Two smooth-coated otters found dead near Saloi sluice

  • | Wednesday | 27th March, 2019

PANAJI: Two smooth-coated otters, a Schedule II species, were killed after getting trapped in a cable snare near a sluice gate at Paithona, Salvador do Mundo, recently.A rescue team from Campal, Panaji , rushed to the spot, which is around 5km from the city. “But they were found dead even before they could be treated,” a forest official said.As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, species listed under Part II of Schedule II are to be provided absolute protection. The smooth coated otter, which falls in this category, has also been listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).Smooth-coated otters live in mangroves and vegetation along estuarine belts in Goa, while their cousins, the small-clawed otters are found in the Mhadei, Molem , Neturlim and Cotigao sanctuaries.Human activities, including fishing, pose the biggest threat to smooth-coated otters. While pollution is also a factor, local residents have reportedly spotted them even in the highly contaminated waters of St Inez creek.Otters primarily feed on fish, and possibility of sluice gate operators perceiving them as a threat to their catch cannot be ruled out.The carcasses of both otters were taken for an autopsy, the report of which is awaited.

PANAJI: Two smooth-coated otters, a Schedule II species, were killed after getting trapped in a cable snare near a sluice gate at Paithona, Salvador do Mundo, recently.A rescue team from Campal, Panaji , rushed to the spot, which is around 5km from the city. “But they were found dead even before they could be treated,” a forest official said.As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, species listed under Part II of Schedule II are to be provided absolute protection. The smooth coated otter, which falls in this category, has also been listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).Smooth-coated otters live in mangroves and vegetation along estuarine belts in Goa, while their cousins, the small-clawed otters are found in the Mhadei, Molem , Neturlim and Cotigao sanctuaries.Human activities, including fishing, pose the biggest threat to smooth-coated otters. While pollution is also a factor, local residents have reportedly spotted them even in the highly contaminated waters of St Inez creek.Otters primarily feed on fish, and possibility of sluice gate operators perceiving them as a threat to their catch cannot be ruled out.The carcasses of both otters were taken for an autopsy, the report of which is awaited.

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