Otters are considered the “ambassadors of the wetlands”. Their presence is the best indicator of the health of the wetland’s ecosystem. However, rampant poaching and habitat destruction threaten the future of otters in India.

In India, wetlands are classified as “wasteland” and drained for conversion to agricultural or urban use. Loss of habitat, pollution and heavy fishing pressure have exterminated otters from most areas. In other areas they have been completely wiped out due to poaching. As a result, most otter populations are now confined to protected areas.

WPSI started investigating the otter pelt trade when we realised that it was closely linked to the illegal trade in tiger and leopard parts. At one stage, otter pelts accounted for 20 to 30% of wild animal skins seized in northern India. Like the big cats, otter skins are mainly smuggled out of the country into China.

WPSI investigates the illegal otter skin trade in order to expose the problem and to help apprehend the criminals involved in the trade. We also spread awareness on otter conservation. Copies of a documentary film "...And then There Were None" made by Syed Fayaz of RGB Films (which was supported by the British High Commission's Devolved Environmental Project Fund) have been sent to 35 training institutes for forest officers, along with information on the trade to state governments in north, northeast and southern India.