Otter poaching in Palni Hills

Abstract

Palni Hills are known for their diverse flora and fauna including otters. The Common Otter Lutra lutra and the Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinerea reported from Palni Hills are under severe threat not only from habitat destruction but face extirmination from illegal poaching in the area. Nomadic tribes from Haryana are found to trap otters and sell their oil in northern Indian markets.