Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual (1998)

Threats1. Encroachment by humans into their habitat has resulted in both the Eurasian otter and the hairynosedotter becoming rare and possibly disappearing entirely from Peninsular Malaysia. Both theAsian small-clawed otter and the smooth otter appear more able to withstand proximity to humans.2. The conversion of estuarine areas into aquaculture and agriculture schemes will reduce the otters'available habitat, if not properly controlled.3. Removal of cover from paddyfields will greatly reduce the available sites for otter dens and shelter,especially where these areas border the mangrove feeding grounds for both the Asian small-clawedotter and the smooth otter.4. The excessive use of pesticides in paddyfields and agricultural schemes may contaminate the foodchain, with deleterious effects on the otter populations.5. Otters in paddyfields are often regarded as pests by the farmers, and they are sometimes killed orcaptured as cubs for pets.Conservation Priorities1. More research is needed on the distribution and status of all the species of otters in Malaysia, withspecial efforts made to identify remaining populations of the Eurasian otter and the hairy-nosedotter.2. An in-depth study of the habitat and ecological requirements of the Asian small-clawed otter and thesmooth otter should be initiated' in a location where they are found coexisting and in healthynumbers. This study could be used to formulate more detailed plans for their conservationthroughout their ranges, in Malaysia and elsewhere.3. Areas known to be preferred otter habitats should be conserved to ensure the continuity of ahealthy otter population in Malaysia. In particular, the mangrove forests on the West coast ofMalaysia should be preserved, as this is an important habitat for both the smooth otter and theAsian small-clawed otter. If remnant populations of the Eurasian otter and the hairy-nosed otter arefound, their remaining habitats should receive the strictest protection.4. The use of pesticides should be monitored to determine their effects on the otters and their foodspecies.5. There is a need to educate farmers on the role of otters in controlling pests such as rats in theirpaddyfields. Farmers should also be encouraged to maintain areas of shrubs and dense vegetationaround their fields to provide necessary cover for the otters in these areas.6. There is a need for stricter compliance with the wildlife protection laws in some areas where ottersare found.MongoliaSpecies PresentEurasian otterStatus and DistributionOtters exist in very low population densities in three areas (Stubbe et al. 1989): eastern Mongolia in theriver system of Chalchin-gol; northern Mongolia in many small rivers belonging to the Jenissei System;and western Mongolia in the tipper parts of the river Chod in the High Mongolian Altai.Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual/Action Plan77