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WII Study Identifies Uttarakhand as Prime Otter Habitat in Ganga Basin

Source:timesofindia-indiatimes ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for UKPSC aspirants focusing on Uttarakhand's regional ecology, wildlife species, and research findings by premier institutes like WII located in the state.

Summary

A recent study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) indicates that the prime habitat for otters within the Ganga basin is predominantly concentrated in Uttarakhand, underscoring the state's vital role in aquatic biodiversity conservation.

Key Points

  • A study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that the Ganga basin's best otter habitat is heavily concentrated in Uttarakhand.
  • The research highlights the ecological significance of Uttarakhand's river systems in supporting vulnerable aquatic mammalian species like otters.
  • Otters serve as key bio-indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.

Important Terms

Wildlife Institute of India

An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, based in Dehradun, specializing in wildlife research and management.

UPSC context

Important for UPSC CSE/UKPSC Prelims & Mains (Environment & Ecology): Questions frequently feature its biodiversity assessments, conservation projects, and status reports.

WII

The acronym for the Wildlife Institute of India, a premier national body conducting scientific research on biodiversity, protected areas, and endangered species conservation.

UPSC context

Frequently appears in current affairs questions regarding environmental studies, wildlife corridors, and species habitat mapping in competitive exams like UKPSC.

Prelims Trap

All prime otter habitats in the Ganga basin are strictly restricted within notified protected areas of Uttarakhand.

Aspirants assume all crucial wildlife habitats in Uttarakhand lie inside National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries, missing that 21% of optimal otter habitats exist outside formal protected networks.

Static Concepts Connected

Uttarakhand Environment & Biodiversity Conservation

What are the key ecological characteristics and conservation status of otters found in India?

  • Species Diversity: Three species found in India: Smooth-coated, Eurasian, and Small-clawed otters.
  • IUCN Status: Smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  • Legal Protection: All otter species in India are protected under Schedule I or Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Bio-indicators: They act as premier freshwater bio-indicators, reflecting high water quality, pristine river channels, and abundant fish populations.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • WII Research + Wildlife Protection Act Framework

    Studies by institutions like WII are frequently tested for species status and habitat distribution under both state forest services and general UPSC/UKPSC environment modules.

  • Protected Area Gaps + Riverine Conservation

    Over 20% of otter habitats lie outside protected areas, linking local riverine conservation directly to landscape-level corridor planning and community reserves.

Expect a match-the-following or statement-based question on WII findings, IUCN status of smooth-coated otters, and bio-indicator roles.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2021UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    'Govind National Park' includes :

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate change. Statement 2 : Climate change is causing water stress and depleting biodiversity in Uttarakhand.