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Lutrogale perspicillata

Smooth-Coated Otter

MammalBest Season: Jan–Dec

Best locations

9

Expert creators

0

Field Reports (12 months)

0

Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) — wildlife photography in India

(c) budak, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by budak

About this species

India's most commonly encountered otter, the Smooth-Coated Otter lives in family groups along rivers, lakes, and coastal wetlands. Kabini's backwaters and Chambal River are excellent locations where families of 4–8 individuals can be watched fishing cooperatively with remarkable coordination and speed. Watch Smooth-Coated Otters fishing in India's rivers and lakes. Family group behaviour, best safari locations, and photography tips.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Lutrogale perspicillata
Category / family
Mammal · —
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Moderate
Best locations
National Chambal SanctuaryKeoladeo National ParkChilika Lake Bird SanctuaryCauvery Wildlife SanctuaryCoringa Wildlife SanctuaryKen Gharial Sanctuary

Field Reports

0 total reports

No field reports yet for this species.

Best locations for Smooth-Coated Otter

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

RajasthanNational Chambal Sanctuary
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RajasthanKeoladeo National Park
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OdishaChilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
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KarnatakaCauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
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Andhra PradeshCoringa Wildlife Sanctuary
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Madhya PradeshKen Gharial Sanctuary
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Wildlife Creators Specialising in Smooth-Coated Otter

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Upcoming Trips Targeting Smooth-Coated Otter

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When and Where to Photograph Smooth-Coated Otter

India's most commonly encountered otter, the Smooth-Coated Otter lives in family groups along rivers, lakes, and coastal wetlands. Kabini's backwaters and Chambal River are excellent locations where families of 4–8 individuals can be watched fishing cooperatively with remarkable coordination and speed. Watch Smooth-Coated Otters fishing in India's rivers and lakes. Family group behaviour, best safari locations, and photography tips.

Plan field days around Jan–Dec: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in National Chambal Sanctuary.

Related species

  • Indian Rhinoceros
  • Nilgiri Tahr
  • Gaur
  • Sloth Bear
  • Assam Macaque
  • Western Hoolock Gibbon
  • Indian Fox
  • Golden Jackal
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