Kuala Lumpur: Gateway to Malaysia

Khoo, Suet Leng; Chang, Nicole Shu Fun

doi:10.1007/978-981-16-1291-6_5

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Conservation implications.-The recovery of smooth-coated otter populations observed in Singapore can inform strategies for the conservation and management of this species in other urban areas. In Coimbatore, India and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, smooth-coated otters have been recently observed in urban waterways and gardens (Choong 2019;Jun 2019;Thomas 2021). Population recoveries appear possible with suitable habitats and abundant prey.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population distribution and causes of mortality of smooth-coated otters, Lutrogale perspicillata, in Singapore

Shivram

Sivasothi

Hsu³

et al. 2023

Journal of Mammalogy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) were transient in Singapore before one resident family group was observed in 1998, presumably having recolonized from Peninsular Malaysia. A population survey in 2017 revealed a minimum of 11 groups and 79 individuals. Since then, movements of otter groups within urban areas have led to increasing numbers of human–otter encounters, including conflicts. We determined the current abundance, population structure, and distribution of smooth-coated otters in Singapore. We assessed seven sampling zones nationwide through verified sighting records and social media. Mortality records from 2019 to 2021 were sourced from the Otter Working Group and Wildlife Reserves Singapore. In early 2021, there were a minimum of 17 groups and 170 individuals. Groups ranged from 2 to 24 individuals. Smooth-coated otters occupy coastal areas, waterways, reservoirs, and sites within the city center in urban gardens and ponds. Following territorial conflicts at waterways, smooth-coated otter groups moved into the urban matrix. Vehicle collisions are the main cause of mortality and are frequent at dams separating freshwater and coastal habitats. While there is a clear increase in smooth-coated otter numbers since 2017, there remain multiple natural and human-caused threats to otter persistence.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%