Mammals
Hairy-Nosed Otter
Lutra sumatrana · also called hairy-nosed otters
Once feared extinct across much of its range before scattered populations turned up again in protected peat swamps, a hairy-nosed otter remains one of the rarest and least-understood otter species in the world, identified by a fully furred nose unlike any of its relatives.
Overview
The hairy-nosed otter, Lutra sumatrana, is a rare, poorly studied otter native to peat swamp forest and coastal wetland habitat scattered across parts of Southeast Asia. Its distinctive fully furred nose, close dependence on a rapidly disappearing wetland habitat type, and history of presumed extinction followed by rediscovery make it one of the most precarious otter species found anywhere in the world.
Rediscovered, but far from secure
Even after being written off as extinct across much of its historical range, the hairy-nosed otter’s rediscovery has not translated into security, since the peat swamp forest it depends on continues to disappear faster than conservation efforts can protect it.
Status
Endangered, with populations declining dramatically due to the drainage and conversion of peat swamp forest habitat across Southeast Asia.
Hairy-Nosed Otter: common questions
What makes the hairy-nosed otter's nose different from other otters?
This species has a fully furred nose, a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from most other otter species, which typically have a bare patch of skin on the nose.
Is the hairy-nosed otter really one of the rarest otters?
Yes, this species is considered one of the rarest and least-studied otter species in the world, with only scattered, poorly documented populations known to survive across parts of Southeast Asia.
Why is peat swamp forest so important to the hairy-nosed otter?
This species is closely associated with peat swamp forest, a specialised and increasingly rare wetland habitat type, and its decline is closely tied to the widespread drainage and conversion of this habitat for agriculture.
Was the hairy-nosed otter ever thought to be extinct?
Yes, this species was long feared extinct across large parts of its historical range before scattered populations were rediscovered in certain protected wetland areas of Southeast Asia.