Eurasian Otter

Why in news?

• A team of scientists has spotted Eurasian otters in the Neeru stream of the Chenab catchment.

About Otters:

• Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae.
• The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic, or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. Eurasian Otter is one among them.

About Eurasian Otter:

• It is an elusive, solitary otter that has one of the widest distributions.
• Its range covers parts of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa
• In India, it is present in northern, northeast and southern India.
• In the Indian subcontinent, Eurasian otters occur in cold hills and mountain streams.
  • During summer (April – June) in the Himalayas, they may ascend up to 3,660 m.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II

About Neeru river:

• Neeru is a tributary of the Chenab river.
• It is a 30­km perennial stream that originates in the Kailash Lake and drains into the Chenab.

Add ons:

• Eurasian otters are regarded as a flagship species and indicator of high-quality aquatic habitats. Its presence is encouraging for the health of the Neeru stream.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Eurasian Otter’

1. It is a solitary mammal

2. It is herbivorous in nature

3. They are extinct in India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer