# Smooth-coated otter

> The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is Indonesia's largest otter, with short sleek fur, living in family groups in rivers, swamps and mangroves.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/smooth-coated-otter/ · Updated 25 September 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/berang-berang-wregul/
_This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._

**Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist.

## Quick answer

The Smooth-coated otter (*Lutrogale perspicillata*) is a mammal in the family Mustelidae. Its IUCN Red List category is Vulnerable.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Lutrogale perspicillata* |
| Indonesian name | Berang-berang wregul |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java and Borneo (Kalimantan) |
| Linked habitats | [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/), [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/) |
| Diet | Mainly fish, plus shrimps, crabs, frogs and birds |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan |
| Key feature | Short sleek fur, flattened tail, over 1 m long |
| Other names | Indian smooth-coated otter |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected under Permen LHK P.106 of 2018 |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2433686) · checked 25 September 2026 |

## What is the smooth-coated otter?

The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is Indonesia's largest otter, with short, sleek, velvety fur. Berang-Berang Indonesia gives a total length of 107–130 cm, a tail of 40–50 cm and a weight of 7–12 kg. The tail flattens towards the tip, giving a roughly triangular cross-section that sets it apart from other otters. The back is dark to reddish brown and the underside is paler. The nose is black and hairless, and all the toes are fully webbed. It is one of four otter species found in Indonesia.

Evidence: [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Berang-berang bulu licin (Lutrogale perspicillata)](https://berang-berang.com/jenis/bulu-licin/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/otter-species/lutrogale-perspicillata/) · [IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin (Gomez, Shepherd & Morgan 2019) — Improved legislation and stronger enforcement actions needed as the online otter trade in Indonesia continues](https://www.iucnosgbull.org/Volume36/Gomez_et_al_2019.html)

## Where does the smooth-coated otter live?

In Indonesia, the smooth-coated otter lives on Sumatra, Java and Borneo (Kalimantan). Beyond Indonesia, its range extends from South Asia to mainland South-east Asia, with an isolated population in Iraq. It needs larger waters than the small-clawed otter: lakes, large rocky rivers, peat-swamp forest, mangroves and estuaries, and it also forages in rice fields. It can live on coasts but still needs fresh water to rinse salt from its fur. Dense riverside vegetation is essential for hiding, digging dens and raising cubs.

Evidence: [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Berang-berang bulu licin (Lutrogale perspicillata)](https://berang-berang.com/jenis/bulu-licin/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/otter-species/lutrogale-perspicillata/) · [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/)

## What does the smooth-coated otter eat?

Fish are the smooth-coated otter's main food: Berang-Berang Indonesia reports that they make up more than 90% of its diet. It also takes shrimps, crabs, insects, frogs, birds and rats when available, making it an opportunistic feeder. Family groups often hunt together, swimming in formation so that shoals of fish panic, get cornered and are easy to catch. Sensitive whiskers help it detect prey moving in the water. Small fish are usually eaten in the water, while large ones are carried to the bank.

Evidence: [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Berang-berang bulu licin (Lutrogale perspicillata)](https://berang-berang.com/jenis/bulu-licin/) · [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/otter-species/lutrogale-perspicillata/)

## How does the smooth-coated otter live and breed?

Smooth-coated otters live in family groups made up of an adult pair and several young, and they mark their range with droppings on rocks or sandy banks. ADW gives a group range of about 7–12 km². The Otter Specialist Group describes them as mainly nocturnal, though they can be active by day where undisturbed. Berang-Berang Indonesia gives a gestation of 63–65 days and litters of 1–5. Dens lie under tree roots, in rock crevices or in burrows with an underwater entrance. Cubs are introduced to water at about 12 weeks old.

Evidence: [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Berang-berang bulu licin (Lutrogale perspicillata)](https://berang-berang.com/jenis/bulu-licin/) · [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/otter-species/lutrogale-perspicillata/)

## How is the smooth-coated otter different from the small-clawed otter?

The smooth-coated otter is much larger than the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), and size and tail shape are the easiest clues. Berang-Berang Indonesia's identification key says an otter longer than 1 m is probably a smooth-coated otter, while one shorter than 75 cm is probably a small-clawed otter. Mongabay Indonesia gives the small-clawed otter a body length of 45–55 cm and a weight of 3–6 kg. The smooth-coated otter's tail is flattened towards the tip. This matters because small-clawed otters dominate Indonesia's online otter trade, and young animals in sale photos are often hard to identify.

Evidence: [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Hewan apa yang saya lihat? Berang-berangkah? (kunci identifikasi)](https://berang-berang.com/2017/01/hewan-apa-yang-saya-lihat-berang-berangkah/) · [Mongabay Indonesia — Nasib berang-berang, terancam punah di alam liar (2024)](https://www.mongabay.co.id/2024/03/24/nasib-berang-berang-terancam-punah-di-alam-liar/) · [IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin (Gomez, Shepherd & Morgan 2019) — Improved legislation and stronger enforcement actions needed as the online otter trade in Indonesia continues](https://www.iucnosgbull.org/Volume36/Gomez_et_al_2019.html)

## How can the smooth-coated otter be protected?

The smooth-coated otter is protected in Indonesia: it is listed in the annex to Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018. Since 2019 it has also been on CITES Appendix I, the highest level of protection from international trade. The main threats are poaching, habitat loss, accidental trapping, the pet trade and pollution. Do not buy otters through social media or at animal markets. Keep rivers clean and leave riverside vegetation in place. If you see a smooth-coated otter being sold or kept as a pet, report it to the local BKSDA.

Evidence: [JDIH Kemenko Infrastruktur — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang jenis tumbuhan dan satwa yang dilindungi (PDF)](https://jdih.kemenkoinfra.go.id/cfind/source/files/permen-lhk/permenlhk-nomor-p.106-tahun-2018.pdf) · [Mongabay — Asian otters gain protection from the pet trade (2019)](https://news.mongabay.com/2019/09/asian-otters-gain-protection-from-the-pet-trade/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/otter-species/lutrogale-perspicillata/)

## Common questions about the Smooth-coated otter

### What is the scientific name of the Smooth-coated otter?

The scientific name of the Smooth-coated otter is *Lutrogale perspicillata*, in the family Mustelidae. In Indonesian it is called Berang-berang wregul.

### Where can the Smooth-coated otter be found in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Smooth-coated otter in: Sumatra, Java and Borneo (Kalimantan).

Source-supported habitats: [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/), [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/).

### What does the Smooth-coated otter eat?

Diet of the Smooth-coated otter: mainly fish, plus shrimps, crabs, frogs and birds.

### What is the conservation status of the Smooth-coated otter?

On the IUCN Red List, the Smooth-coated otter is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2433686), checked 25 September 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Smooth-coated otter is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/glossary/#satwa-dilindungi) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Berang-berang bulu licin (Lutrogale perspicillata)](https://berang-berang.com/jenis/bulu-licin/)
2. [Berang-Berang Indonesia — Hewan apa yang saya lihat? Berang-berangkah? (kunci identifikasi)](https://berang-berang.com/2017/01/hewan-apa-yang-saya-lihat-berang-berangkah/)
3. [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/otter-species/lutrogale-perspicillata/)
4. [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Lutrogale perspicillata, smooth-coated otter](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/)
5. [IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin (Gomez, Shepherd & Morgan 2019) — Improved legislation and stronger enforcement actions needed as the online otter trade in Indonesia continues](https://www.iucnosgbull.org/Volume36/Gomez_et_al_2019.html)
6. [Mongabay Indonesia — Nasib berang-berang, terancam punah di alam liar (2024)](https://www.mongabay.co.id/2024/03/24/nasib-berang-berang-terancam-punah-di-alam-liar/)
7. [Mongabay — Asian otters gain protection from the pet trade (2019)](https://news.mongabay.com/2019/09/asian-otters-gain-protection-from-the-pet-trade/)
8. [JDIH Kemenko Infrastruktur — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang jenis tumbuhan dan satwa yang dilindungi (PDF)](https://jdih.kemenkoinfra.go.id/cfind/source/files/permen-lhk/permenlhk-nomor-p.106-tahun-2018.pdf)

## Further reading

[Otter: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/otter/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

## Keep exploring

- [Asian small-clawed otter](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/asian-small-clawed-otter/)
- [Bearded pig](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bearded-pig/)
- [Bornean elephant](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-elephant/)
- [Bornean orangutan](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-orangutan/)
- [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/)
- [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/)

---

Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Smooth-coated otter. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/smooth-coated-otter/