Eurasian Otter rediscovered in Sabah

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Map showing location of Tangkulap Forest Reserve (dark green) in central Sabah.
Tangkulap Forest Reserve becomes Malaysia's first habitat for all four native otter species
Malaysia is a haven to wildlife, including four of the world's 14 species of otters. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, these include the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus), and the rare, elusive, and Endangered Hairy-nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana). For years, the existence of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in Malaysia had remained uncertain, with the last confirmed sighting reported in 2014 near the Danum Valley Field Centre in Sabah. Panthera's recent work within the Deramakot-Tangkulap Landscape has provided definitive evidence, dispelling any lingering doubts. This discovery marks a significant leap forward in understanding Malaysia's rich wildlife and underscores the necessity of continued conservation efforts in this region.
Who is Panthera?
The Panthera logo.
Panthera, established in 2006, is a global conservation organization committed to the survival of all 40 wild cat species and the diverse ecosystems we inhabit. Panthera's team of biologists, data scientists, law enforcement specialists, and advocates works tirelessly to study and protect the seven big cat species: cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards, and tigers. The team also prioritizes conserving overlooked small cat species through tailored strategies.
Immersed in the murky waters of a freshwater swamp, strategically set up the camera trap to study wildlife.
Panthera Malaysia was established as a subsidiary in 2020. In Sabah, with the crucial support of the Sabah Forestry Department and the Sabah Wildlife Department, the efforts focus on combating poaching and protecting critical habitats for the region's diverse small cat populations. These include the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), Borneo Bay cat (Catopuma badia), flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps), marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata). Panthera's office in Sabah is based at the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok.
How did the presence of Eurasian otters was discovered?
An elusive and endangered flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) holds its prey, a striped snakehead (Channa striata), commonly known as 'ikan haruan' in Malay.
As part of Panthera's efforts to understand the elusive Flat-headed cat, a survey targeting the freshwater-aquatic habitat within the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, Sabah, was conducted. During this survey, an unexpected discovery was encountered: the first photographic evidence of the Eurasian otter in Malaysia was captured since 2014. This discovery was made possible using remote-sensing cameras, commonly known as camera traps. These cameras, placed strategically within the forest, are autonomously triggered by motion, capturing images or videos when an animal passes by, acting as silent, watchful eyes.
Why is the discovery of Eurasian otters important?
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, pointed out that this discovery is particularly significant because Tangkulap Forest Reserve now holds the unique distinction of being the only location in Malaysia where all four of the country's otter species coexist. This information will enhance the protection of Tangkulap as a Class I forest reserve. This 27,258 ha forest is managed by the Deramakot District Forestry Officer, Johnny Kissing. The Eurasian otter is the most widely distributed otter of the 14 species in the world, ranging from Europe to Asia. However, its presence in the Southeast Asia region is largely unknown and extremely rare. Therefore, its local status in this region is highly endangered.
Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian bin Abu Bakar.
This significant finding highlights the dedication to biodiversity conservation in Sabah. Mohd Soffian bin Abu Bakar, Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), affirms this commitment, stating, 'The SWD, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and Panthera, is dedicated to the conservation of otter species in Sabah. Through joint monitoring efforts at the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, we aim to better understand otter populations and address their priority conservation needs. This work is essential to ensure the long-term protection of otters within our protected areas and to support broader biodiversity conservation goals in Sabah.'
Panthera Malaysia project coordinator, Tee Thye Lim.
'The challenges of studying aquatic habitats like freshwater swamps are immense, yet essential for understanding the ecological roles of wildlife communities,' remarked Thye Lim, project coordinator for Panthera Malaysia. 'Despite losing over 30 camera traps to flash floods while pursuing the elusive flat-headed cat, we have made significant progress. Not only did we successfully detect the cat, but we also confirmed the presence of the Eurasian otter after an 11-year absence from documented sightings outside of Danum Valley. This discovery highlights the diverse species that depend on these critical freshwater ecosystems, and our team is eager to further explore their intricate relationships.'
'It is exciting to hear about this recent discovery of the Eurasian otter in Sabah as studying otters are challenging and always goes underrepresented in many natural history-related research in Malaysia,' said Professor Dr. Mohd Azlan Jayasilan bin Abdul Gulam Azad, from the Institute Of Biodiversity And Environmental Conservation, UNIMAS, Chairman of the Malaysia Otter Network (MON) and a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Otter Specialist Group. He highlighted the need to confirm the presence of the Eurasian otter in other parts of Malaysia by conducting more surveys and research. 'There is a need to focus on understanding the habitat requirement and niche overlap of these species, particularly the Eurasian otter.'
The mysterious Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was detected in Tangkulap Forest Reserve, with the last confirmed sighting reported in 2014 near the Danum Valley Field Centre in Sabah.
A group of small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus).
The presence of all four otter species within this landscape is a crucial indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. In ecological terms, otters are apex predators within this environment, and their well-being is intrinsically linked to the overall health of their surroundings. For example, the recent return of otters to the Klang River, following The Ocean Cleanup initiative's removal of over 3.2 million kilograms of trash, demonstrates how improved water quality directly benefits these species. Otters are known for their sensitivity to environmental changes. Pollution, habitat fragmentation, and overfishing pose significant threats to their survival. Therefore, their confirmed presence in the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, as captured by the vigilant camera traps, is a positive sign, suggesting that the reserve's aquatic system remains relatively healthy.
The rare and endangered hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana) deposits its spraint on the tree.
The recent discovery serves as a crucial reminder of the need to safeguard our precious water resources, as the health of our aquatic ecosystem directly impacts community well-being. To ensure this, we must prioritize the protection and enhancement of otter habitats by identifying critical areas and restoring degraded swamp forests with native vegetation. Implementing buffer zone management around the Tangkulap Forest Reserve is also essential to mitigate external impacts through sustainable land-use practices and controlling harmful human activities. Finally, establishing a long-term monitoring and research program will be vital to assess these habitats, understand their ecological needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of our conservation efforts.
Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata).
'Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that play a huge role in the freshwater ecosystem. Not only do they indicate the health of the ecosystem, but they are also the top predator in the food chain. The discovery of the fourth species of otter in the Tangkulap Forest Reserve indicates that the habitat is abundant in prey species and serves as a safe refuge for four species of otters, potentially for many other wildlife species as well. Hence, it is essential to conserve these species because of habitat fragmentation. Malaysia Otter Network (MON) was established to bring together a group of agencies, researchers, and conservationists to conserve Malaysian otters through multidisciplinary and holistic approaches,' said Chee Yoong from the MON and the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group.
What are next steps for the Eurasian otter in Malaysia?
Otter Species Manager at Sabah Wildlife Department, Siti Nur'ain Ampuan Acheh.
The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), as a member and in collaboration with MON, will take a significant step towards otter conservation by planning a Human-Otter Conflict Workshop and developing the National Otter Action Plan this year in Sabah. This initiative aims to address the growing challenges of human-otter conflicts by finding practical solutions that balance conservation efforts with human needs.
Setting up a remote-sensing camera trap in Tangkulap Forest Reserve by Panthera Malaysia staff.
The workshop will also serve as a crucial platform for experts, stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss key issues, close critical information gaps, and develop actionable strategies for otter conservation in Malaysia. Siti Nur'ain Ampuan Acheh, Otter Species Manager at SWD and a member of the MON and IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group stated, 'Through this effort, MON and SWD are reinforcing their commitment to otter protection while fostering coexistence between people and otters, especially with Sabah being home to four otter species in a single site — a rare and significant conservation opportunity'.
Article contributed by Panthera Malaysia, Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Wildlife Department