Smoot-coated Otter in Baluchistan, Pakistan
Pakistan J. Wildl., vol. 16(2), pp 12-15, 2025
New record of Smoot-coated Otter in Baluchistan, Pakistan
Waseem Ahmad Khan1 and Sahar Suleman1
1Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
Correspondence author:[email protected]
Running Title: Smoot-coated Otter in Baluchistan, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
According to the literature review, smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) has never been reported in the Baluchistan Province of Pakistan. But a few reports from some fish farmers and hunters in Baluchistan and personal communications with the officials of Baluchistan Forests & Wildlife Department about the existence of the species in some of the areas of Baluchistan adjacent to Sindh Province provided the base for investigating the existence of the species in Baluchistan. About 2000 km2 area was transverse in 25 field surveys each lasting three to seven days to study the otter distribution in Baluchistan. Different direct and indirect methods were applied to observe the otter’s existence in the study area. 15 sites were identified as the potential habitat of the species with signs of its existence, while at three site animals were directly sighted. At each site of otter existence GPS coordinates were recorded that were utilized for the development of distribution maps of the species. The species was found in isolated and fragmented habitats, and according to the residents, its appearance is recently noticed especially after the heavy rains and floods in Sindh and Baluchistan during 2010 and 2011. The results of the study are the first evidence of the otter’s existence in Baluchistan. It is a vital contribution to both wildlife conservation and ecological studies that will significantly alter the species’ distribution.
Keywords: Otter, GIS, Baluchistan, Population density, Quetta, wildlife conservation