Identification:
The Hairy-nosed Otter has a long, flexible body. Webbed skin covers the entire fingers. Ears have flaps that cover the ear openings. The coat color is dark brown, almost black; the lower body, sides of the neck, and throat are lighter brown, with less contrast to the back color. The lower lip, chin, and the area in front of the throat are slightly white. The tip of the tail occasionally has white spots. A notable feature is the hairy nose. The second and fifth claws are nearly equal in length; the third and fourth digits are longer than the second and fifth digits. Claws are highly developed (8-10 cm), sharp.
Biology and Ecology:
The primary diet consists of fish, followed by other species such as crabs, snails, lizards, snakes, and frogs. Hairy-nosed Otter specimens have been collected in the Mekong Delta region in the following habitats: Melaleuca forests, mangrove forests, Sonneratia forests, coconut forests along the coast, large rivers, or canals. Hairy-nosed Otters live in groups of 2-4 individuals; during the dry season (December – March), they often gather in larger groups of 7-10 individuals. Otters dig burrows to create nests in high banks, mounds, and the entrance to the burrow is usually hidden underwater. They are active in the early morning, late afternoon, and at night. Reproduction has not been studied. However, in U Minh Thuong National Park (Kien Giang), 1-2 month-old otters were observed in March 2000 (Nguyen Xuan Dang et al., 2000).
Distribution:
- In Vietnam: Specimens have been collected in Thua Thien – Hue, An Giang (Long Xuyen), Kien Giang (U Minh Thuong), Can Tho, and Ca Mau (Ngoc Hien, Tran Van Thoi, Thoi Binh). The Hairy-nosed Otter may currently only be distributed in the provinces of the Mekong Delta.
- Globally: Thailand, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo), Malaysia.
Value:
Contributes to regulating the population size of aquatic animal communities and has scientific research value, can be kept as pets in water parks, and zoos.
Status:
Formerly common in Melaleuca forests and mangrove forests of the Mekong Delta. Currently, the population has severely declined due to hunting and deforestation. Hunting and trading of otters in the Mekong Delta is still common.
Classification:
EN A1c,d C1
Conservation Measures:
Included in the Vietnam Red Book and Group IB of Decree 32/2006/ND-CP. The establishment of breeding facilities in the Mekong Delta is needed.