I’M OTTERLY
CONFUSED
By J.E. Rogers
I was
totally confused when I began researching this animal. Is it an otter or is it
a civet? Finally, after reading article after article, I came across a
statement that seemed to close the chapter on this question. The Otter Civet is
a member of the Viverridae family of carnivores.
The
following quote is taken from a book entitled, Candid Creatures: How Camera Traps Reveal the Mysteries of Nature,
by Roland Kays, Ph.D. And I quote: “The Otter Civet is a remarkable carnivore
adapted to hunt aquatic prey. They have evolved from the civet family, but acquired
otter-like traits.”
So, it’s
a civet, but has some attributes of the otter. There’s no mistaking the fact that
it’s a different looking animal, and it’s endangered. So, this week we’ll take
a look and learn a bit about the Otter Civet.
The
Otter Civet can grow to a length between twenty-two and twenty-six inches and
can weigh up to eleven pounds. The tail can be five to eight inches long. Their
fur is light at the bottom and dark at the top. They have numerous, lengthy
whiskers.
Otter
Civets are semi-aquatic, nocturnal animals. The feed along the banks of streams
and rivers looking for fish, mollusks or crayfish. Occasionally, they eat small
mammals and birds. It has adapted the ability to close its ears underwater. Its
nostrils, which are located dorsally, have flaps which it can close when
swimming underwater. Its long whiskers help the Otter Civet to navigate
underwater.
Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Although
the Otter Civet’s tail does not allow it to move well in water, and it has only
slight webbing between its toes, it, nevertheless, can be found hunting in
water. It lies in wait with its eyes and nostrils above the surface, much like
a crocodile.
Image credit: animaldiversity.org
Although
their range is large, covering the peninsular of Malaysia, southern Thailand,
Sumatra, and Borneo, they are rare throughout that range. The Otter Civet’s
greatest threat is the loss of their wetland homes to human development which
causes water pollution via siltation mines, and use of pesticides.
Unfortunately,
not a lot is known about this unusual animal and as a result, I could not find
a good video for you. It is, however, being studied and more information will
hopefully come to light soon.
If you
would like to learn more about the Otter Civet, visit the following sites:
Enjoy!
Jeanne E.
Rogers, Award Winning Author
The Sword of
Demelza, The Gift of Sunderland
and
One Hot Mess, A
Child’s Environmental Fable
Where Endangered
Animal Heroes Roam the Pages!
