Kottayam: A survey of the otter population along the Meenachil River in Kottayam district has been completed, revealing significant clusters of the species in several stretches of the river. According to the findings, five to ten otter families were identified in the Pala, Mutholy, Chempilavu and Kidangoor regions. In the stretch from Pampady and Malarikkal to Kumarakom, the survey recorded a higher density, with 20 to 25 groups.

The study was jointly carried out by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, the Social Forestry wing of the Kerala Forest Department, and the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.

The report notes that otter presence was limited in the upper reaches of the Meenachil River. However, larger family groups were found in downstream areas where extensive open land exists along the riverbanks, as well as in zones where the river merges with the Vembanad Lake. Residents living between Kidangoor and Kumarakom have also frequently reported incidents of otter bites, indicating their active presence in the region.

The survey report has suggested various measures to tackle the threat of otters such as afforestation on the banks of the river, providing assistance specified by the Wildlife Act to people suffering from the attack of otters and compensate for the damage caused to fish wealth and fishing equipment by otters.

Those who spoke at a function organised to release the survey report included Dr Manoj P Samuel, CWRDM Executive Director, Thomson Davis, district coordinator of Biodiversity Board, K Harilal, Erumely Range Officer of the Forest Department, Dr Punnen Kurien Venkadath, director of TIES, Dr Nelson P Abraham and Dr K K Jayasooryan, Kottayam centre director of CWRDM.

The survey was led by Dr Devanand, Dr Chandni, N B Sarath Babu, S A Sreekuttan, Meera Liza Jose, Nijila Rose Oommen, Thomas Yakoob, Arya Shaji, M M Mekha, Jomol Joseph and Simila Sibichan.