Kota Kinabalu otter attacks show more research needed, says advocacy group

KOTA KINABALU: More research is needed on otters in Malaysia to better understand the mammal’s needs, says an advocacy group.

This was shown to be crucial by the attack by a romp of otters on joggers at the Tanjung Aru Perdana Park here on Sept 11, the Malaysia Otter Network (MON) said

Its chairman Prof Dr Mohd Azlan Jayasilan said the incident was “an extremely rare and unfortunate incident.”

“To our knowledge, this could be the first reported case of an otter attacking a human in Malaysia,” he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 25).

“Over the past 36 years, only around 20 studies have been published on otters in Malaysia, highlighting the need for more research to better understand their ecological requirements and develop effective mitigation strategies.

“Otters primarily inhabit natural wetlands such as mangroves, rivers, and lakes. While there are various theories, the exact reason for this negative human-otter interaction remains unclear.

“However, with growing human populations and inevitable development, animals displaced from their natural habitats may find their way into human settlements near aquatic environments.

“As we encroach on their habitats, they are forced to explore human areas in search of food and shelter – it is essential that we learn to coexist with otters, as they play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” Mohd Azlan said.

The incident in September which saw a woman jogger seriously hurt and two others attacked when they tried to help her forced the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) to temporarily shut down the recreational park.

Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Niun had said this was the first otter attack reported in the state, adding it was unusual for this carnivorous but generally harmless mammal to exhibit such aggression.

Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah on Thursday (Oct 24) said they have given the operator the green light to reopen the park but so far it has remained closed.

Besides the Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, otters have been found in some public places in other parts of the Sabah capital including at the jogging tracks in Likas Sports Complex and Bukit Padang.

According to MON, despite several similar cases in Singapore, attacks on humans by otters were unheard of in Malaysia.

It said there were three species (excluding the Eurasian otter) of otters in Malaysia of which only the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) has been involved in all these cases.

It is one of the three Asian otter species and the largest in Southeast Asia, measuring up to 1.3 m from nose to tip of its tail.

MON said this was a highly sociable otter species which lives in large families that could have more than 20 individuals. It is also recognised for its high adaptability and thriving in urban landscapes, including in Singapore’s metropolitan city.

The smooth-coated otter is classified as ‘vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and is a globally threatened species, it added.

“The main threats that this species is facing is loss of wetland habitats and human-otter conflict.

“Although otters are known for their cuteness, they are still wild animals and will be highly protective when they have pups in the group.

“MON strongly advises the public to always keep a distance when observing the otters and never feed them or conduct any activities to attract them to come nearer to you.

“If you are dog walking in parks where otters are present, it is strongly advised to keep your dog on a leash to prevent any aggression between your dog and the otters,” the group said, also urging the public to work together with relevant agencies and authorities in protecting this wetland species.