Mammals

The Otters of Singapore

Urban wildlife: Adaptations and interactions in the Anthropocene

Lutrogale perspicillata

This exquisite plate, titled "The Otters of Singapore," presents a detailed hand-drawn natural history illustration of the Smooth-coated Otter (*Lutrogale perspicillata*), a remarkable mammal thriving within Singapore's urban environment. Through meticulous observation, the artwork highlights the species' key adaptations for an aquatic lifestyle: powerfully webbed feet, a sleek, streamlined body, and highly sensitive vibrissae crucial for hunting. It further depicts their unique communal hunting strategies and diverse diet, showcasing their resilience in human-modified landscapes. As an emblem of urban wildlife, this illustration encapsulates the profound interactions between these otters and the Anthropocene. The brown, green, blue, and beige palette meticulously renders the intricate details of these freshwater inhabitants, from their propulsive tail to their retractable claws, amidst the waterways of Singapore. This scientific illustration offers a scholarly insight into their successful coexistence and ecological significance in an increasingly urbanised world. Suitable for educational institutions, scientific publications, or as a striking framed print, this detailed piece from Curiosa Naturalis serves as a valuable resource for understanding mammalian adaptations and the broader narrative of urban ecology.

Region

Singapore

Year

2022

Dimensions

3520 × 4800 px

Format

JPG

File size

16 MB