Status, Distribution and Habitat Use of the Smooth-Coated Otter

(Lutra perpicillata) in Narayani River, Nepal 

Aims

The proposed study aims to assess the status and distribution patterns, evaluate the habitat use and preferences, and determine important factors influencing distribution of the smooth-coated otter (Lutra perspicillata) along the Narayani River in Chitwan National Park.  Like many other small mammals, otters are rarely studied and they are classed as data deficient species in Nepal.  There is especially little information available for the smooth-coated otter.

Extensive field surveys will be carried out to collect data on otters, otter signs and habitat features such as landform elements and vegetation associations.  Community stakeholder meetings will be organised to increase awareness of local people on the importance of otters and wetland conservation.  

Introduction

Otters are an apex predator and as they use both the land and water environments they are a good indicator of the health status of riverine ecosystems. Otters are semi-aquatic animals which depend mainly on the freshwater habitat. Despite all their adaptations for life in the aquatic environment they are still largely connected to the land, being dependent upon it for activities such as rest, raising of young, etc.

Three species of otter have been reported from Nepal, namely Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea), smooth-coated otter (Lutra perspicillata), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). The smooth-coated otter is distributed in Pakistan, India, parts of Nepal, Indochina, etc and it is confined to tropical and sub-tropical waters. In Nepal this species is known to exist in the Koshi, Narayani, Karnali, and Mahakali River systems. 

The smooth-coated otter is essentially associated with freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, canals, and streams and it requires undisturbed forest and scrub adjacent to the water for security. Otters are mainly opportunistic in feeding and feed only on prey that are more numerous and/or species which are less active.

Statement of Problems and Rationale

The population status, their distribution and habitats of smooth-coated otter have never been systematically studied in Nepal. A few studies indicating presence and conservation threats of species are available, but the populations are declining due to over fishing, poaching for their pelts, degradation and losses of riparian habitat and disturbance by other human activities are major threats for otters.  The threat from the fur trade is especially acute as hundreds of furs are being sold to Tibet for use in the national dress.  The smooth-coated otter seems to be particularly sought after for these purposes. 

Otters are surviving in fragmented population in some isolated areas but because of limited knowledge it is impossible to develop practical conservation measures.

Study Area

Proposed study will be carried out in the Narayani River and associated wetlands of the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in the Central Terai, Nepal. The Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, encompasses a wide diversity of habitat and species in the tropical and subtropical regions of the country. The park, covers an area of 932 km², is drained by Narayani, Rapti and Reu Rivers and their tributaries, and comprises a complex ecosystem of hills, oxbow lakes, flood plains, forest and grasslands within an elevation range of 150-815 metres. The park provides excellent habitat for many endangered animals like rhino, wild elephant, tiger, swamp deer, Ganges dolphin, gharial crocodiles, Bengal florican, etc. 

The Narayani River of Chitwan National Park is proposed for this study because there are undisturbed habitats, previous data on otter presence are available, and the river receives a huge load of pollution such as industrial effluents, domestic sewage and agrochemicals. Thus surveys on status, distribution and habitat use are an important preliminary in determining the conservation for the otter. 

Objectives

The long term objective of the proposed research will be to develop baseline ecological information on the smooth-coated otter in the Chitwan National Park as a means to producing effective conservation. The specific objectives will be to: 

-                     Assess status and distribution patterns

-                     Evaluate habitat use and preferences

-                     Determine important factors that influence the distribution of the species

Methods

The following methods will be used to accomplish the proposed study:

1. Reconnaissance Survey: A field reconnaissance will be made on the river banks to select intensive study areas to collect information on the status of otters and their behaviour and ecology.

2. Interview with Key Informants: Interviews with selected key-informants such as park personnel, game scouts, forest guards, nature guides, local farmers, members of local conservation groups, fisherman, etc. will be carried out to get general information about otters in the area and human impacts on the otter population. Questions will be prepared in such way that it will produce a real picture of otters and their habitat conditions.

3. Otter Surveys: Extensive field surveys will be made on both banks of the river using four wheel drive vehicles, boat or on foot to collect data on otters, otter signs and habitats.  During field surveys information will also be collected on:

4. GIS development: The land cover types along the river banks, animal distribution and habitat will be incorporated as distinct layers into a GIS environment (Arc GIS) and merged with GIS database. Field data including otters and otter signs, altitude, bank types, ongoing human activities, and other ancillary data will also be digitised as geo-reference database information.

5. Stakeholder Meetings and Conservation Education Campaigns: We plan to hold community stakeholder meetings at four different places to increase awareness of local people on the importance of otters and wetland conservation. These meetings will be open to all and the purpose will be to let local communities know what we are doing and inform people about the biology of otters and other aspects of wetland ecology.

Expected Results:

At the end, this project will generate the following:

1.      Current data and geo-referenced baseline information on status, distribution, and habitat utilisation smooth-coated otters for use in preparing a practical conservation plan

2.      Increased community stewardship in conservation of otters

Facilities available: We have hand-held GPS for field work, camera for photography and computer for data processing and analysis.

Proposed Budget

Personnel:

Principal Investigator- Tej bahadur Thapa

            Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University,

            P. O. Box- 11191, Kathmandu, Nepal

            E-mail: tejthapa@wlink.com.np