First photographic record of Smooth-coated Otter <Lutrogale perspicillata> from the canals in Upper Ganga Ramsar Site, Uttar Pradesh, India

Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata is one of the three species of otters found in India. Photographs from the Lower Ganga Canal confirmed the presence of the species in the Ganga River in January of 2021 and 2023. This is the first confirmed record of a Smooth-coated Otter from the canal network of the middle stretch of the Ganga River. This observation indicates the rich aquatic and riparian habitat of the Ganga River, associated canal network along the Upper Ganga River Ramsar Site that needs to be conserved on priority.