Rare Otter Sighted in Malaysia

A photograph taken in Malaysia's Sabah state in the latter part of 2008 has given scientists a glimmer of hope.  The photograph was of a hairy-nosed otter.  The animal is often thought to be the rarest otter in Asia because it has been hunted for meat and its fur and due to development of its habitat.

The otter was photographed by a remote-controlled camera being used by researchers in a forest reserve.  After studying the photograph for two years the researchers are hopeful they truly do have an image of a hairy-nosed otter.  The otter, once believed to be extinct, has been sighted in Vietnam and Cambodia. 

It has been more than 100 years since this species of otter has been seen in Malaysia.

Hopefully, the sightings and the photograph means this cute little guy truly is still alive and kicking and will be for a long time!

For more information and to see a photo of the otter, you can read this article.