Photo: A.G. Ansari. Wildlife conservationist A.G. Ansari obtained photographic evidence of otters in the Kosi river, whilst birdwatching between Mohan and Chukam villages within the Ramnagar Forest Division, Upper Kosi Range. When Mr. Ansari noticed unusual activity in the water, he first thought that it was a cormorant fishing. However, when the animal surfaced, he realized with surprise that he was looking at an otter!
Though the Ramganga river in the adjacent Corbett Tiger Reserve hosts a healthy population of smooth-coated otters, this is the first photographic evidence of otters in the Kosi river that has surfaced in the last five decades. “The presence of Otters are mentioned in the old Management Plans of Ramnagar Forest Division but since half a century no one has had a direct sighting of this vulnerable mammal species. I believe no research work have been done on otters in the Kosi River," said Mr. Ansari.
The photographs taken by Mr. Ansari have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India for a confirmation on the sub-species.
Read more: Otters on the Brink, In India and Beyond.
