Help With Otter (Borneo) Determination Needed (1 Viewer)

S

Semiramis

Well-known member

• Feb 10, 2010

• #1

Hi,

These two photos were taken at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum valley around 2 pm in MArch 2007. Distance was about 150m.

Is this a Small-clawed Otter or Smooth(-coated) Otter ?

Sizewise, it seemed more a Smooth Otter to me and the tail appeared to be raher long and flat, but several reference works claim this species is not found this far inland in Borneo.

Thanks for any help !

Best,

Sjef

 

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Chlidonias

Well-known member

• Feb 10, 2010

• #2

in my opinion, smooth-coated otter

 

Mike Richardson

Formerly known as Skink1978

• Feb 11, 2010

• #3

It's difficult to tell from the photographs either way. The long tail and neck look good for Smooth, although I am not convinced this is the species.

Size appears to be much more reliable in separating Small-clawed from Smooth, as the later is much larger. I guess you already know this, as you state the otter in the photo appeared to be nearer Smooth in size.

A quick search suggests that Small-clawed are relatively common in the area, with no mention of Smooth. Of course this doesn’t mean Smooth definitely doesn’t occur in this part of Borneo.

Some trip reports can be found here. Sorry I can’t be more help.

 

S

Semiramis

Well-known member

• Feb 11, 2010

• #4

Thanks for your posts so far. The fact that most reference works only mention small-clawed otter for Danummade me doubt too. But the animal was really quite large. I had already checked a few trip reports on mammalwatching.com, but not all the older ones and now found two reports where both otter species are listed for Danum. So I will stick with Smooth Otter.
Sjef

 

Mike Richardson

Formerly known as Skink1978

• Feb 11, 2010

• #5

Semiramis said:

Thanks for your posts so far. The fact that most reference works only mention small-clawed otter for Danummade me doubt too. But the animal was really quite large. I had already checked a few trip reports on mammalwatching.com, but not all the older ones and now found two reports where both otter species are listed for Danum. So I will stick with Smooth Otter.
Sjef

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Looking at some more photos I think I would go for Smooth, especially if it apeared large. (SC is one of the smallest otter species in the world). The fact it occurs in Danum would be the clincher for me.

 

G

GDK

Well-known member

• Feb 13, 2010

• #6

It does look big and powerful to me as well, so I think you are right. Here are a couple of comparison photos of Smooth from the Kinabatangon River not a million miles away.

Cheers

 

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S

Semiramis

Well-known member

• Feb 14, 2010

• #7

Thanks Mike and Gareth for additional comments and nice photos !
Yes, I am convinced, I am definitely going to stick with Smooh otter.

I am writing up a trip report for mammalwatching.com and travellingbirder.com. Will be up in a couple of weeks.
Cheers,

Sjef