Context

• Eurasian otter has been recorded historically from the Western Ghats but first photographic and genetic confirmation of its presence have been found.
• Ironically, researchers found the dead otter after a vehicle ran over it near a fragmented rainforest in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai.

About

Eurasian otter

• Out of the three otter species found in India (Western Ghats), Eurasian otter is the least known.
• The Eurasian Otter (lutralutra) is also known as European otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter and Old world otter.
• It is a semi aquatic mammal which is commonly native to Eurasia.
• It has a diet mainly of fish and is strongly territorial.
• Otters are often illegally poached for pets. It is Nearly Threatened.
  
  

 

Distribution

• The species is found mainly across Europe, northern Africa and other south Asian countries.
• Ireland has the highest density of Eurasian Otter.
• In India, it is distributed in the Himalayan foothills, southern Western Ghats and the Central India.

Protection:

• It is protected by the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
• All 3 species of otters in India are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and are listed in CITES Appendices.

1. Eurasian Otter –  CITES Appendix I; WPA Schedule II
2. Smooth Coated Otter – CITES Appendix II; WPA Schedule II
3. Clawless Otter – CITES Appendix II; WPA Schedule I

Need of the hour:

• There should be detailed surveys and studies to ascertain more about the occurrence of Eurasian Otters in India.
• Otter roadkills — caused by increasing fragmentation of forests and modification of their original habitats — are becoming increasingly common, which is a grave matter of concern.
• The illegal poaching of Eurasian Otters for their pelts should be banned.