Project Status

PROJECT UPDATE: JULY 2007

The current knowledge on Otters particularly in India is limited such that our managemnet decisions are aften uncertain towards its benefits, or no decisions at all for want of impirical data. The basic premise of this study is to confirm the current status of Smooth-coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata) along with other sympatric species, , Common Otter (Lutra lutra) and the smallclawed Otter (Armyx cinerea) in their current distribution range and to assess the quality of potential habitats for viable Otter Populations.

Field work was conducted in two phases. Phase I included a rapid assessment along the Upper Ganga between Narora and Bijnor during May 12-27, 2007; this covered a stretch of approximately 165 km. Phase II included an intensive survey between Narora and Anup Shahar during June 25-July 10, 2007; this covered a stretch of approximately 25 km. The surveys were conducted from 0500–1800 hr using a motor boat and wherever possible walks along the shore were also made. The study primarily aimed at confirming otter presence and as well as ascertaining possible habitat for viable otter populations. Occurrence of otters was confirmed by searching river banks (a width of 50 m from the shore) for presence of indirect signs such as spraints (otter scats), grooming and basking sites and den sites. As a part of the survey, interviews were conducted with locals (particularly fishermen) to seek information on otter occurrence, their population, location, activity and threats. Interviews consisted of (1) having people identify local aquatic mammals from pictures (2) asking for physical description of otters (3) questioning about the relative abundances of otters in the area (i.e. rare, common or abundant). Questioning was oral, informal and cantered on coloured plates of authentic field guides on Indian mammals. If the respondents were found to be positive they were investigated further for supplementary data.

In spite of exhaustive attempts, no direct sightings or any indirect signs of otter presence were recorded. The locals interviewed, reported otter occurrence as common some ten years back and the fishermen criticized otters of stealing their fishes from their gill nets laid out in the river during the night. Human perturbations along the riverbanks were apparent through sand mining and cultivation. It was at Gajraula that one of the respondents stated incidental killings of otters by locals. Fishing is rampant and use of mono-filamentous gill nets pose a major threat and consequent to this poaching of otters cannot be ruled out, albeit no significant evidence exists. The 165 km stretch of the Ganges from Narora barrage to Bijnor barrage forms an ideal habitat for the gangetic dolphin Platanista gangetica and has recently been designated as the Ramsar site of wetland importance.

The survey would be extended to other potential sites such as Chambal, Kateniaghat and to areas outside Corbett Tiger Reserve like; River Kolhuchaur and the upper reaches of River Kosi i.e. Mohan upstream and River Ramganga i.e. Marchula upstream.