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Chinese River Otter

Chinese River Otter

Lutra lutra chinensis Gray, 1837
The Chinese River Otter is a mid-sized semi-aquatic animal, with all the toes webbed suitable for swimming. It has long, soft and dense hair that is both cold-resistant and waterproof effectively. It dwells in freshwater areas that demand high water quality. Apt at swimming and diving, it would automatically close its valves between nose and ears when diving. It feeds on aquatic organisms and nests along the riverbank.

Due to its extreme sensitivity to environmental change, it has nearly disappeared from the island of Taiwan presently. The specimen of Chinese River Otter at the Museum is a proof of their existence, so we can contemplate how to sustainably use natural resources by determination and wisdom for the sake of Mother Nature and later generations.