Smooth-coated otters spotted in Adilabad district

ADILABAD

Much to the delight of nature enthusiasts, smooth-coated otters, the semi-aquatic mammals, were sighted in an irrigation tank at Gollapur village in Adilabad district on Sunday.  

According to Forest Department sources, around six smooth-coated otters were spotted moving around the tank bed during a field inspection near Gollapur village under the Boath forest range.

Listed as vulnerable in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, smooth-coated otters are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Following the sighting of the rare species, perhaps for the first time in Boath forest range, the officials concerned stepped up vigil to ensure their safety.