WWF's Initiative

Giving the Smooth-coated Otter the chance to live

The power to save the Smooth-coated Otter lies within us all. WWF has already made a start with the launch of a project ‘Save the Otter’, the first step of which is Survey and Documentation.

This aims to make a preliminary assessment of the distribution of the Smooth-coated Otter population in India based on surveys and studies.
The identified pockets of Smooth-coated Otter population would then be classified as ‘priority regions’ for conservation action.

These detailed surveys would involve community interactions and raise awareness among people to garner further support. Based on the results, future action in consultation with the government and local stakeholders would be decided.

Apart from the identified regions based on this assessment, immediate attention would be given to the Ganga River Basin, National Chambal Sanctuary and Terai region where WWF has ongoing conservation initiatives.
The subsequent steps that will be undertaken by WWF for ‘Save the Otter’ include the following:

Habitat status assessment: A complete study and appraisal of the environment of the Smooth-coated Otter.

Threats assessment: A detailed assessment of the development of specific threat mitigation strategies.

Conservation strategies: Development of specific conservation plans and strategies for the Smooth-coated Otter population.