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Q
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Dave Francazio, 19 July
2007
I was reading recently about a extinct genus of otter that
was discovered called Megalenhydris. What is known about this
genus of otter? What was its habitat? What did it eat? How
did it swim? What was its behavior like? If you were to relate
it to an extant species of otter, which species would you choose?
Thanks! |
A
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Since only one specimen has ever
been found, it is hard to say . . .
...In depth answer (22
July 2007) |
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Justine Holder, 16 June 2007
We moved into a new house in Middlesex about 50 yards from a small river at the end of March and in the past month have been kept awake at night by the constant "chattering" noise coming from the riverbank. We've tried looking to see what's making the noise, but we've been unable to find the cause. It's not the mallard ducks, swans or foxes the live there, and someone asked if it could be otters? I've tried to find an audio sample of otter sounds online, but to no avail. Could you please help steer me in the right direction of a suitable audio clip? |
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Probably not otters - Eurasian otters are quiet animals most of the time . . .
...In depth answer
(28 June 2007) |
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Gary Hampson , 20 April
2007
At what age would Asian Short Clawed otters breed? I care for 2: a male 11 months, female 18 months they have been nesting over the last couple of weeks and have gone off their feed slightly.Also how many times daily would you recomend feeding them? Some reports suggest 3 x daily others 5 or 6 x daily. Thanks |
A |
Sexual maturity is normally at around 18 months to 2 years . . .
...In depth answer
(8 May 2007) |
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Juliet Smithyman , 13 April
2007
I am a student of the MSc Wild Animal Health course at the IOZ, London. I vasectomized an Asian small-clawed otter recently. I'm in the process of writing it up as a case study and wondered if anyone else had any experience of doing this procedure? |
A |
Edinburgh Zoo vasectomized their alpha male a couple of years ago . . .
...In depth answer
(15 April 2007) |
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Boyd Simpson , 10 April
2007
We recently photo-trapped this otter species in Cambodia, which we believe to be L. perspicillata. Can anyone please confirm this identification.
The photo was taken in the Central Cardamom Protected Forest in the Cardamom Mountains of southwest Cambodia, about 50km from the Thailand border. The area is a highland marsh at an altitude of about 560m. In the wet season the marshland area floods about 1000ha, although during the dry season the wet area may cover about 50ha or so, with reeds, sedges and melaleuca present.
This area is used by the local villagers for lowland rice cultivation and is surrounded by hill evergreen forest. About 200ha of this marsh has been designated as a crocodile sanctuary (with assistance from our project - the FFI Cambodian Crocodile Conservation Programme) to protect what is probably the most globally significant area for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, Crocodylus siamensis.
The photo of the otter was taken as part of a camera trapping project to identify crocodiles in the marsh. We only recorded 3 separate photos of single otters (although the other 2 photos are very very poor images - attached). Incidentally the majority of photos recorded were of domestic buffalo. We have now removed all cameras as the water levels are rising, but hope to set up cameras again in November after the water levels have dropped again. |
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Excitingly, we think it is the rare Hairy-Nosed Otter . . .
...In depth answer
(8 May 2007) |
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Grace Vaudin , 9 April
2007
Can you have otters as pets but only if they can never be released back to the wild ever again. is it not possible or will the otter not like it? |
A |
Very few people are suitable owners of pet otters . . .
...In depth answer
(8 May 2007) |
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Salvador Allue , 9 April
2007
I'm studying large mammals in PN Manu (Peru).No giant otters have
been reported in Alto Madre de Dios river lately, but I have a photograph that could prove its
presence. I ask for help to identify wether it's a Lontra or Pteronura. |
A |
On receipt of the photo, Nicole Duplaix identified it as Pteronura |
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Sarah Richards , 5 April
2007
I am interested in finding out particular plants and herbs that
otters like. I am updating an otter enclosure, and wanted to find out which plants and things
otters particularly like for their enclosure, as they use most of the materials in their beds.
Is there a particular smell or herb they love? Or what can I use to make their home as natural
as possible? They are asian short clawed otters. |
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Long grass and Bamboo, but check for poisonous plants . . .
...In depth answer
(9 April 2007) |
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Mark Sawyer , 31 March
2007
Just thought you might be interested that I live in Boca Raton FL
on a golf course & I have 3 wild otters that I see every morning coming out of the water &
playing. I was quite surprised: I didn't realise they were in south FL !! |
A |
River Otters are still relatively common in Florida . . .
...In depth answer
(9 April 2007) |
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Jamie from Wisconsin , 26 March
2007
What are some organizations that help save otters? |
A |
There are a lot of organisations that help save otters . . .
...In depth answer
(30 March 2007) |
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Dr. Wolfgang W. Gettmann, 21 March
2007
I would like to receive some of the IOC 2007 Poster and I beg you to send it to Aquazoo, D-40200 Duesseldorf/Germany. Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Wolfgang W. Gettmann, Director |
A |
We have asked the organisers to send some to you. They can be contacted via the Xth International Otter Colloquium website, http://www.otter2007.org/ |
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Katie Lockard, 20th March
2007
I am trying to find more information on current efforts to reintroduce sea otters along the Oregon Coast, whether there is a plan in place and what sorts of resources this plan would require. I am wondering if reintroduction could be aided by an on-site education/research facility which could simultaneously provide income to struggling coastal communities. Most research articles I've found on the subject of reintroduction are several years old, so I would appreciate any current information you might be able to direct me to. Thank you very much. |
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There are no such plans at present . . .
...In depth answer
(9 April 2007) |
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Chris Day, 12 March
2007
I believe I saw a Otter today (12th March 2007) by the river bank in Ashdod Israel (west Israel). Has there been any sighings in this area? The web sites I have visited indicate that they are found in the Jordan river which is the top end of Israel ( Miles away). Can't be 100% sure it was a Otter. |
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We think it was a coypu ...
...In depth answer
(18 April 2007) |
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