Census of Otters
For the first time, Uttar Pradesh is taking a census of otters in its protected areas. The census has begun in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR).
Otters live on fish and spend much of its time in or close to water bodies. A thriving population of otters means a healthy ecosystem. A growing or healthy population of otters means the water bodies are pollution-free. Clean water bodies mean a healthy ecosystem of the forest.
India is home to 3 of the 13 species of otters found worldwide, these are:
Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) – IUCN status: Near Threatened.
Smooth-coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata) – IUCN status: Vulnerable.
Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) – IUCN status: Vulnerable.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve spreads across Pilibhit district, Lakhimpur Kheri District and Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh. The Northern edge of the reserve lies along the India-Nepal border while the southern boundary is marked by the river Sharada and Khakra. The forests of PTR are to home to tigers, leopards, elephants, different species of deer and monkeys and reptiles like snakes, mugger crocodiles and gharials.