is produced frequently. The animals piddle large, very smelly communal latrines at prominent sites, such as large flat rocks, comparatively high up river banks compared to sympatric Eurasian Otters.In communication with other otters in the family group, otters seem to use their mouths as the main center of non-vocal communication, mouthing, nipping and gripping each other (Wright L. C. , 2010). Breeding Khan W. A. et al. ,2010, stated that this animal form strong monogamous pairs males are larger but still females dominate the pair. Breeding may occur throughout the year, gestation period varies from 61-63 days and young ones at their birth are covered with fur and their eyes do not open until up to 10 days. The weaning ta kes almost one hundred thirty days and the young ones start taking fish at the age of 3 months. Liter size of 2-4 cubs is normal and rarely five but deep six cubs have been observed in Sindh. TreatThe smooth-coated otters considered to be Vulnerable due to an inferred future population decline caused by habitat loss and exploitation (Hussain et al. , 2008). face up extremely high risk of extinction due to multitude of detrimental factors (Muhammad Rais et al. ,2009). Khan W. A. et al. , 2010, reported that habitat fragmentation, otter-human conflicts, hunting for skins and lack of awareness among general public are main threats to the species. METHODOLOGY Post monitoring and data collection. (General activity) I studied 3 smooth-coated otter ( Lutrogale perspicillata) at Zoo Taiping. I did not collect data on pre behavior because it was a one day field trip only.I recorded the smooth-coated otters activity every 5 min via scan try out with instantaneous recording. I adapted beh avioral categories and de? nitions from http//www. seaworld. org/animal-info/info-books/otters/adaptations. htm. The de? nitions of behaviors that I recorded are in Table I. I recorded observations from 12. 40 p. m to 1. 30p. m.. Table I Behavior classi? cations and description Category label De? nition of activities included within category Groom All otters must continually groom their fur to maintain its insulating qualities.Otters spend a substantial amount of time grooming, and many species of river otters have designated areas on land for drying and grooming their fur. Most vigorously dry themselves by bowl on the ground or rubbing against logs or vegetation. Swim Otters are excellent swimmers. They swim with movements of the hind legs and tail. Freshwater otters dog paddle with all four feet when fluent slowly or floating. When smooth at a high speed, the entire body, including the tail, undulates up and down and the hind feet steer. Play Some researchers b elieve that sliding is a form of play in river otters.For some species, otters of all age classes have been observed sliding. Others believe otters only use these slides for low-energy travel, maintaining that otters generally do not come near to the top of a slope for another slide. These latter researchers have observed very little behavior they interpret as play. tranquility Freshwater otters generally rest and sleep on land, either above ground or in dens. They are not particular about where they sleep and often do so even in areas of moderate disturbance.Individual animals often have several resting places. Feed The Smooth-coated otter is a carnivore and in the wild its diet is more than 90% fish over 15cm long, mainly slow-moving fish such as catfish the balance is frogs, birds, turtles, water snakes, crabs and water rats. The metabolic rate is high, and these active otters will consume 20% of their bodyweight a day. In the wild, they will have several hunti ng sessions throughout the 24-hour period, interspersed with rest periods. Diving Otters can remain under water for 6 to 8 minutes. All other behavior Communication Drinking Defecating Urinating Adapt from http//www. seaworld. org/animal-info/info-books/otters/adaptations. htm RESULT No pic pic 12. 40 p. m Play 12. 45 p. m Rest pic pic 12. 50 p. m Swim 12. 55 p. m Rest pic pic 1. 00 p. m Groom 1. 00 p. Rest pic pic 1. 05 p. m Swim 1. 10 p. m Rest pic pic 1. 15 p. m Play 1. 20 p. Swim pic pic 1. 25 p. m Groom 1. 30 p. m Rest DISCUSSION From monitoring, I can see the smooth-coated otter have recycles similar activities. Much activity occurs in the water. The webbed feet, strong legs, and long, muscular body and tail adapt the otter to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Smooth-coated otters are swim with movements of the hind legs and tail.They use all four feet when swimming slowly or floating. The fur is thick and water proof with two types of hair a dense under fur which traps an insulating layer of air and remains dry while the otter is swimming and the longer, overlying guard hairs that are water proof (Foster-Turley et al. , 1990 Khan W. A. et al. ,2010 ). Once in the water, an otter is a tireless and superb swimmer, propelling itself with the tail, which also serves as a rudder, and powerful thrusts of the hind limbs. Although otters enjoy and spend a lot of time in water they also require plenty of dry land for resting, grooming, digging and foraging (IUCN/SSC, 2008). On land, they lope or bound.Grooming is a frequent activity and entails rolling in the snow, mud or vegetation, often at the same location known as a landing or a hauling-out site. River otters engage in activities collectively designated as play, for example, repeated touching, shoving, tossing, and manipulating of prey, stones or other objects, or tobogganing down mud or snow slides (Saunders D. A. ,1988). Like other carnivores, smooth-coated otte rs use olfactory perception for inter and intra specific communication. They have a pair of scent glands at the base of the tail, which they use to mark vegetation, flat rocks, or shorelines near feeding areas. This print behavior in otters is called sprainting.Most of the spraint sites consisted largely of loosely packed sand, and a small amount of rock, but lacked canopy cover, dense vegetation and stony or gravely substrates. Sites with these features are suited for grooming activities, which may explain why the substrate seemed to be the major factor in site selection by otters (Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006). Otters are intelligent, active, curious creatures and an ideal day would be to be fed 3 or 4 times a day, have plenty of stimulation and activities which include playing and foraging and also have time to rest out of the public view if so desired (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Vocal, tactile, and chemical signals are the chief means of regulating otter social behav ior. Besides, the otters use chirping and humming sounds as contact calls.They hiss, purr, and whistle in other contexts (Saunders D. A. ,1988). CONCLUSION Smooth-coated otter called as Lutrogale perscipillata is known to Zoo Taiping. Besides, they are super charismatic and popular animals of high concern to fishermen, naturalists, scientists and wild life conservationists the world over. Otters have an intrinsic beauty and they are exciting. Smooth-coated otters, one of the most intriguing semi aquatic mammals, habitual of living amphibious lifestyle, both in water and nearby lands are celebrated for living a life of mystery, disguise and privateness (Singh A. K. , 2011). Smooth-coated otters are well adapted to swimming and foraging in the water supported by Ferti D. Jackson M. & Yin S. , 1994. They have aqua dynamic, webbed feet, fine rudder, fur-tive and high metabolic rate. It was amazing facts by Khan W. A et al. , 2010, the smooth coated otter (Lutragale perspicillata) cons idered to be a suitable indicator of pollution level in a wetland. Unfortunately, the smooth-coated otter life is on the brink of extinction. All small carnivore sightings were in or adjacent to protected areas. While this may suggest that their status outside such places could be of concern, it may simply reflect unequal search effort, in that night drives were not conducted at the same rate outside protected areas (Pillay R. ,2009).Otters contract to be noticed to undertake stiff protection, taking practical steps for preventing decimation of endemic populace going from Vulnerable under Red List of IUCN to jeopardise with each passing day. The smooth-coated otter is an distinguished ecological indicator of a healthy wetland and associated biodiversity, especially the fish fauna (Khan W. A. at el. ,2009). Feeroz M. M. , Aziz M. A & Thanchanga P. K, 2011, supported that good habitats with enough food and little human interference can enhance and ensure breeding potentiality and s uccess as well as survival. REFLECTION Firstly, approbation to Allah and special thanks to Dr. Syakirah, my fellow course-mates and my family in helping me doing this assignment.My second animal observation at Zoo Taiping is smooth-coated otter. There are a group of three active smooth-coated otters in a spacious and natural like enclosure supported by Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006. I watched them for about an hour and its really pastime and entertaining to watch them with their recycle behavior activities. Most of the time, the otters enjoyed swim in the swamp area and resting on the rocks while grooming. Sometimes, they also play around with each other on the sand area and return to water to swim. IUCN/SSC, 2008, mentioned that those otters are very great swimmer and diver. I was really exciting to see them doing that.There was a time when they just stand beside the glass window looking at all the volume outside like they are really proud when people watch the m supported by Wright L. C, 2010. By looking at the otters activity for around an hour, it taught me a lot on their behavioral adaptation. It makes me realize how important and valuable are our nature. Hussain et al. , 2008, reported that smooth-coated otter is also one of the Vulnerable species and human is one of the factors and greatest threat to them, both directly and indirectly. Habitat destruction, water pollution, fish activity and disease can lead to fragmentation of their populations and extinction.It is our responsibility to protect our wildlife and make sure this little and full of fun creature to continue swimming for years to come. Stop pollution and live harmony with nature so that our next generation can experience and appreciate what we have today. Overall, by indite this report I gained some researching benefits. One is that I am more aware of what is happening to endangered species. Another is that I know now that humans have a responsibility to protect our wild life. I also gained confidence in myself. By writing this report, I have some experience in writing reports, and as a biology teacher, I will share this great information to my students, family and friends. REFERENCESAsghar Nawab & Syed Ainul Hussain, (2012), Prey selection by smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in response to the variation in fish abundance in Upper Gangetic Plains, India Feeroz M. M. , Aziz M. A & Thanchanga P. K, (2011). BREEDING ACTIVITIES OF Lutra perspicillata IN BANGLADES. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 28(A) 2011. http//www. otterspecialistgroup. org/Bulletin/Volume28A/Feeroz_et_al_2011a. pdf Ferti D. , Jackson M. & Yin S. , (1994). Otters In Galveston mouth Waters. Galveston Bay Foundation. Vol. 6, Number 3. Goldthorpe, G. , Shepherd, C. , Hogg, S. and Leupen B. , (2010). Predation of water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) by smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in Peninsular Malaysia. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 27(2) 78 84 Hartley R. , (2011). Animal facts Smooth-coated otter. http//www. helium. om/items/2226524-smooth-coated-otter-lutrogale-perspicillata-vulnerable-otter-species-icun-red-list-fishing-otter Hussain, S. A. , de Silva, P. K. , Mostafa Feeroz, M. (2008). Lutrogale perspicillata. In IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009. 1. . IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Otters in Captivity Task Force. (2008). Minimum Husbandry Guidelines for Smooth-Coated Otters in Captivity. http//www. otterspecialistgroup. org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/Husbandry_Guidelines_for_Keeping_Smooth-Coated_Otters_in_Captivity_1st_Edition. pdf Khan W. A. et al. ,(2010). emplacement of Smooth Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) in Pakistan. Pakistan J. 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