However, they are considered wildlife and should not be domesticated by any means. Yet, the illegal pet trade of otters continues to flourish and coupled with the destruction of their natural habitat, otters in Malaysia and across the world are under threat of extinction.
Generally found in the wetlands and coastal areas, Malaysia is home to four out of the 13 otter species: the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), as well as the hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana).
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the hairy-nosed otter is classified globally as “endangered” and is very rare, whereas the Asian small-clawed otter and smooth-coated otter are listed as “vulnerable.”
The Eurasian otter, on the other hand, is listed as “near threatened.” And although otters are protected by law, there’s still a long way to go in terms of creating awareness and educating the public on the important role these creatures play in the country’s ecosystem.
In May 2020, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) established the Malaysia Otter Network (MON) to drive otter conservation.
“We hold regular meetings and often share information and exchange data on otters. We also hope to create more public interest so that there’ll be more activists and citizen scientists,” said MNS president Ahmad Ismail.
According to him, the population of otters in Malaysia are on the decline, as their habitats are continuously destroyed due to development, coastal erosion, pollution, and sand mining.
They are also illegally traded as pets, an extremely cruel trade, as wild animals thrive best in the wild, and being in captivity is damaging to their well-being.
“At the moment, there’s no data available yet; more studies need to be done regarding their distribution,” he told FMT, adding that MON monitors otters at a few important locations.
At the end of last month, MNS organised the Malaysia Otter Workshop 2022 at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, in collaboration with MON and the International Otter Saving Fund (IOSF).
The five-day event featured participants and experts from across the globe who shared their experiences and knowledge on their research, human-otter conflicts, as well as on policy-making, laws and enforcement.
“Since otter conservationists around the world face common issues, networking and collaboration is important,” he said.
World Otter Day
Founded by the International Otter Saving Fund, World Otter Day is celebrated across the globe on the last Wednesday of May to raise awareness on the many threats otters face.
Among the activities MNS has planned for this year’s celebration include various talks and workshops, as well as educational programmes for school children.
So, why are otters important?
As top mammalian predators, they play a significant role in stabilising the wetland ecosystem by keeping the population of fish and other invertebrates they prey upon in balance.
“Since otters are also very sensitive to water quality, their appearance reflects the health of the environment,” he explained.
And how can we help the otters?
Start by getting to know more about the different species of otters, as they each have their unique characteristics.
One should also dispose of trash properly, or better still, avoid using plastic packaging, as otters might mistake these for food.
Besides that, do not pour toxic household chemicals into drains, especially since the Klang River is inhabited by smooth-coated otters.
Also, be vigilant and immediately report any otter trading you come across online. Most of the time, the parents are killed in order for the poachers to take away the pups.
Last but not least, one can support MNS financially as the funds will be used for research, education and conservation work.
Ultimately, everyone has a role to play in safeguarding the otters as well as the wetlands, because their well-being affects that of the human race as well.
“As for now, we need many more activists to report and to do research on otters in Malaysian wetlands. With this, we hope that there’ll be improved monitoring and data reporting,” he said.
Learn more about the Malaysian Nature Society’s conservation work and activities from their website, Facebook and Instagram.