Distribution and status of the smooth-coated otter Lutra perspicillata in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Abstract

The distribution and relative density of smooth-coated otters Lutra perspicillata Geoffroy were studied along a 425 km stretch of Chambal river within the National Chambal Sanctuary, Central India, between 1988 and 1992. Sample sites of 1 km were surveyed every 5 km. The study revealed that the distribution of otters along the river is patchy and largely restricted to the upper reaches. During the 1988 survey, 36% of sites were found with otter signs but only 24% in 1992. Recent increases in disturbance along the river due to construction of road bridges and mining activities might have put pressure on the population. Most of the positive sites (66%) were found on rocky banks, followed by clay banks (19%), banks with shoreline vegetation and marsh (11%) and sandy banks (3%). During intensive monitoring of four radio-implanted otters, c. 78% locations were made on rocky banks, 19% on banks with shoreline vegetation and marsh, with < 3% on sandy banks and <1% on clay banks, indicating greater preference for rocky banks owing to the greater availability of den sites. As a conservation measure, monitoring of the otter population should be done regularly and restrictions on cultivation, grazing and mining along the banks should be imposed within the Sanctuary limits, especially in the identified stretches.