Otterly Fascinating

Squeaks and squeals pierce the air as sleek bodies playfully dip and dive in the clear waters. These otters have become the darlings of Singaporeans. We are mesmerised by their mischievous antics in the water and their surprising presence even in the heart of a busy city. 

Otters are native to Asia. Once thought to be extinct in Singapore, they have made their presence known once again in the last decade or so. It is believed that they had swum across the Straits of Johore and were first sighted in the Sungei Buloh wetlands. They have since made this island their home. Thankfully, the Singapore clean rivers project of the mid-70s has greatly helped in preserving the ecological conditions necessary for their survival and breeding. 

There are now at least 90 otters here, part of 10 thriving families, and their numbers are likely to grow if their food source - mainly fish - thrive in the waterways as well. Not having natural predators is of course another advantage to their wellbeing. 

Just a few days ago - there was a big gang clash between 17 members of the Zouk and Marina otter clans.

Clean and safe waterways filled with fish and aquatic life make good habitats for the otters (and other wild life) to frolic and feed in. Let’s do our part and not litter or leave sharp objects in our parks and waterways.