Tangkulap’s Aquatic Triumph: The Eurasian Otter’s Return 

In the dense, thriving rainforests of Sabah, Malaysia, a silent splash in the water has made waves in the conservation world. For the first time in over a decade, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) — once thought possibly extirpated from Malaysia — has been confirmed again, this time in the Tangkulap Forest Reserve. Thanks to Panthera’s efforts to protect freshwater habitats for wild cats like the endangered flat-headed cat, remote camera traps captured stunning proof: the Eurasian otter is back. 

This discovery is particularly significant because Tangkulap Forest Reserve now holds the unique distinction of being the only location in Malaysia where all four of the country’s otter species coexist, said Datuk Frederick Kugan, the Chief Conservator of Forests of the Sabah Forestry Department.  

The Eurasian otter is the most widely distributed otter species in the world, ranging from Europe to Asia. However, its presence in Southeast Asia is largely unknown and extremely rare, and it’s considered highly endangered here. The other three otter species in Malaysia include the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), and the hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana). 
 
This new information will enhance the protection of Tangkulap as a Class I forest reserve. This 27,258-hectare forest is managed by the Deramakot District Forestry Officer, Johnny Kissing.  
 
This significant finding highlights the dedication to biodiversity conservation in Sabah. Mohd Soffian bin Abu Bakar, Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), affirmed this commitment, stating, “The SWD, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and Panthera, is dedicated to the conservation of otter species in Sabah. Through joint monitoring efforts at the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, we aim to better understand otter populations and address their priority conservation needs. This work is essential to ensure the long-term protection of otters within our protected areas and to support broader biodiversity conservation goals in Sabah.”  

A Crucial Indicator of Ecosystem Health 

Experts across the region are calling for more research to confirm the Eurasian otter’s presence in other parts of Malaysia and to better understand its ecological needs. 

“It is exciting to hear about this recent discovery of the Eurasian otter in Sabah, as studying otters is challenging and often underrepresented in many natural history-related research efforts in Malaysia,” said Dr. Mohd Azlan Jayasilan bin Abdul Gulam Azad, from the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, UNIMAS, chairman of the Malaysia Otter Network (MON) and a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Otter Specialist Group. “There is a need to focus on understanding the habitat requirements and niche overlap of these species, particularly the Eurasian otter.”  
 
Otters are apex indicators of waterway health, and their return is a hopeful sign. The presence of all four species of otters within this landscape is a crucial indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. Pollution, habitat fragmentation and overfishing remain significant threats to their survival. Yet the otter’s reappearance in Tangkulap suggests the reserve’s waterways are still resilient. 

“Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that play a huge role in the freshwater ecosystem,” added Chee Yoong from MON and the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group. “The discovery of the fourth species in Tangkulap indicates the habitat is abundant in prey and serves as a safe refuge — potentially for many other wildlife species as well. It is essential to conserve these species, especially in the face of habitat fragmentation.” 
  
To turn this discovery into lasting change, SWD and MON are teaming up to find real-world solutions — like reducing conflict between people and otters and creating a national plan to protect them before it’s too late. 
  
“Through this effort, MON and SWD are reinforcing their commitment to otter protection while fostering coexistence between people and otters,” said Siti Nur’ain Ampuan Acheh, Otter Species Manager at SWD. “Sabah being home to four species of otters in a single site is a rare and significant conservation opportunity.” 

“The challenges of studying aquatic habitats like freshwater swamps are immense, yet essential for understanding the ecological roles of wildlife communities,” said Thye Lim, Project Coordinator for Panthera Malaysia. “Despite losing over 30 camera traps to flash floods while pursuing the elusive flat-headed cat, we made significant progress. Not only did we successfully detect the cat, but we also confirmed the presence of the Eurasian otter after an 11-year absence. This discovery highlights the diverse species that depend on these critical freshwater ecosystems.” 
 
Malaysia’s rivers are telling a new story — one of resilience, recovery and hope. Now, it’s our turn to listen — and act.