File talk:Otter at London Zoo.jpg
Wrong species in picture
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Judging from the markings, the shape of the ears, face and mussle, along with paws lacking claws, this appears to be the asian short-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinereus) rather than the eurasian otter. As seen on the picture, the snout appears to be short and more "compact" than the eurasian otter, which have a longer, wider and (characteristically) flatter snout. As mentioned the markings differs also. It clearly shows the dark dots at sides of the mussle, which the eurasian otter lacks. The asian short-clawed otter is known for lacking proper claws, which are evolved to very small/rudimentary in order to increase the dexterity of the paws[1].The Eurasian otter on the other hand, has larger claws that are should have been clearly visible if this was a picture of said species.
Given this picture is used widely as an example for Eurasian otter (It is even used as the main picture on the English page), I think it is important to ensure it is of the correct species. For comparison, here are two pictures, one which is the otter in question and the other an Eurasian otter — Preceding unsigned comment was added by 193.157.248.74 (talk) 12:16, 29 January 2018 (UTC)
- I think you are right. The picture was taken at London Zoo, and the London Zoo website states "Our otters at ZSL London Zoo are Oriental small-clawed otters". BabelStone (talk) 08:42, 28 August 2018 (UTC)
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Reference
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- ↑ Sivasothi, N., & Burhanuddin, H. M. N., (1994). A review of otters (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Lutrinae) in Malaysia and Singapore, Hydrobiologia 285, 151-170 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226229323_A_review_of_otters_Carnivora_Mustelidae_Lutrinae_in_Malaysia_and_Singapore
