Information Source: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/
Otters in a mangrove
Image Credit: Nick Baker
Otter in a mangrove
Image Credit: Lip Kee Yap
Smooth-coated Otters are found in freshwater wetlands, mangrove and peat swamp forests, rivers and lakes, estuaries, and even rice fields.
Otters resting on a rock
Image Credit: Warwick Johnson
Ecosystem Role
Smooth-coated Otters are an important indicator a healthy freshwater ecosystem. Without them feeding on fish, the overpopulation of fish will cause an accumulation of of waste, organic materials and nutrients, leading to eutrophication, where excessive growth of algae and weeds deteriorate the water quality by depleting the oxygen levels. The end result is the death of the ecosystem, as no fish, plants or other organisms are able to survive.
Habitats of Smooth-coated Otters vary across different regions, but those inhabiting wetlands and rice fields are at a higher of risk of either having their habitats destroyed, or encountering conflict with humans.