Context:
A team of researchers recently discovered a Eurasian otter in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki, a first in Kerala.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
Dimensions of the Article:
- Eurasian Otter: Exploring a Semi-Aquatic Carnivore
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS): Exploring Biodiversity in Kerala
Eurasian Otter: Exploring a Semi-Aquatic Carnivore
Overview:
- The Eurasian Otter is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal native to Eurasia.
- Scientific Name: Lutra lutra
Distribution:
- Exhibits one of the broadest distributions among all Palearctic mammals.
- Ranges from Ireland to China and extends to Southeast Asia.
- Found throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
- In India, it inhabits northern, northeastern, and southern regions.
Habitat:
- Thrives in diverse environments, including streams, rivers, lakes, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ocean shores, rice fields, fjords, caves, and terrestrial areas near waterways.
- In the Indian subcontinent, specifically found in cold hills and mountain streams.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Near threatened
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II
- CITES: Appendix I
Significance:
- Plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of water ecosystems.
- The near-threatened status highlights the need for conservation efforts to ensure the species’ survival.
- Protected under national and international regulations, emphasizing its ecological importance and the need for conservation measures.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS): Exploring Biodiversity in Kerala
Location:
- Situated in Idukki District, Kerala.
- Falls within the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, experiencing minimal annual rainfall.
- Bounded by Eravikulam National Park to the south and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the north.
Vegetation:
- Diverse habitat types, including deciduous forests, dry thorn scrub, riparian forest, shoals, and grasslands.
- Features an extensive sandalwood forest in close proximity.
Flora:
- Boasts approximately 1000 species of flowering plants, including a rich variety of medicinal plants.
- Prominent plant species: Acacia arabica, Acacia leucofolia, Acacia concinna, antallum album, Anogeissus latifolia, Rhododendron nilagiricum, Elaeocarpus, and more.
Fauna:
- Home to the endangered Great Grizzled Squirrel of India.
- Diverse mammalian species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri Tahr, and others.
Significance:
- The sanctuary’s strategic location within the Western Ghats contributes to its unique ecological features.
- Rich biodiversity, including endangered species, emphasizes the need for conservation efforts.
- Offers a diverse range of habitats, making it an ecological hotspot in the region.
-Source: The Hindu
