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Breeding Activities of Lutra Perspicillata in Bangladesh

Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz
Dept. of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar - 1342, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mohammad Abdul Aziz
Dept. of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar - 1342, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Padma Kumar Thanchanga
Wildlife Rescue Centre, Jahangirnagar University, Savar - 1342, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study was conducted on breeding activities of smooth coated otter (Lutra perspicillata) in Bangladesh between July 2004 and August 2006. In the present study all adult otters in captivity potentially breed throughout the year. They are a seasonal breeder in captivity. Mating exclusively restricted to the water, where the male held the female and embraced her back with his forelegs and rubbed and sniffed at her body. Mating frequency was recorded 3 to 6 times a day at its peak, but once or twice otherwise. The gestation period was found to range from 61 to 78 days. The cubs remained webbed with mucus during delivery and newborns were blind with whitish body covered by sparse short fur. Litter size varied from 2 to 5 cubs. It has been found that the weight of the newborns decreased after birth until the second week and then increased gradually. Cubs opened the eyes in 4 to 5 weeks and started to take solid food at 7 to 8 weeks. The average weight of the infants at birth was 195 g. The average length of the first day infants were measured as 24.4 cm. Breeding success was recorded as 100% in case of litter of size of 3 or smaller while less than 80% in case of litter of size of 4 or bigger.Results regarding breeding success in this study showed that female swith small litter sizes can provide enough food and care unlike those that have larger litters. However, it seems that parents can provide adequate food for themselves as well as for their cubs in secured and less disturbed environments or habitats. Results obtained from the family in the natural confined area at the Wildlife Rescue Centre suggest that, good habitats with enough food and little human interference can enhance and ensure breeding potentiality and success as well as survival.

Keywords: Breeding activities, Lutra perspicillata , breeding success

Location: Wildlife Rescue Centre, Jahangirnagar University

Start Date: 00-07-2004

End Date: 00-08-2006

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Animal

Objectives:

To investigate on the reproductive biology and ecology of L. perspicillata in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

A study on the breeding activities of smooth coated otter (L. perspicillata) was conducted between July 2004 and August 2006 on 14 groups of otters, living in different captive conditions: (a) the natural confined area of the Wildlife Rescue Centre, Jahangirnagar University (1 family), (b) the Dhaka Zoo (1 family) and (c) semi captivity in fishermen villages at Narail district near Sundarbans (12 families used for fishing). Breeding activities were recorded by using scan sampling (Altmann, 1974) with 15 minutes intervals from dawn to dusk. Beside scan samples, adlibitum notes (as a shorthand summary) describing any event were taken. Gestation period was calculated between the first mating and the birth. Growth and development of 9 cubs of L. perspicillata were studied among the captive breed from the first day to the 14^th weeks of age through morphometric data collection. Body weight and length were measured the first day of each week during this period. Breeding success was calculated with the following formula: Breeding success = total alive/total birth x 100.

Source of Information: IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 28(A) 2011

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/Bulletin/Volume28A/Feeroz_et_al_2011a.pdf

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Due to the drastic decline of the natural otter population and rapid degradation of its habitats in the country, ex-situ conservation can be the ultimate and last hope to help save this species from extinction through reintroduction and rehabilitation of this wetland ambassador to its former and restored habitat in Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings, Online Circulation