Eurasian otter found in Chilika Lake

Recently, researchers who are involved in conducting a study in Odisha’s Chilika Lake has found the presence of a possible, breeding population of a fishing cat in the brackish water lagoon.

 About Eurasian otter:

• It is a globally endangered species and found in very few places in the south and south­east Asia.
• The Smooth-coated Otter mostly found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• The fishing cat has unique features such as partially webbed feet and a water-resistant fur that helps it thrives in wetlands and makes it unique among all 39 extant cat species.
• The presence of this cat adds special conservation value to Chilika that has been declared a Ramsar Site.
• Despite being a common species and widely­spread globally, very little is known of the species distribution and abundance in India and especially along the eastern coast.

Difference between Wild cat and Fishing cat:

• Wild cat species usually hunt on the ground but the fishing cat hunts in water. It has unique 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.

About Chilika Lake:

• Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon that is spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India.
• It is Asia’s largest salt-water lagoon and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge.
• It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent.
• Chilka Lake is selected as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Conclusion:

• 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 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