For the first time, smooth-coated otters were seen in an irrigation tank near Gollapur village in the Boath forest range of Adilabad district, Telangana. The sighting delighted forest officials and conservation experts. These otters are listed as Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List.
Forest staff and local tribals spotted a group of these semi-aquatic mammals during a field visit. Their presence shows that water quality is improving and fish numbers are healthy in the region’s water bodies. Officials say heavy rainfall and better protection from poaching helped create a good habitat for the otters.
To keep the animals safe, the forest department is tracking their movement. CCTV camera traps have been put around the tank. Officials are also raising awareness and working to make the area a stronghold for aquatic biodiversity conservation.
Smooth-coated otters play an important role in ecosystems by controlling fish populations. Their arrival in Adilabad is seen as a positive sign of ecological balance and natural recovery of water habitats.
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#SmoothCoatedOtters
#Adilabad
#TelanganaBiodiversity
#VulnerableSpecies
#WildlifeConservation
#AquaticHabitats
#BoathForestRange
#IrrigationTankSightings
