The smooth-coated otter is a fascinating animal usually seen in small clusters alongside freshwater bodies.

It was a boat safari on the Kabini River that I first saw the smooth coated otter. In fact, my naturalist immediately commented that it was an elusive sighting and to my luck I saw quite a few of them.

The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List is an animal that many may not have heard of and many more may not have even seen. This seal-like face animal however is sighted in some parts of India especially in wetlands, rivers, and swamps. The backwaters of the River Kabini gave me a few glimpses of the elusive animal and I was instantly smitten.

I am told that its name comes from its two layered fur that is short, smooth and has a velvet like texture. The top fur layer is a guard that protects the layer below and maintains the body heat. The front legs are used for swimming and the males are larger than the females. The otter is equally adept at being on land as it is in water and usually cover long distances in search of the habitat.

Habitat loss, wetland pollution and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is causing habitat loss and consequent reduction in their population.

Read the full story that first appeared in Fair Planet here: