First photographic record of Smooth-coated Otter <Lutra perspicillata> (Carnivora: Mustelidae) from Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India

Otters serve as apex predators and function as keystone species within aquatic ecosystems. Three species of otters are found in India, i.e., Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, the Smooth-coated Otter Lutra perspicillata, and the Asian Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus. However, little is known about otter distribution in Uttarakhand. Our study presents the first photographic evidence of Smooth-coated Otter from Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand. Smooth-coated Otter is listed on Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, affording it highest level of protection in India. Further studies will be crucial for assessing their distribution pattern and threats faced by them in the Nandhaur landscape.