THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, November 25: Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has a rich variety of big and small mammals, including major and middle-order carnivores, along with an impressive range of birdlife.
While tigers, elephants, and leopards often draw the most attention, the reserve’s lesser-known species are equally important.
Otter: A Little-Known River Mammal in PTR
One such lesser-known species is the otter.
Tourists visiting the Burha Nadi or the waterfall area like Sugga Bandh rarely discuss this unique semi-aquatic mammal, which lives both in water and on land.
The semi-aquatic carnivore otter is believed to be found in and around Sugga Bandh, located under the south division of PTR.
Paramjeet Tiwary, secretary of the Sugga Bandh eco-development committee and forester-in-charge of the Bareysarn range, said,
“There are clear signs of the presence of this semi-aquatic carnivore mammal otter within the area of Sugga Bandh.”
He added that otters eat only fish, and the Burha Nadi at Sugga Bandh has an abundant fish population, making it easy for otters to find food.
ZSI Conducted Significant Study on Otters
Wildlife Institute of India researcher Shahzada Iqbal, who has worked on wolves in the Wolf Sanctuary under Mahuadanr range, said,
A team of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) had carried out important work on otters in Sugga Bandh.
The ZSI team found visible signs and footprints of this fish-dependent, semi-aquatic carnivore.
Iqbal shared that he was once part of a team that attempted to camera-trap otters in PTR, but the effort was unsuccessful.
He explained the main reason:
“Otters are nocturnal. They come out mostly at 2 or 3 am. Setting up cameras to catch them on water is not always effective.”
Sources say that while many other animals are easily camera-trapped, otters are intelligent enough to avoid the technology.
Otters often stay near the riverbank and ambush fish with the skill and speed of a trained commando.
Researcher Iqbal confirmed their presence again:
“Otters are in the Burha Nadi. Tourists should try to learn about them.”
There is no history of otter poaching in PTR, nor have otters ever harmed humans.
There are no cases of man-otter conflict in the reserve.
Otters live in fresh water, and the Burha Nadi still maintains its natural purity, which helps the species thrive.
Eco-Development Committee Keeps Area Clean
The Sugga Bandh eco-development committee works hard to keep the surroundings free of plastic and polythene, said secretary Paramjeet Tiwary.
Tourists’ leftover food is also disposed of properly, he added.
