Eurasian otter found in Chilika Lake
- Researchers conducting a study in Odisha’s Chilika Lake has found the presence of a viable, breeding population of a fishing cat in the brackish water lagoon. It is a globally endangered species that is elusive and found in very few places in the south and southeast Asia.
- Wild cat species usually hunt on the ground. But the fishing cat hunts in water. It has specialized features like partially webbed feet and water-resistant fur that helps it to thrive in wetlands. The flat-headed cat of southeast Asia is the only other feline that shares similar features. This makes them unique among all 39 extant cat species
- Another globally endangered species, smoothcoated otter, has also been recorded from the study’s data. Both the species are supposed to enjoy conservation measures of the highest accord in India according to the country’s laws, much like the tiger and elephant.
- The study has also recorded the presence of Eurasian otter in Chilika. This is significant. Despite being a widelyspread and common species globally, very little is known of the species distribution and abundance in India and especially along the eastern coast.
- The survey undertook in the fringe villages of Chilika covering an area of 1,070 sq km. Here survey conducted more than 1,000 interviews and placed camera traps for more than 300 nights
Source: The Hindu
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