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Species in News: Smooth Coated Otters
Context:
In an exciting development, the smooth-coated otters are set to return to the Delhi Zoo, officially known as the National Zoological Park, after an absence of nearly two decades.
More on News
- The otters, which were last housed in the zoo in 2004, will be part of an exchange programme with the Surat Zoo. The otters are expected to arrive by the end of this month.
- Along with the otters, the Delhi Zoo will also receive 10 star tortoises from Surat as part of the exchange. In return, the Delhi zoo will send five sangai deer, two blue-and-yellow macaws, and four green-cheeked conures to the Surat zoo.
About
- Scientific Name: Lutrogale perspicillata
- Common Name: Smooth-coated Otter, Indian Smooth-coated Otter
- Species: L. perspicillata (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826)
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- IWPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Distribution: The Smooth-coated Otter is found throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia. In India, it is widely distributed across all major rivers south of the Himalayas.
- Habitat: Smooth-coated otters prefer rocky stretches for dens and resting. They are commonly found in river stretches with bank-side vegetation and marshes, which provide cover for traveling or foraging, especially during summer months.
- Social Behaviour: These otters are social animals, and they often hunt in groups. They are predominantly diurnal (active during the day), with a short lull in activity during midday.
Major Threats
- Loss of Wetland Habitats: Large-scale hydroelectric projects, as well as reclamation of wetlands for settlements and agriculture, are significantly reducing their habitat.
- Decline in Prey: The lack of an adequate prey base threatens the survival of otter populations.
- Pollution: Wetlands and waterways are becoming polluted due to eutrophication and accumulation of persistent pesticides such as chlorinated hydrocarbons and organophosphates from agricultural runoff.
- Poaching: The smooth-coated otter is often poached for its pelt, which contributes to its declining numbers.
