


Malay common name: Memerang Licin
English common name: Smooth-coated Otter
Scientific name: Lutrogale perspicillata

rank: Vulnerable
Photo Source: Malaysian Wildlife Photography Blog
You can find me splashing playfully in the water in lowland freshwater rivers, lakes, wetlands, peat swamp forests, rice fields, brackish estuaries, and coastal mangroves. My smooth, shiny coat has two different layers: the outer layer of fur is longer and repels water, keeping the denser inner layer nice and warm. That’s how I stay warm and dry all the time. We tend to live and hunt in groups. We herd fish together which makes them easier to catch. My absolute favourite food is fish but I also snack on crayfish, shrimp, prawns, frogs, insects, mudskippers, rats, and birds. My highly sensitive whiskers help me detect any disturbances in the water to hunt prey or escape from predators. I have to watch out for crocodiles, as they are one of my main enemies . Each otter in our group will warn the others if they sense any danger.
I’m the largest otter in Southeast Asia, at a length of up to 1.3 metres. You can come visit me at the Kuala Gula mangroves in Perak, Taman Negara National Park in Pahang, Pulau Kukup National Park, Tanjung Piai National Park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and the Sungai Pulai mangroves in Johor.