Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata)

Mammal · GBIF taxon 2433686

Smooth-coated Otter

Lutrogale perspicillata

Also known as Indian Smooth-Coated Otter

Smooth-coated otters are highly gregarious aquatic carnivores that hunt cooperatively in tight family groups, driving schools of fish toward shallow water or riverbanks. Groups communicate across murky waterways using a rich repertoire of high-pitched chirps, wails, and contact whistles while marking communal rolling grounds with scent secretions. Well adapted to life in both freshwater rivers and coastal mangroves, they groom their dense, velvety pelage diligently to preserve vital waterproof insulation.

SemiaquaticSocialCarnivore

Licensed reference"Smooth-coated Otter" by Mike Prince is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by

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—peak records

VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Fish
Freshwater crabs
Frogs

Predators

Mugger crocodile
Saltwater crocodile
Leopard

ThreatsWetland degradation, dam construction, agricultural pollution, and poaching for the illegal pet and fur trade

HabitatsLarge rivers, lakes, peat swamp forests, mangroves, and coastal estuaries

Life span10–15 years in the wild (up to 20 years in captivity)

Size / weightNot available

Classification

FamilyMustelidae
SpeciesLutrogale perspicillata

Range & activity

Native

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Can deliver severe bites if cornered or defending young; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous: Possesses formidable canine teeth and powerful jaw musculature capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds and bone fractures if threatened.
How to recognize a risky encounter: Look for a robust body, flattened tail, velvety short coat, and a rounded, bulbous nose pad.
What to do: Never corner, corner an otter or approach active holts; slowly step backward if individuals approach on land.
What to notice: Listen for persistent chirping calls over open water and look for large communal sand-rolling sites along riverbanks.
Support conservation: Avoid boating through quiet oxbows or disturbing riverbank vegetation where nursing dens are concealed.

Responsible observation

Keep Distance: Maintain at least 20 meters of space, especially when family groups travel with pups.
Watch Quietly: Use binoculars near river confluences at dawn and dusk when foraging activity peaks.
Never Feed: Provisioning disrupts natural cooperative hunting and habituates them to human presence.