Spotting Three Species Of Otters In India

Otters are members of the Mustelidae mammalian family. They are social animals, showing fascinating and charismatic nature with eccentric and elusive habits, rarely seen by the masses owing to their nightcrawler tendencies. These crepuscular animals thrive in various habitats, ranging from marine to freshwater. Otters are aquatic mammals known for their playful behaviour and streamlined bodies adapted for life in the water. There are thirteen species worldwide, spread across all continents except Antarctica and Australia. In India, three species are found - the Smooth Coated otter, Asian Small Clawed otter and the Eurasian otter.