Smooth-coated Otter

Unlike other otters that have long, rough guard hairs, this species has a short, smooth, and sleek coat that feels like velvet, colored dark-to-reddish brown on the back and lighter grayish-brown on the belly.

While native to natural wetlands, mangroves, and rivers across South and Southeast Asia, smooth-coated otters have famously adapted to urban life in Singapore.

They communicate constantly using a wide vocabulary of high-pitched bird-like chirps, pipping whistles, wails, and squeaks.