Utthamapandian, Udhayakumar, Sutaria, Dipani, Francis, Pichaiyan, Arulmohan, Rathinasamy, Parthasarathy, Palanivel, Alexkirubakaran, Augustinraj, Dhithya, Venkateswaran, and Saravanakumar, Ayyappan (2025) Otters and Tides: A habitat study of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) in Vellar Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India. IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, 42 (1). pp. 37-51.

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Abstract

Coastal ecosystems, particularly mudflats and estuaries, harbor diverse essential components that result in high productivity. Despite their ecological significance, these regions remain understudied compared to the adjacent seas and oceans. The smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), an apex predator yet vulnerable species, found across Asian, including Indian inland water bodies, faces population decline due to urbanization, infrastructure development, and hunting. The absence of comprehensive, even baseline studies and long-term monitoring program exacerbates the condition to study otters in India, which is essential to implement and govern conservation strategies. Limited existing research on the species impedes an inclusive understanding of relevant ecological factors. Our observations establish a benchmark directory on ecological datasets of smooth-coated otters in the Vellar estuarine complex. The research details preferred habitats and seasonal patterns, influenced by freshwater availability and tidal dynamics. The distribution of otters within the study area is influenced by substrate, with silty substrates downstream and sandy substrates upstream playing a crucial role. Human activities in the region have largely maintained a harmonious coexistence with otters.

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