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Otter Habitat in Mettur Region
July 28 , 2026
9 hrs 0 min
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- A study found a large population of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) in the Mettur Dam and Cauvery River stretches of Salem district.
- The species is classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The smooth-coated otter is the largest otter species in South Asia and is highly dependent on healthy freshwater ecosystems.
- Otters are apex semi-aquatic predators that play a key role in maintaining riverine food chain balance by controlling fish populations.
- The presence of otters indicates good water quality and relatively undisturbed river habitats.
- The Cauvery stretch near Mettur provides ideal conditions such as sandbanks, vegetation cover, and abundant fish prey for otters.
- The species is threatened mainly due to habitat loss, sand mining, pollution, and depletion of fish stocks.
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