Smooth Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) Task Force

Meeting held during the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group meeting in Korea, October 2007

Nicole Duplaix, Chair (USA); Dr S. A. Hussain (India) 

Current problems reported by Task Force members and proposed actions:

• Identify ‘hot spots’ where LP is known to be declining. Develop updated distribution map.
• Identify areas of increasing habitat loss (mangrove destruction, wetland loss, pollution, dams)
• What otter protection measures exist in India and SE Asian countries? Is there any enforcement?
• Report LP concerns to CITES, government agencies and NGOs in your country
• Fur trade/trapping and smuggling. Pelts appear to be going to China. More data are needed.
• Genotype – is the genotype of LP homogeneous across its range?
• Change the Red Data Book listing from “vulnerable” to ??
• Promote breeding program of LP in captivity in Asian zoos.
• Export captive bred LP to key zoos in Europe and USA to expand captive breeding program.
• Develop web site with full LP bibliography in downloadable format to promote awareness
• Encourage and train students to study LP in the field, particularly in hot spot areas of concern.