Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species
Why in News?
A rare sighting of an otter was recently recorded in the Adyar River at Chennai’s Tholkappia Poonga eco-park.
Smooth-coated otter – Itis a sleek, medium-sized otter with short limbs, webbed paws, and a flattened tail.
Scientific name – Lutrogale perspicillata.
Habitat – Found in freshwater-rich areas such as rivers, wetlands, lakes, swamps, and rice paddies.
Prefer shallow and placid waters.
Though found near coastal saltwater, they require nearby freshwater sources.
Distribution – It is found across India from the Himalayas to southern India. Also, found in the Western Ghats and northeast India, along with other otter species.
India is home to 3 types of otters out of the 13 species of otters found worldwide.
Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra);
Smooth-coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata)
Small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus).
Characteristics – They are strong swimmers and fish specialists.
Hunt in groups and often move in a V-formation while fishing.
Diet –They mainly feed on fish.
Behavior – They are shy and sensitive, hence difficult to spot.
Live in family groups; usually seen in groups of 3 to 15 individuals.
Conservation Status –
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I.
IUCN Red List -Vulnerable.
Threats – Loss of wetland habitats due to large infrastructure projects.
Conversion of wetlands for agriculture and settlements.
Reduction in fish stocks.
Water pollution, poaching, and contamination by pesticides.
Ecological importance – Apex predator in riverine ecosystems.
Helps regulate populations of other aquatic species.
Presence indicates clean rivers free from heavy pollution.
