Predators and Competitors of the Hairy-Nosed Otter

The information below comes from Wright et al (2008)

Predators

All the major carnivores that might formerly have preyed on this species have been eradicated from the area - tigers and leopards have been gone for a long time,   It is possible that there might still be pythons large enough to pose a threat to cubs, and the grey-headed fish-eagle (Ichthyopaga ichthyaetus) could also take cubs. In some areas, the siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) and escaped commercial hybrids might also take injured or sick otters. Realistically, the only likely predator, and one that is known to kill this species, is the domestic dog, either feral, or when used in hunting by poachers.

Competitors

In some of the limited areas where this otter is found, it is sympatric with the Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), but it seems that they occupy slightly different niches, reducing competition.  The hairy-nosed otter takes smaller prey and makes less use of open water than the larger smooth-coated otter.  There are also Asian Small-Clawed Otters in some of the locations, but these take smaller prey, with a greater use of crustaceans and molluscs, and make use of smaller watercourses.  Kruuk et al (1993) describes these three otter species living sympatrically in Thailand where their different ecological niches allow them to co-exist without competition.

 In Thailand and Vietnam, the hairy-nosed otter may compete with the flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps), the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and the grey-headed fish-eagle , as these animals also prey on the same fish as the hairy-nosed otter. In Tonle Sap, Cambodia, fish-eating birds such as the grey-headed fish-eagle and water snakes also take the same prey items.

The biggest competitor for prey in all the remaining locations where the hairy-nosed otter is found, is man - both local people in subsistance fishing and commercial, large-scale operations. 

Hairy-Nosed Otter