Distribution and status of the smooth-coated otter Lutra perspicillata in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Hussain, S. A.; Choudhury, B. C.

doi:10.1016/s0006-3207(96)00033-x

Cited by 34 publications

(28 citation statements)

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“…Most of the positive sites (45%) were found on rocky banks, followed by sandy banks (40%), clay banks (9%), and banks with shoreline vegetation and marsh (6%), indicating greater preference for rocky banks. This may result from the higher availability of den sites in rocky terrains (Hussain & Choudhury, ), although rocky banks may have more marking locations available compared with sandy or clay banks. During the survey, seven otters were sighted in two different groups, each consisting of three or four animals.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Eurasian and small‐clawed otters were not observed during this study. However, absence of otter signs in a particular place does not necessarily mean the absence of otters in that area (Hussain & Choudhury, ). Furthermore, some indirect signs are not specific to any of the three otter species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The otter survey method followed Anoop and Hussain () and Nawab and Hussain (). Each of the selected rivers was divided using a geographic information system into minimum otter home ranges common to all three species (Hussain & Choudhury, ). Data on otter signs (spraints, tracks, dens, and grooming sites) were recorded in 400 m stretches.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing the distribution pattern of otters in four rivers of the Indian Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Gupta

Tiwari

Everard

et al. 2020

Aquatic Conservation

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The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), smooth‐coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), and Asian small‐clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) have all been reported previously from the Indian state of Uttarakhand. However, little information is available about their current distribution in a mountainous region that is subject to increasing human‐induced stressors (such as hydropower plants, pollution, sand and boulder mining, destructive fishing techniques, poaching). Owing to important roles played by these otters in structuring riverine food webs (particularly taking account of their roles as top carnivores), it is critical that they receive suitable protection in the face of projected temperature rise, change in precipitation patterns, and associated river flows in this Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. This study assesses otter distribution in four rivers of Uttarakhand as a basis for informing future conservation actions. Field surveys were conducted (October 2018–January 2019) in reaches of the Kosi, Ramganga, Khoh, and Song rivers, supported by semi‐structured interviews (N = 379) conducted with members of local communities to collect qualitative data on views and perceptions of otter species. In addition, community‐based otter awareness camps were organized for local youths (N = 105), adults (N = 115), and schoolchildren (N = 256 covering 10 schools). Habitat suitability maps were created using remote‐sensing data, survey findings, and a geographic information system to provide information about priority reaches of river to be targeted for future conservation efforts. This study provides critical interdisciplinary baseline information to guide decision‐makers towards developing a targeted, otter‐specific conservation programme for this important Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The otter conservation education programmes conducted during this study resulted in a proposal to set up a community‐based conservation initiative to monitor and report otter sightings from the area, potentially representing a way forward for achieving simultaneous otter conservation and associated ecosystem benefits for local communities.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing the distribution pattern of otters in four rivers of the Indian Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Gupta

Tiwari

Everard

et al. 2020

Aquatic Conservation

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“…Smooth-coated otters are not restricted to deep water and often forage in small, shallow rivers (Anoop and Hussain 2004;Kruuk et al 1994) and seasonally flooded swamps during the monsoons (July-September) and early winter (October-February) in India and Nepal (Hussain and Choudhury 1997). L. perspicillata prefers habitat with rocky banks because of the greater availability of den sites (Hussain and Choudhury 1997).…”

Section: Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…L. perspicillata prefers habitat with rocky banks because of the greater availability of den sites (Hussain and Choudhury 1997). The species inhabits both inland and coastal wetlands, but when it occurs with other otter species it tends to use larger water bodies and does not occur on small streams and irrigation canals (Wayre 1978).…”

Section: Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Lutrogale perspicillata

Hwang¹,

Larivière

2005

Mammalian Species

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Factors affecting the occurrence of smooth‐coated otter in aquatic systems of the Upper Gangetic Plains, India

Nawab

Hussain

2012

Aquatic Conservation

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1. With the increasing human pressure on wildlife and its habitat, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, the population of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a key carnivore of freshwater ecosystems, is rapidly declining. Reliable information on its abundance and other factors affecting its occurrence is lacking from many parts of its range, hindering development of conservation measures.2. In this paper the findings are presented on relative abundance and habitat parameters associated with the occurrence of the smooth-coated otter in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), India. Information on habitat structure, spraint (faeces) sites, and otter signs (e.g. footprints, spraints), were recorded in each 500 m section of five rivers in different seasons. The search covered 380, 100 m Â 15 m plots laid along the shoreline of the river banks. The importance of different habitat features influencing habitat selection was assessed using an ordination technique.3. In the CTR, the presence of otters was recorded from the three river systems that were relatively undisturbed and supported potential microhabitats for otters. The relative abundance of otters in the Reserve varied between 0.3 and 0.48 individuals km -1 .4. Occurrence of otters in the region was governed by the presence of habitat features such as rocky and sandy river stretches with gentle bank-slopes, bank-side vegetation serving as escape cover, and slow water current. Relatively narrow rivers with several streams joining the main course and with a large number of fallen dead trees were favoured. 5. The reservoir was an unsuitable habitat for otters owing to its steep bank-slopes (47.38 AE 1.69 ) and deep water (6.99 m AE 30.46 m). Various forms of fishing activities, followed by livestock grazing, removal of sand and boulders from the river and removal of shoreline vegetation adversely affected the presence of otter.6. Restoration of degraded habitats to meet the requirements of otters is the only option for their long-term conservation. Existing critical otter habitats should be identified and brought into the protected area network, and the wetlands and river basins forming otter habitat managed at a landscape level.

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Distribution and status of the smooth-coated otter Lutra perspicillata in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Cited by 34 publications

References 11 publications

Assessing the distribution pattern of otters in four rivers of the Indian Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Assessing the distribution pattern of otters in four rivers of the Indian Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Lutrogale perspicillata

Factors affecting the occurrence of smooth‐coated otter in aquatic systems of the Upper Gangetic Plains, India

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