Status of Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) in Pakistan

A review of the available literature on smooth coated otter (lutrogale perspicillata sindica) has been made covering its nomenclature,status,distribution,biology,habitat,behavior,ecology,ecological role,food and feeding habits,breeding,territory size and various threats. out of 13 species or otters pakistan hosts only two: smooth coated otter (lutrogale perspicillata sindica) and eurasian or common otter (lutra lutra). smooth coated otter is called oodh balao in urdu language and the sub-species found in pakistan is known as sindh otter. the status of the species has recently been declared as vulnerable in pakistan by iucn. it prefers plain areas and is widely distributed in sindh,some parts of the punjab and a few places in khyber-pakhtunkhwa along indus river. the nocturnal mammal is adapted to a semi aquatic mode of life. average body weight is seven kg,head and body length 61 cm and tail length around 40 cm. smooth coated otter is a top carnivore of wetlands and feeds mainly (up to 96%) upon fish. it is considered to be a suitable indicator of pollution level in a wetland. the animals form strong monogamous pairs; males are larger but still females dominate the pair. breeding may occur throughout the year,gestation period varies from 61-63 days and young ones at their birth are covered with fur and their eyes do not open until up to 10 days. the weaning takes almost 130 days and the young ones start taking fish at the age of three months. liter size of 2-4 cubs is normal and rarely five but recently six cubs have been observed in sindh. the home range varies from 7-12 km 2 depending upon the availability of food and other basic attributes of the habitat. habitat fragmentation,otter-human conflicts,hunting for skins and lack of awareness among general public are main threats to the species. copyright 2010 zoological society of pakistan.