Smooth-coated otters returned to Singapore in 1998 after several decades. Their presence was widely realised after a breeding pair at Gardens by the Bay were celebrated during the Chinese New Year of 2014. The gardens, built on reclaimed land, are part of the managed green network which with cleaned urban waterways, proved to be optimal habitat for the adaptable amphibious piscivore.
The next year, Bishan-AMK Park, a naturalised former drainage canal enabled the public to observe emerging pups, learn to swim, hunt, play-fight and later contest rival groups. This nationally famous Bishan family would grow to dominate the prime feeding waters of Marina Bay.
In 2016, an Otter Working Group of government agencies, nature-protection NGOs, the zoo, university researchers and a group of photographers, and 'otterwatchers', was formalised, to promote a safe and peaceful coexistence of otters and people in a 'City in Nature'.
N. Sivasothi, a.k.a. ‘Otterman’ has been immersed in mangroves and wildlife for research, tertiary education and conservation at the National University of Singapore since the late 1980’s. He also promotes youth development, public education and environmental stewardship and is part of a network of wildlife working groups and stakeholder engagements to mitigate development impact. He is happiest when promoting habitat enhancement and community involvement through the One Million Trees movement in Singapore.
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The Linnean Society works to inform, involve and inspire people of all ages about nature and its wider interactions through our collections, programmes and publications. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778).
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