Necessary steps need to be taken to ensure the long-term survival of the Smooth-coated Otter, along with other otter species. These steps include the creation, assessment and improvement of government policies, further research on the scope of threats to to otter populations and habitats, in situ conservation (in natural habitats) and ex situ conservation (e.g. captive breeding and reintroduction into the wild) efforts.
Legislation & Enforcement for Otter and Habitat Protection
As mentioned, there are only 84 Ramsar sites protecting the natural habitats of Smooth-coated Otters. Expanding the range of protected wetland areas and administering law enforcement can deter the exploitation of both the wetlands and otters, such as the destruction of natural wetland habitats and otter poaching.
In countries such as Cambodia and Indonesia, the Smooth-coated Otter is not listed as a protected species. National legislation, for example, the Cambodian Forestry Law and Indonesia’s Government Regulation on Preservation of Flora and Fauna, ought to be amended to include the species in wildlife protection laws.
Regarding the development of hydroelectric projects, tea and coffee plantations, the government has to closely with local communities and NGOs to devise sustainable construction methods and solutions to ensure the survival of otters in the process of development. One example could be relocating the population of otters in the planned locations for development to other safer, appropriate habitats.
Crackdown on Illegal Otter Trade
As the magnitude of illegal trade on the otter population is under-reported, it is definitely a major force in driving the decline of wild otter populations. More research on the internet-based exotic pet trade needs to be done. Law enforcement agencies, especially in countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, need to investigate on online otter trading platforms. By implementing stringent laws to crack down on illegal otter traders and administering severe consequential punishments to the convicted (e.g. imprisonment instead of fines), it can effectively curb the capturing, possession or killing of otters, which will contribute to the ceasing the illegal otter trade.
Image Credit: dreamstime
Solving the Human-Otter Conflict
Wildlife clauses in several countries should be reviewed to rectify the loopholes in the law which allow the harming and killing of otters on private property. Alternative non-lethal measures to deal with “pest” otters should be explored and developed.
In the example of fisheries, to deny otters accessing to fish ponds, mesh fences or fibreglass barriers can be erected. As building and mantaining a fence or barrier would incur costs, the relevant government agencies (e.g. Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia) and local NGOs have to work with fishing communities to provide materials for constructing them and equip them with knowledge on how to maintain them. This would help in building good social bridging and linking capital to solve the human-otter conflict.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO)
As there is no global population estimate of the Smooth-coated Otters due to a lack of quantitative data, more in-depth research have to be conducted by NGOs to obtain a population estimate in Asia. With data from further research, population trends can be monitored and analyzed in the long term to aid in the formulation of conservation plans.
To restrict the otter trade, NGOs and local enforcement agencies should work hand-in hand to monitor illegal wildlife trade. Cooperation is needed to be more efficient and effective in curbing illegal wildlife trade.
NGOs such as zoos and conservation facilities are suitable in providing assistance for ex situ conservation efforts, specifically the captive breeding and reintroduction of otters into the wild.
Community
An otter sign in Marina Bay, Singapore
As individuals, we can do our part in contributing to the conservation efforts for the Smooth-coated Otter.
In local villages and among communities, individuals can raise public awareness of the issues faced by wild otters and educate other individuals on the important role of otters in the wetlands ecosystem. Being equipped with better knowledge can also help in reducing human-otter conflict, as well-informed individuals know what to do and not to do when encountering wild otters.
By spreading information of the vulnerability of the Smooth-coated Otter population, we are showing the world that we care about otters and their survival into the future. We can participate in activism to influence government authorities to clamp down on illegal otter trade and killing, degradation of otter habitats by companies such as hydroelectric power companies and tea/coffee plantations. An example would be engaging the use of the Internet to create awareness and encourage people around us to be involved. A platform for that would be during the World Otter Day (31 May, 2017) organized by the International Otter Survival Fund. Be it by donation, adoption or simply sharing our thoughts on otters, we can do our part in otter conservation.
If public response towards the Smooth-coated Otter is favorable, it is possible to prompt the government in Asian countries to appoint the species as ambassadors of wetland conservation and establish them as a flagship species. Wildlife protection acts for flagship species are generally stricter and more effective in mitigating threats to population and ensuring the survival of a species. This would be beneficial for the global otter populations, as it will provide a stronger leverage for more support in otter conservation on a larger scale.
You Otter Know! In Singapore, a trio of newborn wild otters were dubbed the “SG50 triplets” in concurrence with the nation’s 50th year of independence in 2015, and OtterWatch, a project to consolidate otter sightings, has garnered over 20,000 “likes” on Facebook.
Due to their adorable appearance and high adaptability, there is a high potential for the Smooth-coated Otter to become an ambassador and charismatic species.
Image Credit: Francis Yap