Smooth Otter Report

INTRODUCTION Otters belonging to the order Carnivora of program Mammalia, be semi-aquatic members of the family Mustelidae which in any case implicates weasels, martens, polecats, badgers, skunks, grisons and minks. Otters be placed in the sub-family subfamily subfamily subfamily Lutrinae (Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Genus Lutrogale quiet- cakeed otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) (Ogamba E. N. & Abowei J. F. N. ,2012) ( Figure 1) . The fall otter is the epicst otter in S surfaceheast Asia that comment otter. It was named for its shorter, smo different coat than that of separate otters with appears velvety and shiny.This otter is monogamous and usually chatn round in itty-bitty family groups of 4-6 members comprising a pair and their offspring from breeding seasons. It has a more than locomote heads and a hairless nose comp ard to other otters. It to a fault has a commode that is more two-dimensionaltened, in contrast to the more rounded tails of other species and measure s 60% of its body length. Otters dependent on the monsoon rains breed between sumptuous and December. Gestation period is 61-65 twenty- quadruple hourss. They give return to 2 to 5 cuns per litter.The schoolgirlish are born and raised in burrow near the pee. Smooth Otters may hunt as a team both(prenominal) at night or in the daytime. They capture their prey with mouth, but their strong, lacy feet with sharp claws are dexterous enough to retrieve and manipulate objects. Their regimen likes fish, frog, prawn and crab. Besides, smooth-coated otter are excellent aquatic lodgeation. It is possible to introduce to apiece other at all get along it is infinitely more no-hit when the otters are childlike (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Hartley R. 2011 had menti iodined that as a social animal, the smooth-coated otter lives in family groups consisting of a male, dominant female and cubs. They are a proficient and ready drownmer. Besides, they similarly have the usual humped otter gait on t he land, and goat convey quite rapidly . It is possible that there are no smooth otters currently in captivity in zoos likes in menagerie Taiping or insupportable deportment parks. Since they are cacophonic, extrovert and tolerant of humanity, adapting well to zoo life, this is surprising (Wright L. C, 2010). pic scientific classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chor information Class Mammalia purchase order Carnivora Family Mustelidae Subfamily Lutrinae Genus Lutrogale Species L. perspicillata LITERATURE REVIEWS Characteristics Smooth coated otter is nocturnal mammal otter and commensurate to a semi-aquatic mode of life with flattened head, thickened muscular tail, smooth and dense pelage and comparatively large paws that are webbed between digits (Roberts, 1997 Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Webbing between all digits but, more extensive on the hind(prenominal) feet. The claws are sharp and probably economic aid in gripping.The hind feet are world(a)ly 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 similarly to determine 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 spinal column and rock, and lacked hard-packed sand, stone, gravel, vegetation and cover cover (Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006).The more subjective the surroundings the better so a substrate of grass, soil, pebbles, non abrasive sand ( non sharp sand), and mulch as opposed to concrete provide be beneficial to the otter group. If the kitty is artificial and not filtrated it must(prenominal) be cleaned weekly. angelical drinking piss mu st be supplied for apiece day in a clean, non- spillable, disinfected container. The warmer the urine the more these tropical otters swim. An ideal temperature is some 80 to 85 F (26. 6 29. 4 C). Pools can be constructed of many different materials much(prenominal)(prenominal) as plastic liners, concrete, gunnite or a natural pool dug out to the appropriate depth (IUCN/SSC, 2008). air 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 fuck bradycardia when pushed as a result of fear or necessity (Smith J. R. , 2008). Although otters enthrall and spend a lot of time in water they also require plenty of dry land for resting, groom, withdraw 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 fish (Asghar Nawab & Syed Ainul Hussain, 2012 ). Smooth-coated otter is a top carnivore of wetlands and feeds in the first place (up to 96%) upon fish (Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Surprising, Goldthorpe et al. 2010, describeed 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 few natural predators because of its strength, sharp teeth, aggressiveness when attacked, and aquatic habits (Saunders, D. A. 1988). Communication According to Duplaix,1980 and Maxwell,1960Wright L. C. , 2010are two good sources for schooling about this species vocalizations, exceptionally the latter(prenominal). Duplaix speaks of harsh nasal snorts and whines, and says they are a noisy species, with a varied repertoire of discrete social s ounds.This is backed up by Maxwell, 1960, account of Mijbil, his pet smooth-coated otter of the Iraqi subspecies. Maxwell describes the call bring up as a short, anxious, penetrating but not loud chirp. The oppugn is Ha in a loud, harsh whisper. Furthermore, Maxwell, 1960, also describes a continuum done from the chirp to a musical bubbling interspersed with chirps to a high, snarling caterwaul or scream/wail preceding attack. The main form of non-vocal communication in this species is spraint, which is produced frequently. The animals create 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 means of non-vocal communication, mouthing, nipping and gripping each other (Wright L. C. , 2010). life Khan W. A. et al. ,2010, stated that this animal form strong monogamous pairs males a re larger but still females dominate the pair. Breeding may go by 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 free until up to 10 days. The weaning takes almost 130 days and the young ones start taking fish at the age of three months. lambert size of 2-4 cubs is normal and rarely five but recently hexad cubs have been observed in Sindh. TreatThe smooth-coated otters considered to be Vulnerable due to an inferred early population decline caused by habitat loss and exploitation (Hussain et al. , 2008). veneer extremely high risk of extinction due to multitude of noxious factors (Muhammad Rais et al. ,2009). Khan W. A. et al. , 2010, reported that habitat fragmentation, otter-human conflicts, inquisition for skins and lack of alertness among general public are main threats to the species. METHODOLOGY Post monitoring and data collection. (General practise) I studied 3 smooth-coated otter ( Lutrogale perspicillata) at menagerie Taiping. I did not collect data on pre behavior because it was a one day field trip only.I save the smooth-coated otters employment every 5 min via scan sampling with instantaneous recording. I adapted behavioral 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 course of instruction label De? nition of activities included within category Groom All otters must continually groom their fur to maintain its insulating qualities.Otters spend a existent 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 rolling on the landed estate or rubbing against logs or vegetation. submerge Otters are excellent swimmers. T hey swim with movements of the hind legs and tail. Freshwater otters dog paddle with all four feet when fluent slowly or floating. When swimming at a high speed, the inbuilt body, including the tail, undulates up and down and the hind feet steer. Play Some researchers believe that skid 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 climb to the top of a slope for another slide. These latter researchers have observed very slim behavior they interpret as play. Rest 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 lon g, 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 rust 20% of their bodyweight a day. In the wild, they will have several hunting 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 intoxication 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 sermon From monitoring, I can see the smooth-coated otter have recycles similar activities. Much activity occurs in the water. The webbed feet, strong l egs, 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 conclusion with two types of hair a dense under fur which traps an insulating shape of air and remains dry while the otter is swimming and the longer, overlying safe-conduct 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 fibrous 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 corresponding location known as a landing or a haulin g-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). bid other carnivores, smooth-coated otters use scent 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 marking 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 study factor in site selection by otters (Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006). Otters are intelligent, active, shady creatures and an ideal day would be to be fe d 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 drumhead means of regulating otter social behavior. Besides, the otters use chirping and humming sounds as touch 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 highly 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 existent amphibious lifestyle, both in water and nearby lands are celebrated for living a life of mystery, disguise and concealment (Singh A. K. , 2011). Smooth-coated otters are well adapted to swimming and foraging in the water supported by Ferti D. capital of Mississippi M. & Yin S. , 1994. They have aqua dynamic, webbed feet, fine rudder, fur-tive and high metabolic rate. It was horrendous facts by Khan W. A et al. , 2010, the smooth coated otter (Lutragale perspicillata) considered to be a suitable power 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 close to protect 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 need to be noticed to undertake stiff protection, taking hardheaded steps for preventing decimation of endemic populace going from Vulnerable under going List of IUCN to endanger with each passing day. The smooth-coated otter is an important 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 haphazardness can enhance and ensure breeding potentiality and success as well as survival. REFLECTION Firstly, praise to Allah and special thanks to Dr. Syakirah, my cub 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 in truth fun and socialize to watch them with their recycle behavior activities. Most of the time, the otters enjoyed swim in the soak 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 spirit at all the people outside like they are really proud when people watch them supported by Wright L. C, 2010. By look 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, fishing 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. part with pollution and live harmony with nature so that our next contem poraries can experience and appreciate what we have today. Overall, by writing 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 wildlife. I also gained bureau 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/ publicize/Volume28A/Feeroz_et_al_2011a. pdf Ferti D. , Jackson M. & Yin S. , (1994). Otters In Galveston Bay Waters. Galveston Ba y 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 threaten Species. Version 2009. 1. . IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Otters in Captivity Task Force. (2008). tokenish Husbandry Guidelines for Smooth-coat Otters in Captivity. http//www. otterspecialistgroup. org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/Husbandry_Guidelines_for_Keeping_Smooth-coat_Otters_in_Captivity_1st_Edition. pdf Khan W. A. et al. ,(2010). Status of Smooth Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) in Pakistan. Pa kistan J. Zool. , vol. 42(6), pp. 817-824, 2010. Khan W. A. et al. 2009). A SURVEY OF SMOOTH COATED OTTERS (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) IN THE SINDH PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 26(1) 2009 Kuhn, Rachel A. & Wilfried M. ,(2010). 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