Hairy-nosed otter habitat selection and anthropogenic threats in Thailand’s critical strongholds

The hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana), an endangered species and ecological indicator of peat swamp forest health, is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities in South-east Asia. This study investigated habitat selection and associated threats for hairy-nosed otters in Bor Lor and Thale Noi Non-Hunting Areas, two of Thailand’s largest remaining peat swamp forests spanning 285 km2. Camera trap surveys were conducted at 65 locations from November 2021 to June 2022. Simultaneously, interviews, direct field observations, and secondary data were integrated to generate threat hotspot maps. Binary logistic regression was used to examine variables influencing habitat selection. Regression analysis identified illegal incident hotspots (partly from burning) and human areas as strong negative predictors of hairy-nosed otter habitat use, highlighting locations vulnerable to habitat degradation. In contrast, tree basal areas (5–10 cm) showed a positive trend and could serve as local refugia. Interview data revealed that at least 57 otters (all species) were removed from the wild within a year (2021–2022). Overlaying threat hotspots from four sources showed only one small patch (1 km2) affected by all threats, while almost half of the study area (129 km2) was affected by three threats, and 283 km2 by one. The limited adaptability of hairy-nosed otters to pervasive human pressures indicates potential ecological disruption. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies, including real-time threat monitoring and habitat protection, to safeguard populations in these critical strongholds.