Caring for Selected Otter Species (Asian small-clawed, Cape ...

CHAPTER 1 Ambient Environment
Temperature and Humidity
Air temperature
All otter species should be provided with shelter from the sun and inclement weather. Indoor exhibits
should offer an ambient temperature gradient within the exhibit providing the animals the opportunity to select
for their comfort. Overheating can be a concern for all otter species.
A. cinereus: The ideal air temperature is between 22.2-24.4°C (72-76˚F). If Asian small-clawed otter have
access to radiant heat, or a heated indoor facility, they can handle temperatures down to 10-15°C (50°F). The
recommended water temperature is between 18.3-29.4°C (65-85˚F). It is recommended that warm water
(29.4°C/85˚F - Lombardi 2004) be provided for swimming, since these tropical animals will spend more time in the
water if it is warm (Petrini 1998), and this may have beneficial health effects.
A. capensis and L. canadensis: These species can tolerate a wide temperature range as long as they are
offered protection from the sun and inclement weather in outdoor exhibits. Indoor exhibits should offer a thermal
gradient allowing animals the selection of a comfortable temperature (10-24°C or 50-75˚F) (Reed-Smith 2004a). A
temperature below 21-24°C (70-75˚F) is recommended for indoor holding/night facilities (Wallach & Boever 1983).
Animals should always be provided with shelter from the sun in outdoor exhibits.
L. maculicollis: This species has been housed successfully at floor temperatures ranging from 14.4-25.5°C
(58-78°F) (Schollhamer 1987). Their temperature tolerance is likely to be similar to that of A. cinereus and A.
capensis, however, at this time there is insufficient information and experience to make informed
recommendations. Animals should be monitored for signs of overheating and hypothermia at temperatures above
25.5°C (78°F) and below 14.4°C (58°F), respectively.
Water temperature
More detailed research is required into optimal water temperature levels for the tropical otter species;
however, experience indicates that warmer water may stimulate otters to spend more time actively engaged in the
water:
A. cinereus: The water temperature for A. cinereus should be maintained between 18.3-29.4°C (65-85°F),
preferably at the warmer end of this scale (Petrini 1998).
critical.
A. capensis, L. canadensis: The water temperature for A. capensis and L. canadensis does not appear to be
L. maculicollis: Water temperature in successful L. maculicollis exhibits has ranged from 8.9-15.6°C (48-
60°F). Temperatures in the 15.6-21.1°C (60-70°F) range may encourage this species to spend more time in the
water, however, this is has not been objectively demonstrated at this time.
Humidity
Since otters always should have water features available to them, humidity appears to only be a factor if it
is excessive. Excessive humidity and an inability to adequately dry off create problems for all otter species, and
these conditions should be avoided. The relative humidity of indoor exhibits should range between 30-70%. Nest
boxes and den sites should be provided with good ventilation and placed in locations that are not chronically
humid. Sufficient dry land and the provision of natural substrates as well as dry bedding material are very
important to aid otters in proper coat maintenance, and allow for adequate drying of their pelts and feet. This is a
point that will be stressed throughout this document.
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