The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is an otter species occurring in most of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with a disjunct population in Iraq.It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 and is threatened by habitat loss, pollution of wetlands and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. The smooth-coated otter is one of the least studied species. Because of the limited knowl- This river that quenches our thirst is also home to two, and possibly three species of otters — the small-clawed, smooth-coated, and Eurasian otter. Training of Wildlife Staff The Sindh Wildlife Department is under staffed and lacks adequate resources to fulfill its mandate. The Sindh Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provides protection to all wild animals but its implementation is weak. In 1972, the otter was placed under protected status in the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act. This otter species is the biggest in Southeast Asia, with a length of 1 to 1.3 metres, including its tail, and weighs up to 11 kilograms. Recent studies undertaken in Gujarat highlighted the presence of smooth-coated otters in Surat, Bharuch & Narmada districts. In the UK IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on years of scientific research in the UK and around the world. For most of the 20th Century, the general feeling was that these animals were plentiful, if less common than the Asian Small-Clawed Otter, but there had been no surveys, and numbers were really unknown. You have reached your limit for free articles this month. The country seeks to boost the protection of all the five animal species as they are facing a high risk of international trade. All three species of otters are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). The proposals submitted are regarding changes in the listing of the smooth-coated otter, small-clawed otter, Indian star tortoise, Tokay gecko, wedgefish and Indian rosewood. Pande added that the mangrove cover is also used to make camouflaged dens. 2. The forest department has launched a programme for the conservation of smooth-coated otters in the Diamond City. Though protected by the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), otters are often illegally poached for pelts. Nepal. Asian small-clawed and smooth-coated otter populations have declined by … The smooth-coated otter is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN’s red list of threatened species. ; Fishing Cat. The Smooth-coated Otter is listed on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List as Vulnerable since 1996.It is also listed on the CITES Appendix II, and classified as an endangered species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities.