Activity Pattern, Behavioural Activity and Interspecific Interaction of Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Pages 5 - 17 (Report)The activity pattern, behavioural activity and interspecific interactions of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) with crocodilians viz. gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and mugger (Crocodylus palustris) was examined by monitoring four radio-implanted otters in the National Chambal Sanctuary, India. Based on the percentage of active telemetry recordings, the observed overall activity patterns of otters were in the form of a bimodal curve in which two periods of high activity were separated by a period of relative inactivity. In summer, the relative period of inactivity was greater than the winter and monsoons. Otters were more diurnal during winter than in summer or monsoon. Travelling and grooming were the most prevalent activities recorded during 422 sightings. Though the habitats and the diet of otters overlapped with gharial and mugger, their diurnal activity pattern was different and spatially they maintained a mutually agreeable strategy to avoid conflicts in sharing resources for basking and grooming.