Animal poop can give away the proximity in time of the animal. If it is moist and smells strongly, then it is more likely that the animal was at the scene not long ago. If the poop is dry or doesn't smell, then it is more likely that the poop is old poop. Fresh otter poop has a distinctively strong pervading smell which quickly attracts flies.
The clip starts with a slowmo bit showing flies set on the otter poop which is mainly fish scales and other fish bits. Sometimes, the poop may show that the otters have been feeding on prawns. Fish scales and prawn shells are passed out making it easy to generally identify what the otters have been eating.
I soon came across the otters. This was a new group of seven and their presence seems to have displaced the residing group of 4 last seen about two weekends ago. Otter families do not apparently get along and the smaller family group of four was likely displaced from the area by the incoming seven. This is despite all the fresh fish within the Nature Reserve.
This group of seven had one otter which stood out from amongst the rest. It had an unsusual dark coat much darker than the rest. Seen third from left at about 00:29 to about 00:39. It head markings were also different in that it had dark cheeks and a dark under-chin as well. Looks like this is a female (i'm guessing because i could not see a male's sexual organs when it stood up). Wonder if we will see dark morph otters in future provided this one survives and has a litter of her own.
The otters went about rubbing their fur on the ground. This is likely to get rid of excess salt and water on their fur. They do spend a considerable amount of time grooming themselves to ensure that their fur is kept in top condition. After a good rub, they went down into the mangroves likely to look for more fish and prawns.
Find out more about smooth-coated otters, SBWR and otters in general : : http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/mammals/perspicillata.htm
Find out more about smooth-coated otters, SBWR and otters in general : : http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/mammals/perspicillata.htm
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/text/99-6-1-10.htm
http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/river_otters.html
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/text/99-6-1-10.htm
http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/river_otters.html
No comments:
Post a Comment