Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 240535141

Developing non-invasive methods to monitor otter population in Kerinci Seblat national park

Indonesia is the second-ranked megadiverse country in the world, with extraordinary biodiversity, including around 700 species of mammals. Among these, Indonesia is home to four species of otters: Aonyx cinereus, Lutra sumatrana, Lutra lutra, and Lutrogale perspicillata. 

Otters are semi-aquatic animals that depend on wetland ecosystems. They play an important ecological role in maintaining environmental balance and are often regarded as key species and indicators of habitat health. Unfortunately, information on the distribution, actual population, and behavior of otters in Indonesia remains very limited.

Amid this lack of data, otters face several serious threats, such as habitat loss due to land conversion, chemical pollution, and the poaching of juvenile otters for the illegal pet trade.

Currently, based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (Permen LHK) No. P.106, three otter species Lutra sumatrana, Lutra lutra, and Lutrogale perspicillata  are legally protected. However, Aonyx cinereushas not yet received national protection status, despite facing similar threats.

In 2023, we obtained records of the presence of Lutra sumatrana, Lutra lutra, and Aonyx cinereus in the Mangun River, which is part of the conservation area managed by the Sumatran Tiger Rehabilitation Center in Dharmasraya and the industrial forest plantation (HTI) of PT Kerinci Tidar Agung. This area directly borders Kerinci Seblat National Park.

This finding provides fresh momentum to conduct further research on the ecology and behavior of the three confirmed otter species in the area. Although there have been no reports confirming the presence of Lutrogale perspicillata, we believe this species is also likely to inhabit the region.

 

The objectives of this study are.:

1. Collection of data on the distribution and ecology of otters in Kerinci Seblat National Park.

2. Implement effective conservation strategies that include habitat management and public education.

3. Increase awareness about the importance of otters to aquatic ecosystems through educational campaigns and community participation and collaborating with governments, NGOs and other researchers.

 

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