UP Begins Census of Otters in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

For the first time, Uttar Pradesh is taking a census of Otters in its protected areas. The census has begun in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR).

Significance of Otters

• Otters live on fish and spend much of its time in or close to water bodies.
• A thriving population of Otters means a healthy ecosystem.
• A growing or healthy population of Otters means the water bodies are pollution-free.
• Clean water bodies mean a healthy ecosystem of the forest.
• Otters thriving and getting sufficient food to eat means the water bodies in the reserve are in a fine state and the aquatic life in them is healthy.

India is home to 3 of the 13 species of otters found worldwide:

1. Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) - IUCN status: Near Threatened.
2. Smooth-coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata) - IUCN status: Vulnerable.
3. Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) - IUCN status: Vulnerable.

About Pilibhit Tiger Reserve:

• Pilibhit Tiger Reserve spreads across Pilibhit district, Lakhimpur Kheri District and Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh.
• The Northern edge of the reserve lies along the India-Nepal border while the southern boundary is marked by the river Sharada and Khakra.
• Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is home to habitat for over 127 animals, 326 bird species and 2,100 flowering plants.
• The reserve is home to a myriad of wild animals including the endangered tiger, swamp deer, Bengal florican, hog deer, leopard, etc.
• The large carnivores are supported by a very large prey base consisting of cheetal, sambar, wild boar, hog deer, swamp deer, blue bull, etc.
• The bird life is very rich and diverse and hundreds of species of birds can be seen around.

Question:

Q. Which state for the first time is taking a census of Otters in its protected areas?
a. Madhya Pradesh
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Assam
d. Tamil Nadu