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Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra): 15 April 2024

For the first time, Eurasian Otter was fitted with a tracking device in Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Eurasian otter - Wikipedia

Why in news?

For the first time, Eurasian Otter was fitted with a tracking device in Satpura Tiger Reserve. 

More about news:

  • This was done by the Wildlife Conservation Trust.
  • This step focuses on understanding the distribution of otters with changing water availability and their conservation needs.

About Eurasian Otters:

    • It is a semi-aquatic mammal native to Eurasia and Northwest Africa.
  • Habitat: Asia, Africa and North Europe.
    • In India, it is distributed in the Himalayan foothills, Southern Western Ghats and the Central Indian region.
  • IUCN Status: Near Threatened.
    • CITES: Appendix I.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II.

 

Otters in India:

  • Three species are found in India
  • Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata).
  • Asian small clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea).
  • Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra ).   
    • Smooth-coated otter is the most widely distributed in India.
  • 2016: First photographic evidence of Eurasian otters was recorded in Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Wildlife Conservation Trust:

  • 2002: Established in Mumbai.
  • Not-for-profit organization.

Satpura Tiger Reserve:

  • 2000: Establishment year.
    • Located south of the Narmada river, Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Flora: Teak, bamboo, Indian Ebony, various acacias, wild mango etc.
  • Fauna: Tiger,  Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, birds, reptiles and fishes.