Eurasian otter found in Chilika Lake

News:Researchers conducting a study in Odisha’s Chilika Lake have found the presence of fishing cats and Smooth-coated otters. Eurasian otters have also been spotted for the first time.

Facts:

Fishing cat:

  • Geographic Range: South and Southeast Asia 
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Smooth-coated Otter

  • Geographic range: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Eurasian Otter:

  • Geographic Range: Eurasia
  • IUCN Status: Near Threatened

Additional Information:

Chilka Lake:

  • It is spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. 
  • It is Asia’s largest brackish water lake.
  • In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.