Categories
Species Guide: Urban Mammals

Smooth-coated Otter

smooth coated otters

Written by Syuhada Sapno
Photo by Fariman S., GreenSmiths

Smooth-coated otter, Memerang licin

Lutrogale perspiciiata

They are usually encountered in family groups of 4 to 6 individuals. These otters feed on fish, shellfish, frogs, insects, crustaceans, mudskippers. As the name goes, it has a soft and smooth fur. They have large, webbed feet; forelegs are shorter than the hindlegs to help it swim. 

Local name: Memerang licin

Activity pattern: Diurnal

Ecological function: Prey-predator relationship

Level in food chain: Secondary consumer

Feeding behaviour: Carnivore

Food items: Fish, shellfish, crustaceans

Microhabitat: Can be found in rivers, lakes, mangroves. There are many sightings of this animal in Klang Valley rivers and Penang island