Aspect

Details

Common Names

European Otter, Common Otter, Old-World Otter

Scientific Name

Lutra lutra

Type

Semiaquatic carnivorous mammal

Distribution

Widely distributed across the Palearctic region: Middle East, Europe, Northern Africa, Eastern Russia, China, and parts of Asia

Distribution in India

Northern, Northeastern, and Southern India; locally called Vuder in Kashmir

Habitat

Lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, swamp forests, and coastal areas; prefers cold hills and mountain streams in the Indian subcontinent

Physical Features

Sleek brown fur (paler underside), long body, thick tail, short legs; webbed feet; dense short fur; can close ears and nostrils underwater

Behavior

Elusive and solitary

Senses

Acute sense of sight, smell, and hearing

Adaptations

Webbed feet for swimming, fur that traps air for insulation, and closable ears/nose underwater

Major Threats

Water pollution and hunting for fur

IUCN Status

Near Threatened

Wildlife Protection Act

Schedule II

CITES Listing

Appendix I

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.In India, the Eurasian Otter is found in which of the following regions?

A) Only in the Western Ghats

B) Only in the Himalayas

C) Northern, Northeastern, and Southern India

D) Only in the Sundarbans

Answer: C

Explanation

Eurasian Otter is found in northern, northeast, and southern India. There have been recent discoveries of the Eurasian Otter in central India, specifically in the Satpura Tiger Reserve and Kanha-Pench Corridor.