Eurasian otter found in Chilika Lake

News:Researchers conducting a study in Odisha’s Chilika Lake have found the presence of fishing cats and Smooth-coated otters. Eurasian otters have also been spotted for the first time.

Facts:

Fishing cat:

• Geographic Range: South and Southeast Asia 
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Smooth-coated Otter: 

• Geographic range: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Eurasian Otter:

• Geographic Range: Eurasia
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened

Additional Information:

Chilka Lake:

• It is spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. 
• It is Asia’s largest brackish water lake.
• In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.