Ecology and Conservation of Otter in West Sumatra

9 Oct 2009 West Sumatra, Indonesia, Asia Carnivores | Mammals

Aadrean


Other projects

12 Aug 2015

The Small-Clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea) in a Human-Disturbed Landscape: Home Range and Conflict with Fish Farmers

Project has four aims:

1) to investigate otter distribution in West Sumatra,

2) to identify their diet composition,

3) to assess major threats for otter, and

4) to introduce the ecological function of otter in wetland to common people.

A smooth-coated otter on large river stone.

A smooth-coated otter on large river stone.

In this project, otter in five wetland type will be studied; rice field, river, lake, swamp, and coastal area.

Track of small-clawed otter.

Track of small-clawed otter.

This project consists of five main activities; social survey by interview, tracks and signs survey, direct observation, scat analysis and socialization of otter ecology. Three days field work will be performed twice a month with total 20 fieldtrips. Otter existence, threats and other local information are gained by interviewing key informants. Tracks and signs surveys are in line with standard method for otter survey that outlined by Reuther et al (2000). Otter tracks and signs including scat are recorded and collected.

In case of positive signs found, direct observation by night spotting will be performed. Fish inventory from surround water body is needed as reference materials in scat analysis. Activity will be continued in laboratory to analyse scat by comparing with reference materials. Public awareness is achieved by presentation, leaflet and poster dissemination about ecological function of otter in wetland.

Project Updates