During an extraordinary state-wide tiger survey, researchers made a thrilling re-discovery. In doing so, they shot India’s first-ever images of smooth-coated otters within the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. A fantastic research team led by Nishant Bhardwaj, along with Hritik Nautiyal, Harish Guleria and Bilal Habib, conducted the study. The report raises awareness of the plight of this old-growth species, which is categorized as at-risk and receives the highest level protection in India.
On August 26, the Journal of Threatened Taxa released a study. Importantly, it documents the first confirmed sightings of smooth-coated otters in the sanctuary. Until now, these otters had never been documented in this region, prompting interesting inquiries related to their distribution in Uttarakhand.
Noteworthy Sightings
The first photos were from May 16, showing a group of four smooth-coated otters. This next series of photos taken on May 21 showed two otters swimming through the gaps between massive rocks. These sightings are incredibly valuable. These observations represent the first confirmed occurrence of this species in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.
The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is touted as the most social of all otter species, living very amicably in groups. Beyond having charmed many with their photogenic appearance, their presence in Nandhaur increases the sanctuary’s ecological richness. It highlights the area’s ability to support a wide variety of wildlife.
Research Methodology
In order to get these first-of-their-kind images, the research team used five trail cameras set up around the sanctuary. These sites were selected based on evidence of smooth-coated otter presence in the form of tracks and scat. During the course of just ten days, these cameras produced significant evidence that proved the otters’ existence in the sanctuary.
Smooth-coated otters are generally little studied and poorly understood, the researchers pointed out, particularly when it comes to their distribution in Uttarakhand. This study shows that their effects are real and underscores the need for continued monitoring. It acknowledges the need for additional research to better understand their habitat requirements and migratory behavior.
Conservation Implications
Given this new finding, the researchers call for improved conservation practices within Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary. Ranked as vulnerable, Smooth-coated otters are in urgent requirement of protection. To ensure the long-term survival of this beautiful fish, we need to start putting their habitat and ecological needs first immediately.
Future efforts should be aimed at protecting the environment inside the sanctuary to maintain a healthy environment for these otters to thrive. That means tackling the greatest threats like habitat destruction and human encroachment.
