Distribution of Smooth-coated Otters (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae: Lutrogale perspicillata) in the coastal mangroves of Maharashtra: a case study of Savitri River and Kalinje Mangrove Ecosystem

Authors

  • Swanand R. Patil Arcane Conservancy, A 207 Saikrupa, BS Road, Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5386-6842
  • Manas Manjrekar Research and Capacity Buildling, Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1155-1291

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10066.17.12.28066-28075

Keywords:

Encounter rate, GIS, habitat, otter conervation, percentage of occurrence, research, survey

Abstract

This study aimed to document the distribution of Smooth-coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata within two ecologically distinct but poorly studied habitats in Maharashtra.: the Savitri River covering a 65 km stretch from Mahad to Bankot in Ratnagiri District, and the Kalinje Mangrove encompassing 8.4 km2 in Raigad District. Using indirect sign surveys, we estimated that otters occupied 36% of the surveyed length of the Savitri River and 13% of the Kalinje Mangrove area. Encounter rates were recorded at 0.65 signs/km in the Savitri River, and 0.41 signs/km in the Kalinje Mangrove. These observations contribute to baseline understanding of otter habitats in these landscapes and offer useful insights for conservation. Promoting long-term protection of otters will require collaboration with diverse stakeholders including fisherfolk, students and local forest departments to foster awareness, encourage co-existence, and integrate otter conservation into community-based stewardship.

Author Biographies

Swanand R. Patil, Arcane Conservancy, A 207 Saikrupa, BS Road, Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028, India.

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Manas Manjrekar, Research and Capacity Buildling, Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra, India.

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References

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Published

26-12-2025

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 12 (2025)

Section

Communications

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Swanand R. Patil, Manas Manjrekar

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