Venue: National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore
Dates: 25-29 November, 2013
Dates: 25-29 November, 2013
Photo credits: Kalyan Varma
Asia is developing at an unprecedented rate both economically and demographically. Over exploitation of natural resources, including otter furs and body parts, is just part of the problem. Habitat loss, pollution and the effects of climate change are taking a severe toll on Asian rivers, lakes and mangroves – all prime otter habitats. Freshwater ecosystems provide a wide range of goods and services. Wetlands exhibit extensive biodiversity, function as filters for pollutants, and are important for carbon sequestration and emissions. As top predators in freshwater wetland ecosystems, the loss of resident otter populations has a profound impact on the local food webs and habitat relationships.
Tropical Asia is home to 4 of the 13 otter species found across the world. India is home to 3 species - Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).
Tropical Asia is home to 4 of the 13 otter species found across the world. India is home to 3 species - Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).
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