Context:
Recently, Eurasian otter was found in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra):
- Features: Shy, nocturnal, good swimmer and fish catcher etc.
- Habitat: Semi-aquatic, lives in water bodies, marshes, swamp forests, coastal areas etc.
- Distribution –
- World: Europe, Asia and Africa.
- India: Northern, northeast and southern India.
- Conservation Status –
- IUCN List: Nearly Threatened
- Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Threats – Pollution, poaching, habitat loss, accidental trapping etc.
About Otters:
- Regarded as ‘tigers of rivers’.
- Their presence indicates good water quality and ecosystem balance.
- India – Home to 3 of the 13 species found worldwide.
- 3 Species – Smooth-coated otter, Asian small-clawed otter ( Aonyx cinerea), Eurasian otter
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location – Kerala (Idukki)
- Situated near the Annamalai hills
- Comes under the jurisdiction of Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park:
- Location – Kerala (Idukki)
- Situated in the High Ranges (Kannan Devan Hills) of the Southern Western Ghats
- Land of “Neelakurinji” (flower that blooms once in 12 years)
- Anamudi peak – on the southern side of the Park
- Flora – Rolling grasslands and shola forests
- Major Fauna – Nilgiri Tahr
- Other National Parks in Kerala – Anamudi Shola, Mathikettan Shola, Pambadum Shola, Periyar NP, Silent Valley NP.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is spread over two districts.
2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Normally human activities are not allowed in National Park but many villagers lived inside Desert National park, and they did not have access to even basic facility like road, electricity and water. In 2017, Supreme Court ordered the government to provide such facilities to them.
