Recently, a rescue operation conducted by the Pune Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust has revealed a rare Eurasian Otter in Indapur, Pune District.
- For the first time, the species was recorded in this area.
About Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
- The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is one of the three otter species found in India, alongside the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and the small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus).
- This is primarily found in Europe and parts of Asia. Its presence in India is rare, mainly confined to the Himalayan foothills, parts of Northeast India, and scattered sightings in the Western Ghats.
- Eurasian Otters prefer clean, freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and marshes with abundant fish, their primary diet.
- They are solitary, primarily nocturnal creatures that are highly sensitive to water pollution and habitat disturbance.
- Unlike the more common smooth-coated otter, eurasian otters are elusive and rarely seen in the wild, even in regions where they are known to inhabit.
- Eurasian otters are apex predators in river ecosystems. They help regulate fish populations and maintain ecological balance.
