Hello From The Otter Side

Otters are carnivorous animals; elusive and difficult to spot. They are also excellent swimmers and incredibly fast underwater. Unfortunately, very little is known about them in the wild. Globally, there are 13 species of otters, three of which are found in India – the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus). The Smooth-coated Otter is the largest otter in Asia and the Asian Small-clawed Otter is the smallest otter in the world.

The only semi-aquatic mammals in India, these apex predators of the riverine ecosystem were once common inhabitants of Indian rivers. Unfortunately, today, the Smooth-coated Otter and the Asian Small-clawed Otter are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

This video, courtesy Wild Otters, takes a peak into the elusive lives of Smooth-coated Otters in the mangroves of Goa. These otters have adapted to life in the brackish waters. After a swim, they groom by rubbing themselves vigorously on mud embankments. This helps re-insulate their fur and keep it knot-free. This video was shot via a camera trap.

Wild Otters was founded in September, 2014, by Atul Borker with a vision to secure the future of otters. Based in Goa, the organisation is run on an evolving conservation entrepreneurship model. Thus far, a majority of the research work has been done in Goa and new projects have begun in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The organisation has pioneered otter conservation in India and Sri Lanka.