Otters returned to Singapore in large numbers over the last decade or so. This provides an excellent opportunity to watch smooth-coated otters. In this talk, learn more about issues of cooperation and conflict within and among groups of otters, including: cooperative foraging, cooperative breeding, group defence of territories, group defence against predators, otter vocalisations and their contexts, and play behaviour. This talk is part of a series on sustainability that is co-curated with NUS Department of Biological Sciences. // About the Speaker: Philip Johns came to Singapore to be part of Yale-NUS College and to study the local fauna. He studies the behavioural and evolutionary genomics of a group of insects, stalk-eyed flies, that live in and around Southeast Asia. And he also studies urban wildlife — including Singapore’s smooth-coated otters. He and his students have made a number of discoveries about the otters in Singapore, including about their interactions with other animals like monitor lizards, their family dynamics, teaching and learning, territorial conflict and otter play. Before coming to Singapore Philip taught at UCLA, Bard College, and Swarthmore College. He’s absolutely fascinated by the interplay between Singapore’s urban setting, the wildlife here, and the people who watch wildlife. // About Down to Earth Expert Series: Down to Earth Expert Series unpacks pertinent sustainability topics and makes them accessible whatever your background. From demystifying the latest green buzzwords to illuminating the incredible biodiversity we live amongst, join us and grow your knowledge with experts as they give you the break down on all things green.