Frolicking otters are becoming an increasingly frequent sight across our island, as a new litter of pups spotted with the Bishan otter family bring the total number of otters in Singapore to more than 60. Veteran otter watcher Jeffery Teo told The Straits Times that at least six pups have been seen with the family since Sunday.
Another netizen, Ng Soon Lee, managed to capture seven pups on video, but one is believed to have since died.
NUS biology lecturer N. Sivasothi, who has studied the mammals since 1994 and now helms Facebook page OtterWatch, explained to ST that the increase in the otter population here also depends on the availability of and competition for food.
“Pups are lost during movement between holts, individuals are killed by traffic and entanglement, others disperse in search of new territories and mates,” he stated. “Reduced prey availability due to rising population will limit litter size and growth, which is why otters, like other carnivores, defend their territories against other otter families.”
If you’re keen on learning more about these animals and their living environment, keep tabs on OtterWatch for upcoming talks to be held at the National Parks Board, PA Water Venture, and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
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