Final Report

FINAL REPORT

Project title : CONSERVATION OF OTTER HABITATS THROUGH STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION Project ID : 03190314

Host country : India Site location : Goa (Latitude 15.466, Longitude 74.028) Dates in the field : July 2014 – May 2015

Names of any institutions involved in organizing the project: Wild Otters, Mhadei Research Center, WCS – India

Overall Aim : Favorable conservation status of otters is secured in Goa

Authors : Atul Arun Sinai Borker Adithi Muralidhar Bhavna Menon Shreecharan Desai

Permanent address : H. No. 887/13, Kamat Nagar, Porvorim-socorro, Bardez, Goa - 403501, India Email : [email protected] Website : www.wildotters.com

Date : 12th July 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements 3 Summary 4 Introduction 5 Project Members 7 Aims and Objectives 9 Methodology 10 Outputs and Results 13-26 1. Otter surveys 12 2. Threats to otters 16 3. Public awareness 25 4. Policy 28 Achievements and Impacts 29 Conclusion 36 Problems encountered and lessons learnt 37 In the Future 39 Appendices 40 Bibliography 65 Address list and web links 67 Distribution list 67

ACKNOWLEDMENTS

We would like to thank Conservation Leadership Program for funding the project.

We would like to thank Mhadei Research Center, Wildlife Conservation Society – India, The Gerry Martin Project and the Goa Forest Department for their support during the project.

We would like to thank Nirmal Kulkarni, Dr. Vidya Athreya, Dr. Ajit Kumar, Dipani Sutaria, Abhishek Gopal, Hannah Krupa, Adithi Muralidhar, Sricharan Desai, Bhavna Menon, Girish Punjabi, Jessica Luis, Anushka Rege, Prakash Salelkar, Gerry Martin, Chandini Chhabra, Sumanth Madhav, Mohan, PCCF Richard D’souza (IFS), Shashikiran Hegde, Andrew Underwood, N. D. Naik, Leela Roy, Shweta S. B., Sindhura S. B., Kimberly Lopes, Kedar Marathe, Gayatri Desai, Vasudha Desai, Marta Gomez, Robyn Dalzen, Stuart Paterson, Kiragu Mwangi, Christina Imrich, Iain Dickson, Julie Lewis, Matrin Fowlie, Maureen Ryan, Christine Ageton, Martin Davis, Nalini Mohan, Peter Luis, and the fishermen and villagers from otter habitats for their contributions to the project.

SUMMARY

The project contributes to secure favorable conservation status for otters in Goa. The key objectives of this project were to: 1) establish baseline data on otter occupancy and distribution; 2) identify potential threats faced by otters; 3) create public awareness on otters and 4) disseminate data on otter distribution and potential threats to policy makers. Key results achieved are: 1) Otter occupancy is 75.38%, distribution mapped; 2) 494 otter videos recorded on camera traps; 3) Seven probable threats faced by otters documented; 4) Four media articles published about otters in Goa; 5) Forest department officials (policy makers) now have increased awareness on otters; and 6) Paper published in Small Carnivore Conservation Journal on the presence of Asian Small-clawed Otter in Goa.

Impacts created- 1) Conservation support for otters in Goa is created; 2) Our work is acknowledged nationally and internationally; 3) Follow up research on otters has already commenced 4) Wild Otters was founded www.wildotters.com; 5) Twelve interns/volunteers trained on otter ecology and field survey techniques; 6) Fifty two (52) fishermen and 192 villagers are now aware about importance of otters; 7) Over 1100 students are now familiar with otters

Unseasonal rainfall impacted field surveys. Two camera-traps were stolen; one was damaged. Some grids were inaccessible.

Image 1: A Smooth-coated otter in its habitat

INTRODUCTION

Conservation value of the project Our project is the first large-scale scientific study on otters in Goa. There was no data available on their presence, distribution and threats faced. Our project work addressed this data deficiency and has provided clarity on their conservation needs and threats faced by otters in Goa.

A large study area (with 873 km of perennial river length) was selected by the team. Successful execution of this project has created a strong foundation for long term otter conservation in the state of Goa. Research and documentation that was a consequence of this project has contributed to otter conservation nationally and internationally.

Smooth-coated Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Asian Small-clawed Otters (Aonyx cinereus) are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Informal interviews with locals indicated otter sightings in Goa have declined rapidly over the last 10 years. Sand and iron ore mining, fishing and landscape modification were possible reasons for habitat loss and degradation. A dearth of scientific studies on otters in Goa has possibly led to no conservation actions being taken in this regard. Policy makers had no data on otter presence and threats.

Through this scientifically executed project, we have collected data on otter presence, distribution and threats. Project findings were disseminated among relevant stakeholders.

Project site background and conservation significance Goa is a small state in the west of India. Otter populations in Goa are distributed across the state. Most of the eastern part of Goa comes under Western Ghats (a global biodiversity hotspot); the western part of Goa which frequented by tourists have otter habitats overlapping with human dominated landscapes. Goa has an area of 3702sq. km. with rivers spread across the state (total river length of 873 km). These rivers are home to Smooth-coated and Asian Small-clawed otters.

Key partners and their role Goa Forest Department gave the necessary permissions for access and camera trapping inside protected areas. Mhadei Research Center contributed with infrastructure and logistical support. Scientists from Wildlife Conservation Society – India helped with their expertise and guided our team. We collaborated with Study and Awareness of Wildlife and Environment (SAWE) for conducting educational and outreach activities.

Fig 1: Map of the field site

PROJECT MEMBERS

1. Atul Borker (Team Leader)

Atul is Founder-Director of an India based environmental organization Wild Otters. Atul has over 2 years of experience working on otters and is also the Full Member of IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group. He designed this project. His role involves project management and leadership, camera trapping, field surveys, questionnaire surveys, secondary data documentation, data analysis, photo-documentation and outreach.

2. Adithi Muralidhar

Adithi did her post-graduation in Zoology with a specialization in Environmental Sciences. She has worked with various local and national organizations, state forest departments, NGOs and initiatives on science education projects. Her experience includes biodiversity and transect surveys, photo- documentation of herpetofauna, education projects etc. She has published numerous articles on environmental themes. Her role involves literature survey, data compilation, outreach, and awareness content development.

3. Bhavna Menon

Bhavna is a Project coordinator for Last Wilderness Foundation, an India based environmental organization. She is working on tribal community welfare in protected areas. She has been working with rural and urban kids on wildlife education. Her role involves literature survey, data compilation, outreach, and awareness content development.

4. Shreecharan Desai

Shreecharan Desai is a Founder member of Goa based environmental organization SAWE (Study and Awareness of Wildlife and Environment). He has been doing animal rescues for over 7 years. He has been working with local communities to generate conservation support. His role involves conducting field surveys, questionnaire surveys, outreach and educational programs.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Aim Our project was planned and executed to contribute to the overall goal of securing favorable conservation status for otters in Goa. The purpose of this project was to empower otter conservation efforts by addressing the data deficiency of otter distribution and threats, providing this data to relevant stakeholders; and generating support at the community and the policy level.

Project objectives 1. To establish baseline data on otter occupancy, distribution and habitat preference 2. Identify potential threats to otters 3. Create public awareness about otters 4. Disseminate relevant data to policy makers

Adaptations There were no major adaptations or changes to the original project statement. Minor adaptations were made by the team to counter unseasonal rainfall and camera trap theft; details of which are provided in the “problems encountered and lessons learned” section.

Image 2: A prospering family of Smooth-coated Otters photographed during field surveys

METHODOLOGY

Field Methods Field surveys were carried out under occupancy sampling framework to find the distribution and habitat preferences of Smooth-coated otter and Asian small-clawed otter. Rivers/streams across Goa (potential otter habitats) were digitized using Google Earth and QGIS software. Nine sq. km. grids, larger than otter home range (Karanth et al. 2011), were placed on the river segments across Goa. Shapes of the grids vary as per the river geometry. 93 grids covered all rivers within the field site. Seven spatially separated 200m transects (replicates) were placed within each grid.

Fig 2: Grids overlaid on river segments in Goa; green cover on the right indicates the protected areas.

Sampling was carried out from January to May 2015; as detection probability of otter signs is high in the drier months (Prakash et al., 2012; Fusillo, Marcelli & Boitani, 2007). Sampling without replacement was carried out assuming a closed population (Mackenzie 2006; Mackenzie et al., 2002). Seven surveys were conducted within each grid with each replicate

9 being surveyed once. During the field surveys, we recorded otter signs like fresh/old spraints (Mason & Macdonald, 1987), latrine sites, feeding sites, grooming sites, paw prints and dens. Otter sightings were recorded separately. Otter signs and/or sightings were considered as an evidence of habitat use. Density of otter signs was used as an indicator to determine the intensity of habitat use. Garmin GPS devices were used to mark latitude, longitude and altitude of any otter sign and/or sighting.

Opportunistic camera trapping (Bushnell HD camera traps) was used to document otter activity pattern, group size, frequency of habitat use and for species identification. DSLR camera was used to get photographic evidences of otters. Direct sightings and photographs were used for species identification.

Image 3: One of the most promising Smooth-coated Otter den found during the transect surveys.

Image 4: Otter signs – paw print, grooming site and spraint

Analysis Simple Single Season occupancy model was used for this study (MacKenzie et al., 2006). Site specific covariates considered in the sampling model were: protected area status; fishing activity; iron ore mining activity; sand mining activity; number of check dams; river characteristic - fresh water or brackish water; and presence of mangrove forest. Sample specific covariates considered in the sampling model were: river characteristics – main river, creek, bandh (mud embankments frequently used by Smooth-coated otters); river bank characteristics – farmland presence, rocky, sandy; altitude; stream depth; and solid waste presence. Presence and R software were used to analyze and interpret the sampling data (Hines 2006; 2013).

Threats identification Threats faced by otters were identified during field surveys and digitally mapped using QGis. Sand mining impact on Smooth-coated otter and Asian small-clawed otter was studied separately.

Community engagement Awareness programs for fishermen were conducted on individual basis or in a small group to ensure that personal attention was given to each fisherman. Otter T-shirts and stickers were given to fishermen to reduce animosity towards otters. Otter footages were shown to villagers from otter habitats explaining importance of otter presence. Further, outreach programs were conducted in schools and awareness was also created through social media networking.

Forest department engagement Posters and stickers were shared with forest department officials along with presentations on otters. Project findings were shared with the policy makers via reports, infographics and posters.

OUTPUTS AND RESULTS

1. Otter Surveys: Baseline data on otter occupancy, distribution and habitat preference is established

Estimated proportion of river length occupied by otters based on all signs was 75.38 percent and 44.62 percent based on recent signs. Signs less than a week old were considered recent.

Fig 3: Distribution of Smooth-coated and Asian Small-clawed otter in Goa

In Goa, Asian Small-clawed otters preferred rocky forest streams having depth of 0.2 to 0.4 meters.

18 16 16

8 Fresh Otter Sign Otter Fresh 6 5

2 1

0 0 - 0.2 0.2 - 0.4 0.4 - 0.6 Stream Depth in m

Fig 4: Distribution of Asian Small-clawed otter signs across various stream depths

70 64

60 55

30 20

signs otter of Number 10 2 1 0 1 - 50 50 - 100 100 - 150 150 - 200

Altitude in meters

Fig 5: Altitude distribution of Asian Small-clawed otter signs

Image 5: Undisturbed shallow forest streams are ideal habitat for Asian Small-clawed Otter

Majority of Smooth-coated otter signs were found in mangroves below the altitude of 25 meters 300 276

250

200

150

100

Number of otter signs otter of Number 50

4 0 0

1 - 25 25 - 50 50 - 75

Altitude in meters Fig 6: Distribution of smooth coated otters across varying altitudes

Image 6: Mangrove forests provide the necessary cover and security to Smooth-coated Otters

2. Threats to otters: Potential threats faced by otters are known

1. Habitat loss Construction along riverbanks causes habitat loss for otters. Concrete retaining walls constructed along the river banks in Goa have impacted Smooth-coated otters.

Image 7: Retaining wall construction affects several micro habitat parameters

2. Check Dams

Check dams with concrete retaining walls impact otter habitats negatively; causing habitat fragmentation and loss. Presence of check dams showed negative correlation of – 0.513 to otter presence.

dams check of No.

Otter signs

Fig 7: Correlation between otter signs and check dams

Image 8: Check dam along with concrete retaining walls which fragment otter habitat

Fig 8: Distribution of check dams in Goa

3. Iron ore mining

Areas impacted by iron ore mining were mapped.

Fig 9: Areas impacted by Iron ore mining in Goa

4. Sand mining

Image 9: Sand mining activity destroys forest streams causing loss of potential otter habitat

Image 10: Sand mining in the Mandovi river, Goa

Sand mining causes habitat deterioration. Asian Small-clawed otter habitats are more vulnerable to sand mining compared to Smooth-coated otters. Below is the distribution of the sand mining impacted areas.

Fig 10: Areas impacted by sand mining in Goa

5. Fishing and retaliatory killing

One instance of retaliatory killing documented, information about two others came to light from informal discussions with fishermen. One otter died after being caught in the fishing net. These events are found to be rare.

Fishing areas showed a positive correlation of 0.445 with otter presence indicating that these areas may be a food-rich zone for otters.

Intensity Fishing

Otter signs

Fig 11: Plot of Fishing Intensity v/s Otter signs

Image 11: A Smooth-coated Otter killed by fishermen in retaliation

Image 12: Left - Fishing net pieces found inside Smooth-coated Otter spraint. Right - Cuts on a Smooth-coated Otter’s face caused by feeding from nylon gill nets used by fishermen.

6. Poaching Poaching was a threat in the past, but may not be considered as a primary threat now. No recent poaching evidences. In 2015, three poachers were caught by the forest department before they attempted to catch otters.

Image by Omkar Naik

Image 13: Poachers with their snares

7. Waste dumped in rivers Waste dumped in rivers affect water quality and could consequently affect prey availability for otters.

Image 14: Solid waste seen in the streams

3. Public awareness: Public awareness to care for otter presence and survival is generated

Importance of otters was explained to 52 fishermen; outreach sessions on otters were conducted for 192 villagers.

Fishermen change perspective towards otters Fishermen are unhappy with otter presence; our team spent time with them understanding their concerns and explained importance of otters. We gave each fishermen dedicated attention. We engaged with one to three fishermen at a time. This had a positive impact as they felt valued and cared for. Fishermen were happy to receive otter postcards and otter T-shirts; this built appreciation among fishermen towards otters thereby reducing animosity between otters and fishermen. Our strategy of giving dedicated attention was effective as we could observe the change in perspective of the fishermen towards otters as our project unfolded. These fishermen don’t look at otters as pests anymore. Goa has very large fishing community; within the limited timeframe we were only able to cover a small percentage of the fishermen. More follow up work would be needed to build on the success of this work.

Villagers appreciate otter presence Many villagers were unaware of otter presence in their villages. Villagers, who knew about otters, did not care about their existence. During our programs we showed pictures and videos of otters recorded by our team from their villages. We explained the importance of otters and interesting facts about these fascinating animals. We could see the attitude shift during the course of the program. Most villagers now have positive outlook towards otters, some are now proud of having otters around. As majority of Smooth-coated otters are found outside protected area we are looking forward to continue our work in more villages.

Image 15: Left - A selfie with the fishermen after explaining him the importance of otters. Right – Otter T-shirts and stickers distributed among fishermen to increase awareness, reduce animosity and build appreciation. Bottom – A fisherman appreciating an otter image

Children getting to know otters Presentations were given in 12 schools engaging with over 1100 students. Our team conducted presentations for children on otters. Most of them got to know about otters for the first time. The presentations were followed by role play activities where kids acted like otters. Otter stickers were distributed among the kids. The events were planned to ensure that kids have fun while learning. It was a unique experience for the children which most of them will remember for a long time.

Otter conservation support through public awareness Before our project people knew very little about otter presence in Goa. Now otter presence in Goa is internationally known. Through social media networking, media publications and our website we have reached out to a large number of people across the globe. This has helped in creating otter conservation support in Goa.

Image 16: Presentations involved interaction with over 1100 students. Otter stickers distributed; kids reenacted otters seen on camera trap videos

4. Policy: Policy makers have increased awareness on otters with data available on otter distribution and potential threats

Forest department officials of the concerned sanctuaries were kept in the loop throughout the course of the project. Project findings were made available to policy makers via reports, infographics and posters.

Forest department empowered to address threats Forest department had no data one otter distribution and threats. Despite being the authority responsible to take otter conservation actions; the data deficiency made them handicap to address potential threats faced by otters. Our report is the first report on otters in Goa. With the necessary data now available on threats faced by otters; the forest department can now take legal actions to address threats faced by otters. Our work has created a lot of awareness among the forest department staff about otter presence in Goa. Before our work the Goa Forest Department was not aware about presence of Asian Small-clawed otter in Goa. Now they are looking forward to address the threats faced.

Image 17: Otter family poster will be put in the Forest Officer’s office in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary to bring this elusive mammal to the spotlight.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTS

Otter distribution and conservation priority areas

We successfully mapped the distribution of Smooth-coated and Asian Small-clawed otters in Goa. We have also mapped conservation priority areas giving clarity on where the conservation action needs to be focused.

Below are theareas of promising otter presence which should be the focal point of conservation actions.

Fig 12: Conservation focus areas

Field Surveys 402 otter signs were recorded during field surveys; of which 122 belonged to Asian Small-clawed Otter and 280 belonged to Smooth-coated Otter.

Camera trapping and in-situ photography 13 Smooth-coated Otters and 6 Asian Small-clawed Otter families were recorded on camera traps (494 videos of otter behavior). 417 high quality otter photos now available for outreach. It is one of the highest levels of digital documentation done on otters across the globe.

Image 18: Video snapshot of Smooth-coated Otter and Asian Small-clawed Otter

Sympatry was observed in one study location Asian Small-clawed Otter and Smooth-coated Otter were both recorded on the same camera trap for the first time in India.

Image 19: Asian Small-clawed Otter (left) and Smooth-coated Otter (right) at exact same location

Threats Six potential threats to otters were identified. Areas with high density of check dams showed absence of otters; this indicates that they may be a hindrance to otters. Sand mining did not show much impact on otter presence. Asian Small-clawed otter habitats were found to be more vulnerable to sand mining as compared to Smooth-coated otters. It was observed that sand mining causes habitat deterioration, and uncontrolled sand mining could be potentially dangerous. Iron ore mining was banned in Goa for three years (2013-2016) due to its damaging impact on ecosystem. Despite the ban, the existing habitats with iron ore mining activity seem unsuitable for otter presence. Due to the mining ban, the current impact of active iron ore mining on otters could not be studied. Mangrove forest patches present in estuaries are home to otters and has fishing villages nearby. Although fishing activity has been on a rise; smooth-coated otters have been able to adapt and survive in these areas owing to good availability of prey (mainly fish). Fishing has shown a positive correlation of 0.445 with otter presence; indicating that otters are comfortable living with fishermen. Impact of fishing on otters needs to be closely monitored; as it can pose a threat to otters in the future. Informal discussions indicated that poaching used to happen in the past; but no recent instances of poaching were recorded, similar to what Prakash et al (2012) reported in their Western Ghats study. Waste dumped in rivers deteriorates stream habitat which impact fish availability. We found that otters adapted to the presence of solid waste. But it is possible that polluted water bodies that have chemical or untreated sewage waste could make the habitat unsuitable for otters.

Image 20: A fisherman at work

Capacity building Four otter ecology workshops were conducted during the course of this project. We trained 12 interns and volunteers to carry out otter ecology surveys. Interns and volunteers trained were wildlife enthusiasts with very little or no knowledge on otters. During the workshops they were provided in-depth training on otter ecology of the species found in India and an overview of all 13 otter species. They were trained to locate signs of Smooth-coated otter and Asian Small-clawed otter. They were trained in the use of scientific equipment like GPS, camera trap and also the related software’s GPA Trackmaker, Google Earth and QGis. They were also provided an opportunity to participate in our community work and school programs.

Image 21: Above - Interns recording paw print of Smooth-coated Otter. Below – Intern recording otter spraint

New organization established for otter conservation and research Wild Otters organization was founded in September 2014. Organization website www.wildotters.com has been getting very promising response from individuals across India and the world. The CLP grant made it possible. We received some very encouraging words from Nicole Duplaix (Chair of IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group) regarding “Wild Otters” and our project work.

Image 22: Home page of the Wild Otters website and the snapshot of e-mail from IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Chair

Outreach Engagement with various stakeholders to generate public awareness on otters was established. Two Facebook pages were created on otters for spreading awareness; together having around 2000 followers.

Image 23: Facebook pages spreading awareness on otters to global audience

Presenting work at conferences We presented our work on otters at 13th International Otter Congress in Singapore (2016) and at Students Conference on Conservation Science – Bengaluru (2014, 2015).

Image 24: Atul presenting at 13th International Otter Congress in Singapore 2016

Project findings and conservation efforts appreciated by IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Chair IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Chair Nicole Duplaix shared our work with as a reference for everyone undertaking otter conservation actions.

Fig 13: Snapshot of e-mail from IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Chair

CONCLUSION

Otter distribution and habitat preference Smooth-coated otters were found in fresh as well as brackish water. Additionally, a fair number of smooth coated otter populations were found outside protected areas. This reiterates what previous studies have emphasized, that is, the need to integrate management of modified land uses with the management of protected areas (DeFries, Karanth & Pareeth, 2010).The perception and the attitudes of the villagers from otter habitats are important for their secure future.

Asian Small-clawed Otters were found only in fresh water. Flowing shallow forest streams were preferred by them. Majority of their population was found inside the protected areas.

Threats Habitat loss, presence of check dams, fishing and retaliatory killing, iron ore mining, sand mining, poaching, and waste dumped in rivers were explored. High density of check dams seem to have negative impact on otter presence and can make the habitat unsuitable for them. In the estuarine areas with abundant fish, both otters and fishermen seem to co-exist. Asian Small- clawed otter habitats were found to be more vulnerable to sand mining than Smooth-coated otter habitats.

Contribution to conservation This project has addressed the data deficiency pertaining to otters in Goa. Relevant stakeholders now have the necessary data on distribution and habitat preference of Smooth-coated and Asian Small-clawed otters in Goa. With conservation priority areas mapped, this project has laid the foundation for long term otter conservation in Goa and consequently in the other states of India where otters can be found. Otter scientists and wildlife conservationists have shown interest in our work; and this has led to new collaborations which have further strengthened our otter conservation effort. Using this project as a foundation, follow up otter conservation projects have already commenced.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND LESSONS LEARNT

Majority of the field sites were located outside protected areas (76 grids out of 95). So, in addition to the wildlife permits; our team needed to take permissions from the local land owners to access certain stretches of the river. In most cases, our team was successful in getting permissions from private land owners, but some grids were not accessible.

Majority of Smooth-coated Otter habitats was along mangrove patches. Mangrove cover along the river banks made it difficult to conduct surveys by boat. Our team managed to reach transect survey locations by foot, walking through the field and by using the narrow village roads. Although surveys were carried out successfully, the approach paths to transect locations took up a significant amount of time and energy.

Presence of large number of check dams made some grids inaccessible for surveys (172 check dams in study area).Check dams with concrete banks cause sudden increase in the water level. This made it impossible to walk along the river banks and carry out transects.

Image 25: View of a typical check dam which impacted transect surveys

Two camera traps were stolen; one camera trap was damaged with the memory card being stolen and one camera trap stopped working after being exposed to an unexpected heavy downpour in March 2015.We were unable to place camera traps at some promising locations owing to high risk of theft. We left notes on the camera traps, camouflaged it by taping leaves

37 and even secured it by using chain and lock. While this worked in some places, it probably was still risky in certain areas owing to curious onlookers (villagers and migrant laborers).

Large number of check dams impacted the flow of the rivers, hence stream orders could not be considered as a covariant as described in the original plan.

Important lessons learned Having no full-time team members and interns can make the work excessively challenging. This needs to be considered during the project planning phase. Monsoon can impact field work; additional buffer time needs to be allocated to counter this.

Wiser and efficient fund management helped us substantially with achieving objectives. We were able to maintain great work intensity throughout the project without the funds running out.

IN THE FUTURE

Our project work has built a strong foundation for long term otter conservation work in Goa. Follow up otter conservation and research projects have already commenced. We hope to work further with the policy makers and communities to take pro-active conservation actions. India has many areas where otter research can contribute to conservation efforts. We will also aim to build capacity for otter conservation nationally.

Co-existence of otters and humans is very important for the survival of otters in Goa. Future work will involve more community and public engagement in otter conservation. Future research will focus on behavioral aspects of otters to better understand the conservation needs of this elusive species.

Image 26: Lactating Smooth-coated otter female in human dominated landscape

APPENDICES

1. CLP M&E measures table

Output Number Additional Information Number of CLP Partner Staff Robyn Dalzen, Stuart Paterson, Kiragu Mwangi, involved in mentoring the Project 6 Christina Imrich, Iain Dickson, Julie Lewis Species: Smooth-coated Otter and Asian Small- Number of species assessments clawed Otter. Data on the distribution, threats contributed to (E.g. IUCN and habitat preference is submitted to assessments) 2 IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group. Number of site assessments contributed to (E.g. IBA assessments) 0 NGO name: Wild Otters. More details on Number of NGOs established 1 www.wildotters.com For CLP work, we managed with CLP funding; no extra funding was necessary. We have Amount of extra funding started follow up work for which we have leveraged ($) 0 leveraged 5000 USD Presence of Asian Small-clawed otter was Number of species recorded for the first time in Mhadei Wildlife discovered/rediscovered Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and Bhagvan 1 Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary Number of sites designated as important for biodiversity (e.g. IBA/Ramsar designation) 0 Number of species/sites legally protected for biodiversity 0 Number of stakeholders actively engaged in species/site Forest department, local community were the conservation management 2 key stakeholder involved Using our project finding we are working with Number of species/site the Goa Forest Department to develop species management plans/strategies management strategies for Smooth-coated and developed 2 Asian Small-clawed otters. Forest department, fishermen, local community, outreach NGO’s, educational Number of stakeholders reached institutes, research and conservation NGO’s, 7 IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Fishermen now have reduced animosity towards otters. Some villagers take pride in Examples of stakeholder otter presence in their village. Our work has behaviour change brought about changed the outlook of the Forest Department by the project. towards otters, they are no more neglected by 3 the Forest Department

No policy change yet, but we expect conservation management policies to be Examples of policy change created for otters based on information brought about by the project provided by our project to the forest 0 department This project let to the founding of ‘Wild Otters’ Number of jobs created creating job opportunities for 5 people. Details 5 on www.wildotters.com http://www.smallcarnivoreconservation.org/ho Number of academic papers me/wp- published content/uploads/2015/03/SCC51_Punjabi-et- 1 al_2014.pdf We presented our work on otters at 13th Number of conferences where International Otter Congress in Singapore project results have been (2016) and at Students Conference on presented 3 Conservation Science – Bengaluru (2014, 2015).

2. Income and expenditure statement

Income Details & Justification (amount Expense in Itemized expenses (Justification must be provided if figure in column D received from USD is +/- 25%) CLP) in USD PHASE I - PROJECT PREPARATION Communications 900.00 1,014.24 (telephone/internet/postage) Atul became a member of IUCN Otter Specialist Group Field guide books, maps, journal articles and (OSG), which allowed us full access to many publications 300.00 35.18 other printed materials on otters through OSG library. So our team saved money on buying journal articles. Insurance 100.00 102.28 Visas and permits 300.00 295.23 Team training 200.00 193.05 EQUIPMENT Scientific/field equipment and supplies 3,720.00 3,914.44 Photographic equipment 510.00 512.56 Camping equipment 940.00 968.84 Due to the thick mangrove patches most of the field surveys were conducted on foot and using roadways to Boat/engine/truck (including car hire) 900.00 504.19 access the river bank. This allowed us to save on the boat hiring cost. Team members used their own vehicles to save up on car/bike hiring costs. Laptop and external hard drive 600.00 670.02 PHASE II - IMPLEMENTATION Accommodation for team members and local 900.00 989.95 guides Food for team members and local guides 1,322.00 1,416.06 Travel by road increased as most river banks had to be Travel and local transportation (including accessed by roads rather than by boat (due to thick 900.00 1214.66 fuel) mangrove cover). This increased fuel and local transportation costs. Customs and/or port duties 0.00 0.00 Workshops 600 554.44 Outreach/Education activities and materials 900.00 859.35 (brochures, posters, video, t-shirts, etc.) Stipend to cover basic living expenses 900.00 904.52 PHASE III - POST-PROJECT EXPENSES Project reports will be produced and disseminated among Report production and results dissemination 400.00 354.46 relevant stakeholders. This amount is expected to be used for printing project reports. Contingency fund was not used as we were able to Miscellaneous 200.00 balance the funds among the categories. These may be used during report dissemination. Total 14,592.00 14,503.47

3. Otter Sightings

Date Time Latitude Longitude Altitude Activity No. of otters Species seen 14 July 2014 09:38 15°30'46.29"N 73°54'3.22"E 2m Travelling on land 4 Smooth-coated Otter 14 July 2014 10:10 15°30'40.43"N 73°53'54.15"E 2m Resting and grooming 8 Smooth-coated on land Otter 16 July 2014 09:30 15°30'37.89"N 73°53'54.25"E 2m Swimming in water, 4 Smooth-coated heads to the bank to rest Otter 16 July 2014 11:15 15°30'33.41"N 73°53'53.14"E 2m Resting on land 6 Smooth-coated Otter 31 October 10:35 15°34'35.76"N 73°48'44.04"E 3m Foraging in water 2 Smooth-coated 2014 Otter 06 January 18:16 15°31'29.78"N 73°51'3.68"E 2m Foraging in water 3 Smooth-coated 2015 Otter 24 January 12:57 15°31'33.26"N 73°51'28.60"E 2m Foraging in water 4 Smooth-coated 2015 Otter 06 February 14:24 15°31'33.36"N 73°51'35.03"E 2m Travelling in water 2 Smooth-coated 2015 Otter 25 February 12:50 15°31'33.45"N 73°51'35.66"E 2m Travelling in water 13 Smooth-coated 2015 Otter 19 April 17:17 15°31'24.07"N 74° 8'36.94"E 24m Swims in water and runs 1 Asian Small- 2015 into the bushes on land clawed Otter

4. Paper published A paper was published in Small Carnivore Conservation Journal, Vol. 51: 51–55, December 2014.

http://www.smallcarnivoreconservation.org/home/wp- content/uploads/2015/03/SCC51_Punjabi-et-al_2014.pdf

Fig 14: Snapshot of the paper title and abstract

5. Distribution of Smooth-coated otters in Goa

Fig 15: Distribution of Smooth-coated otter in Goa

6. Distribution of Asian Small-clawed otters in Goa

Fig 16: Distribution of Asian Small-clawed otter in Goa

7. Camera trapping locations

Sr. Latitude Longitude Altitude m Otter species recorded Comments No. 1 15°30'40.43"N 73°53'54.15"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter 2 15°33'13.39"N 73°54'43.68"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter 3 15°31'29.67"N 73°51'0.51"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter 4 15°32'0.14"N 73°58'13.95"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter 5 15°35'59.69"N 73°52'0.45"E 2 Smooth-coated Otter 6 15°32'49.69"N 73°52'10.08"E 2 Smooth-coated Otter 7 15°24'34.25"N 73°57'23.28"E 6 Smooth-coated Otter 8 15°29'0.48"N 74° 7'30.59"E 12 Camera damaged, card stolen 9 15°37'8.28"N 74°13'12.04"E 122 Asian Small-clawed Otter 10 15°32'47.10"N 74°11'43.77"E 35 Asian Small-clawed Otter, Smooth-coated Otter 11 15°30'46.63"N 73°52'56.02"E 2 None 12 15°31'27.81"N 73°55'26.13"E 1 None 13 15°33'30.77"N 73°54'15.02"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter 14 15°31'33.45"N 73°51'35.66"E 2 Smooth-coated Otter 15 15°34'30.25"N 73°48'34.31"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter 16 15°33'10.49"N 73°58'58.31"E 2 Smooth-coated Otter 17 15°37'42.24"N 74°13'36.72"E 143 Asian Small-clawed Otter 18 15°38'3.49"N 74°13'36.61"E 144 Asian Small-clawed Otter 19 15°35'55.48"N 74°12'54.72"E 85 Asian Small-clawed Otter 20 14°59'22.75"N 74° 3'25.02"E 1 Card damaged by unseasonal rainfall 21 15°37'1.65"N 73°46'46.33"E 2 Camera trap stolen 22 15°37'54.40"N 74°13'35.38"E 152 None 23 15°36'12.33"N 73°53'0.77"E 3 None 24 15°33'24.57"N 73°59'28.79"E 8 Smooth-coated Otter 25 15°37'55.65"N 74°13'36.52"E 148 Camera trap stolen 26 15°25'46.76"N 73°55'42.09"E 3 None 27 15°24'21.29"N 73°56'54.23"E 8 Smooth-coated Otter 28 15°19'26.97"N 74° 0'33.97"E 7 Smooth-coated Otter 29 15°18'54.98"N 74°17'45.92"E 141 Asian Small-clawed Otter 30 15° 5'0.51"N 74°13'58.04"E 90 Asian Small-clawed Otter 31 15°30'40.01"N 73°54'48.08"E 1 Smooth-coated Otter

8. Otter Signs

Locations of Smooth-coated otter signs

Sr. No. Otter sign Latitude Longitude Altitude 1 Defecating area 15°24'34.28"N 73°57'23.35"E 1 2 Spraint 15°24'35.84"N 73°57'22.43"E 1 3 Defecating area 15°24'37.29"N 73°57'21.63"E 1 4 Grooming 15°24'42.76"N 73°57'30.56"E 7 5 Defecating area 15°24'21.29"N 73°56'54.23"E 8 6 Defecating area 15°24'17.01"N 73°57'6.52"E 10 7 Grooming 15°24'17.01"N 73°57'6.52"E 10 8 Den 15°24'17.20"N 73°57'3.17"E 7 9 Defecating area 15°24'39.24"N 73°57'17.04"E 6 10 Defecating area 15°24'30.39"N 73°57'14.89"E 11 11 Grooming 15°24'30.38"N 73°57'14.87"E 11 12 Defecating area 15°24'30.38"N 73°57'14.87"E 11 13 Defecating area 15°24'28.63"N 73°57'13.34"E 11 14 Grooming 15°24'28.63"N 73°57'13.34"E 11 15 Defecating area 15°24'27.32"N 73°57'12.37"E 8 16 Defecating area 15°24'21.18"N 73°57'9.85"E 9 17 Defecating area 15°19'32.14"N 74° 0'35.32"E 6 18 Defecating area 15°19'26.97"N 74° 0'33.97"E 7 19 Defecating area 15°18'23.72"N 74° 0'51.44"E 5 20 Defecating area 15°18'14.28"N 74° 1'5.40"E 1 21 Grooming 15°18'14.28"N 74° 1'5.40"E 1 22 Spraint 15°19'12.31"N 74° 0'36.98"E 3 23 Grooming 15°19'11.16"N 74° 0'37.11"E 3 24 Defecating area 15°22'8.13"N 73°59'3.25"E 9 25 Defecating area 15°22'6.10"N 73°59'7.25"E 12 26 Spraint 15°21'4.81"N 73°59'41.36"E 3 27 Defecating area 15°30'27.16"N 73°54'26.35"E 7 28 Defecating area 15°30'23.12"N 73°54'4.25"E 1 29 Grooming 15°30'23.12"N 73°54'4.25"E 1 30 Defecating area 15°30'37.77"N 73°53'54.45"E 2 31 Defecating area 15°30'40.43"N 73°53'54.15"E 1 32 Grooming 15°30'40.43"N 73°53'54.15"E 1 33 Defecating area 15°30'40.01"N 73°54'48.08"E 1 34 Defecating area 15°30'43.33"N 73°54'46.07"E 3 35 Grooming 15°30'43.33"N 73°54'46.07"E 3 36 Defecating area 15°30'55.89"N 73°54'33.98"E 1 37 Grooming 15°30'55.89"N 73°54'33.98"E 1 38 Regurgitation 15°30'55.58"N 73°54'35.09"E 1

39 Spraint 15°30'53.73"N 73°54'39.47"E 1 40 Defecating area 15°31'27.81"N 73°55'26.13"E 1 41 Defecating area 15°31'28.77"N 73°55'27.23"E 1 42 Defecating area 15°43'24.00"N 73°44'23.39"E 14 43 Defecating area 15°43'26.75"N 73°44'19.58"E 14 44 Defecating area 15°43'24.24"N 73°44'21.91"E 12 45 Paw print 15°43'32.45"N 73°44'12.78"E 12 46 Spraint 15°43'34.73"N 73°44'7.96"E 12 47 Spraint 15°44'4.28"N 73°44'33.98"E 12 48 Defecating area 15°44'4.14"N 73°44'33.59"E 12 49 Spraint 15°44'3.42"N 73°44'31.74"E 12 50 Defecating area 15°43'6.05"N 73°43'50.93"E 15 51 Defecating area 15°43'3.47"N 73°43'36.97"E 11 52 Spraint 15°43'2.70"N 73°43'36.68"E 11 53 Spraint 15°43'2.06"N 73°43'36.37"E 10 54 Spraint 15°42'59.52"N 73°43'33.95"E 11 55 Spraint 15°42'58.72"N 73°43'33.76"E 9 56 Spraint 15°43'21.15"N 73°42'29.26"E 10 57 Defecating area 15°33'7.73"N 74°12'9.55"E 44 58 Defecating area 15°33'10.49"N 73°58'58.31"E 2 59 Defecating area 15°33'8.28"N 73°58'58.05"E 1 60 Spraint 15°33'7.15"N 73°58'58.31"E 1 61 Spraint 15°32'55.21"N 73°58'24.52"E 3 62 Spraint 15°32'53.48"N 73°58'23.93"E 5 63 Feeding 15°32'52.23"N 73°58'23.42"E 7 64 Defecating area 15°32'52.23"N 73°58'23.42"E 7 65 Feeding 15°32'50.53"N 73°58'23.60"E 5 66 Defecating area 15°32'32.51"N 73°59'10.09"E 10 67 Defecating area 15°32'31.24"N 73°59'11.39"E 10 68 Defecating area 15°32'29.18"N 73°59'13.43"E 11 69 Spraint 15°32'28.94"N 73°59'13.52"E 11 70 Defecating area 15°32'26.64"N 73°54'39.11"E 8 71 Grooming 15°32'23.65"N 73°54'37.85"E 3 72 Defecating area 15°32'23.65"N 73°54'37.85"E 3 73 Spraint 15°32'23.92"N 73°54'35.60"E 1 74 Grooming 15°32'39.35"N 73°54'50.69"E 6 75 Defecating area 15°32'39.35"N 73°54'50.69"E 6 76 Grooming 15°32'35.09"N 73°55'4.09"E 1 77 Defecating area 15°32'35.09"N 73°55'4.09"E 1 78 Spraint 15°32'22.02"N 73°55'15.27"E 2 79 Defecating area 15°31'55.29"N 73°53'47.87"E 4 80 Grooming 15°31'55.29"N 73°53'47.87"E 4 81 Spraint 15°31'56.28"N 73°53'50.09"E 1

82 Spraint 15°31'47.63"N 73°53'39.98"E 4 83 Feeding 15°31'50.27"N 73°53'40.07"E 3 84 Spraint 15°31'49.42"N 73°53'38.93"E 2 85 Grooming 15°33'16.42"N 73°54'22.72"E 6 86 Feeding 15°33'16.42"N 73°54'22.72"E 6 87 Defecating area 15°33'16.42"N 73°54'22.72"E 6 88 Defecating area 15°33'24.02"N 73°54'28.59"E 1 89 Grooming 15°33'24.02"N 73°54'28.59"E 1 90 Spraint 15°33'24.09"N 73°54'24.24"E 1 91 Regurgitation 15°33'24.09"N 73°54'24.24"E 1 92 Paw print 15°33'29.80"N 73°54'18.19"E 1 93 Grooming 15°33'30.72"N 73°54'15.30"E 1 94 Defecating area 15°33'30.77"N 73°54'15.02"E 2 95 Grooming 15°33'30.77"N 73°54'15.02"E 2 96 Spraint 15°33'30.72"N 73°54'15.30"E 1 97 Grooming 15°33'30.72"N 73°54'15.30"E 1 98 Paw print 15°33'30.77"N 73°54'15.02"E 2 99 Grooming 15°33'30.90"N 73°54'14.48"E 3 100 Defecating area 15°33'36.58"N 73°53'25.49"E 6 101 Defecating area 15°34'18.24"N 73°54'5.34"E 1 102 Grooming 15°34'13.50"N 73°54'7.22"E 1 103 Spraint 15°34'13.50"N 73°54'7.22"E 1 104 Grooming 15°34'13.50"N 73°54'7.22"E 1 105 Spraint 15°33'58.50"N 73°59'51.21"E 1 106 Spraint 15°33'58.29"N 73°59'48.56"E 4 107 Defecating area 15°33'36.98"N 73°59'25.77"E 4 108 Grooming 15°33'36.98"N 73°59'25.77"E 4 109 Defecating area 15°33'24.57"N 73°59'28.79"E 8 110 Spraint 15°38'7.25"N 73°55'13.49"E 11 111 Defecating area 15°38'11.74"N 73°55'31.63"E 12 112 Spraint 15°38'9.31"N 73°55'32.56"E 7 113 Defecating area 15°34'27.78"N 73°48'30.32"E 7 114 Defecating area 15°34'30.25"N 73°48'34.31"E 1 115 Grooming 15°34'30.25"N 73°48'34.31"E 1 116 Spraint 15°30'52.83"N 73°52'22.87"E 4 117 Defecating area 15°30'53.61"N 73°52'23.83"E 4 118 Defecating area 15°31'2.29"N 73°52'33.11"E 1 119 Spraint 15°30'20.29"N 73°52'36.43"E 1 120 Defecating area 15°30'34.53"N 73°52'44.42"E 10 121 Defecating area 15°30'41.48"N 73°52'51.70"E 4 122 Defecating area 15°36'58.18"N 73°46'7.51"E 4 123 Spraint 15°36'59.48"N 73°46'40.97"E 1 124 Defecating area 15°36'59.14"N 73°46'42.09"E 1

125 Spraint 15°36'58.99"N 73°46'44.17"E 1 126 Defecating area 15°36'59.82"N 73°46'44.85"E 4 127 Defecating area 15°37'1.65"N 73°46'46.33"E 3 128 Spraint 15°36'58.80"N 73°45'22.49"E 13 129 Defecating area 15°36'8.20"N 73°53'26.58"E 9 130 Defecating area 15°36'8.24"N 73°53'26.26"E 8 131 Defecating area 15°36'24.50"N 73°53'22.97"E 8 132 Defecating area 15°36'3.08"N 73°52'59.01"E 4 133 Spraint 15°36'8.43"N 73°52'59.62"E 4 134 Spraint 15°36'16.16"N 73°53'0.19"E 5 135 Defecating area 15°36'16.31"N 73°53'0.23"E 3 136 Spraint 15°36'29.89"N 73°53'11.26"E 6 137 Defecating area 15°36'55.71"N 73°52'54.87"E 6 138 Spraint 15°36'55.15"N 73°52'55.92"E 7 139 Defecating area 15°29'45.99"N 73°57'17.58"E 3 140 Feeding 15°30'52.68"N 73°56'1.53"E 1 141 Spraint 15°30'53.80"N 73°56'0.77"E 1 142 Defecating area 15°30'56.26"N 73°55'59.85"E 1 143 Grooming 15°30'56.26"N 73°55'59.85"E 1 144 Defecating area 15°31'5.71"N 73°56'32.78"E 1 145 Spraint 15°31'5.34"N 73°56'29.73"E 1 146 Paw print 15°30'49.83"N 73°57'3.51"E 3 147 Defecating area 15°30'49.23"N 73°57'4.29"E 6 148 Grooming 15°30'49.23"N 73°57'4.29"E 6 149 Defecating area 15°30'50.69"N 73°57'2.40"E 2 150 Grooming 15°30'50.69"N 73°57'2.40"E 2 151 Paw print 15°30'50.69"N 73°57'2.40"E 2 152 Defecating area 15°30'40.40"N 73°57'20.88"E 4 153 Spraint 15°30'1.99"N 73°57'18.15"E 1 154 Defecating area 15°38'7.72"N 73°45'26.68"E 4 155 Grooming 15°38'7.72"N 73°45'26.68"E 4 156 Defecating area 15°38'19.62"N 73°45'45.14"E 9 157 Grooming 15°38'19.62"N 73°45'45.14"E 9 158 Defecating area 15°39'1.48"N 73°47'48.80"E 3 159 Grooming 15°39'1.48"N 73°47'48.80"E 3 160 Feeding 15°39'1.48"N 73°47'48.80"E 3 161 Spraint 15°39'2.32"N 73°47'50.69"E 3 162 Defecating area 15°39'3.13"N 73°47'52.62"E 2 163 Spraint 15°39'11.35"N 73°46'12.83"E 7 164 Defecating area 15°39'13.58"N 73°46'15.19"E 8 165 Grooming 15°39'13.58"N 73°46'15.19"E 8 166 Defecating area 15°38'58.74"N 73°46'48.33"E 11 167 Grooming 15°38'58.74"N 73°46'48.33"E 11

168 Paw print 15°13'13.66"N 73°57'32.30"E 3 169 Grooming 15°13'9.17"N 73°57'46.44"E 5 170 Defecating area 15°12'8.34"N 73°57'32.28"E 5 171 Defecating area 15°12'8.19"N 73°57'32.37"E 5 172 Defecating area 15°12'7.78"N 73°57'32.81"E 4 173 Defecating area 15°12'5.79"N 73°57'34.74"E 2 174 Defecating area 15°12'5.41"N 73°57'34.87"E 5 175 Feeding 15°11'58.39"N 73°57'51.57"E 4 176 Spraint 15°35'54.00"N 73°53'44.71"E 7 177 Defecating area 15°35'43.95"N 73°53'42.48"E 12 178 Spraint 15°35'42.82"N 73°53'42.36"E 12 179 Defecating area 15°35'39.13"N 73°53'41.52"E 9 180 Spraint 15°35'38.51"N 73°53'41.13"E 12 181 Paw print 15°35'42.93"N 73°53'42.44"E 11 182 Defecating area 15°35'0.46"N 73°52'42.79"E 1 183 Defecating area 15°32'24.84"N 73°58'13.58"E 9 184 Spraint 15°32'25.68"N 73°58'12.76"E 8 185 Defecating area 15°32'40.52"N 73°58'3.05"E 6 186 Defecating area 15°32'33.93"N 73°58'29.04"E 3 187 Feeding 15°32'35.51"N 73°58'27.22"E 8 188 Spraint 15°32'35.51"N 73°58'27.22"E 8 189 Defecating area 15°32'35.52"N 73°58'27.10"E 10 190 Spraint 15°32'29.55"N 73°56'34.29"E 7 191 Defecating area 15°32'27.33"N 73°56'39.36"E 8 192 Spraint 15°32'28.69"N 73°56'36.86"E 5 193 Regurgitation 15°32'40.24"N 73°56'52.57"E 6 194 Defecating area 15°25'46.76"N 73°55'42.09"E 3 195 Defecating area 15°38'57.14"N 73°48'40.54"E 10 196 Spraint 15°38'55.51"N 73°48'38.56"E 12 197 Defecating area 15°38'55.39"N 73°48'37.02"E 12 198 Spraint 15°39'0.55"N 73°48'46.84"E 10 199 Spraint 15°39'2.87"N 73°48'46.00"E 6 200 Spraint 15°39'3.58"N 73°48'45.54"E 8 201 Spraint 15°39'40.05"N 73°49'22.48"E 9 202 Defecating area 15°39'47.55"N 73°49'20.94"E 7 203 Spraint 15°29'1.24"N 74° 7'34.39"E 9 204 Spraint 15°29'6.27"N 74° 7'50.72"E 7 205 Spraint 15°29'6.28"N 74° 7'47.89"E 8 206 Defecating area 15°29'9.83"N 73°57'16.60"E 10 207 Defecating area 15°29'1.19"N 73°57'8.87"E 8 208 Defecating area 15°28'40.02"N 73°56'58.51"E 8 209 Defecating area 15°28'35.55"N 73°56'59.26"E 6 210 Defecating area 15°28'36.41"N 73°56'58.29"E 7

211 Spraint 15°27'46.37"N 73°57'27.99"E 1 212 Spraint 15°27'49.53"N 73°57'28.95"E 1 213 Defecating area 15°27'16.16"N 73°56'46.13"E 5 214 Defecating area 15°39'56.73"N 73°43'1.86"E 7 215 Spraint 15°32'9.62"N 74° 8'56.22"E 29 216 Defecating area 15°10'18.29"N 73°57'3.88"E 4 217 Defecating area 15° 9'56.83"N 73°57'7.44"E 8 218 Spraint 15°43'37.67"N 73°46'51.96"E 5 219 Defecating area 15°32'49.41"N 74° 2'9.16"E 40 220 Defecating area 15°32'49.34"N 74° 2'8.51"E 43 221 Defecating area 15°36'31.77"N 73°50'14.33"E 9 222 Defecating area 15°36'31.56"N 73°50'15.05"E 9 223 Grooming 15°36'31.56"N 73°50'15.05"E 9 224 Spraint 15°36'8.63"N 73°50'44.30"E 8 225 Defecating area 15°36'10.61"N 73°50'42.57"E 9 226 Grooming 15°36'10.61"N 73°50'42.57"E 9 227 Spraint 15°35'9.42"N 73°50'19.06"E 11 228 Defecating area 15°35'6.83"N 73°50'19.01"E 9 229 Defecating area 15°35'6.06"N 73°50'18.01"E 11 230 Grooming 15°35'6.06"N 73°50'18.01"E 11 231 Defecating area 15°35'59.62"N 73°52'0.57"E 9 232 Grooming 15°35'59.62"N 73°52'0.57"E 9 233 Defecating area 15°35'58.14"N 73°51'57.68"E 9 234 Spraint 15°35'57.93"N 73°51'55.17"E 8 235 Spraint 15°36'3.20"N 73°52'6.64"E 7 236 Defecating area 15°33'17.22"N 73°52'16.84"E 6 237 Defecating area 15°33'15.30"N 73°52'18.36"E 1 238 Defecating area 15°32'58.46"N 73°52'13.50"E 1 239 Grooming 15°32'58.46"N 73°52'13.50"E 1 240 Spraint 15°32'54.85"N 73°52'12.89"E 4 241 Spraint 15°32'43.16"N 73°52'24.82"E 4 242 Paw print 15°32'43.16"N 73°52'24.82"E 4 243 Defecating area 15°32'40.73"N 73°52'27.93"E 5 244 Defecating area 15°31'48.68"N 73°51'35.19"E 2 245 Grooming 15°31'48.68"N 73°51'35.19"E 2 246 Spraint 15°31'45.11"N 73°51'58.21"E 3 247 Defecating area 15°31'47.78"N 73°52'2.23"E 5 248 Grooming 15°31'47.78"N 73°52'2.23"E 5 249 Grooming 15°31'27.86"N 73°51'10.84"E 5 250 Defecating area 15°31'27.86"N 73°51'10.84"E 5 251 Defecating area 15°31'30.30"N 73°51'16.45"E 5 252 Spraint 15°31'32.98"N 73°51'31.43"E 5 253 Defecating area 15°31'33.36"N 73°51'35.03"E 5

254 Grooming 15°31'33.36"N 73°51'35.03"E 5 255 Den 15°31'33.45"N 73°51'35.66"E 4 256 Grooming 15°31'33.45"N 73°51'35.66"E 4 257 Defecating area 15°31'33.45"N 73°51'35.66"E 4 258 Defecating area 15°32'0.16"N 73°58'14.12"E 3 259 Grooming 15°32'0.16"N 73°58'14.12"E 3 260 Defecating area 15°31'59.40"N 73°58'11.74"E 5 261 Defecating area 15°31'59.58"N 73°58'11.73"E 6 262 Spraint 15°32'2.18"N 73°58'11.31"E 5 263 Defecating area 15°32'16.88"N 73°58'3.62"E 4 264 Defecating area 15°32'16.88"N 73°58'3.62"E 4 265 Grooming 15°32'15.18"N 73°58'5.10"E 5 266 Defecating area 15°32'15.73"N 73°58'4.68"E 4 267 Grooming 15°32'16.20"N 73°58'4.08"E 1 268 Defecating area 15°32'16.20"N 73°58'4.08"E 1 269 Grooming 15°32'16.88"N 73°58'3.62"E 4 270 Defecating area 15°30'15.73"N 73°59'58.32"E 10 271 Defecating area 15°30'20.23"N 73°59'57.80"E 13 272 Grooming 15°30'20.23"N 73°59'57.80"E 13 273 Spraint 15°31'19.52"N 73°58'14.52"E 4 274 Grooming 15°31'19.52"N 73°58'14.52"E 4 275 Spraint 15°31'23.12"N 73°58'15.41"E 7 276 Spraint 15°31'24.67"N 73°58'16.14"E 7 277 Defecating area 15°30'56.65"N 73°59'11.48"E 5 278 Defecating area 15°30'55.86"N 73°59'11.94"E 4 279 Regurgitation 15°35'58.47"N 73°58'51.99"E 13 280 Feeding 15°35'58.47"N 73°58'51.99"E 13

Locations of Asian Small-clawed otter signs

Sr. No. Otter sign Latitude Longitude Altitude 1 Defecating area 15°23'11.58"N 74°14'40.04"E 101 2 Defecating area 15°32'47.10"N 74°11'43.77"E 35 3 Defecating area 15°32'53.17"N 74°11'45.11"E 43 4 Defecating area 15°33'9.57"N 74°12'12.17"E 47 5 Defecating area 15°37'42.24"N 74°13'36.72"E 143 6 Spraint 15°37'7.64"N 74°13'6.92"E 121 7 Defecating area 15°36'53.22"N 74°12'46.84"E 96 8 Feeding 15°36'53.93"N 74°12'46.61"E 91 9 Defecating area 15°36'27.66"N 74°12'57.87"E 80 10 Defecating area 15°36'26.83"N 74°12'57.53"E 88 11 Defecating area 15°36'26.00"N 74°12'57.23"E 84

12 Spraint 15°37'11.20"N 74°12'37.50"E 106 13 Defecating area 15°37'11.80"N 74°12'36.89"E 101 14 Defecating area 15°37'12.03"N 74°12'36.81"E 104 15 Defecating area 15°37'14.71"N 74°12'33.84"E 99 16 Defecating area 15°37'19.53"N 74°13'25.50"E 118 17 Spraint 15°37'19.75"N 74°13'25.97"E 117 18 Defecating area 15°35'39.15"N 74°12'53.53"E 70 19 Defecating area 15°35'37.39"N 74°12'52.44"E 78 20 Defecating area 15°35'54.09"N 74°12'55.72"E 84 21 Defecating area 15°35'55.48"N 74°12'54.72"E 85 22 Defecating area 15°34'56.05"N 74°13'2.26"E 73 23 Defecating area 15°34'56.88"N 74°13'2.96"E 73 24 Defecating area 15°34'57.51"N 15°34'57.51"N 74 25 Defecating area 15°35'8.63"N 74°13'9.32"E 82 26 Defecating area 15°35'9.89"N 74°13'8.30"E 81 27 Defecating area 15° 4'53.38"N 74°14'3.43"E 85 28 Defecating area 15° 4'46.35"N 74°14'8.92"E 86 29 Spraint 15° 4'46.98"N 74°14'13.23"E 90 30 Spraint 15° 4'45.90"N 74°14'10.76"E 89 31 Den 15° 4'38.86"N 74°14'24.78"E 98 32 Spraint 15° 4'37.87"N 74°14'25.88"E 99 33 Spraint 15° 4'37.77"N 74°14'26.59"E 98 34 Defecating area 15° 4'42.80"N 74°14'33.59"E 103 35 Defecating area 15° 4'37.82"N 74°14'51.98"E 130 36 Den 15° 4'33.48"N 74°14'48.76"E 133 37 Defecating area 15° 4'35.18"N 74°14'51.38"E 127 38 Spraint 15° 5'40.24"N 74°13'9.16"E 63 39 Spraint 15° 5'11.26"N 74°10'17.19"E 93 40 Spraint 15° 4'59.70"N 74°10'28.82"E 92 41 Defecating area 15°26'9.24"N 74°12'25.36"E 71 42 Defecating area 15°26'9.08"N 74°12'25.65"E 70 43 Defecating area 15°26'9.43"N 74°12'26.30"E 70 44 Spraint 15°26'18.45"N 74°12'36.55"E 72 45 Defecating area 15°26'18.45"N 74°12'36.75"E 72 46 Defecating area 15°26'18.78"N 74°12'35.69"E 71 47 Defecating area 15°25'36.99"N 74°11'38.71"E 63 48 Defecating area 15°26'14.42"N 74°11'56.73"E 69 49 Defecating area 15°26'22.93"N 74°13'49.65"E 92 50 Defecating area 15°26'23.90"N 74°13'51.48"E 93 51 Defecating area 15°26'16.84"N 74°15'14.35"E 143 52 Defecating area 15°26'15.94"N 74°15'15.33"E 145 53 Defecating area 15°26'15.48"N 74°15'16.37"E 136 54 Defecating area 15°26'14.82"N 74°15'17.19"E 150

55 Defecating area 15°26'14.87"N 74°15'17.25"E 149 56 Defecating area 15°26'14.50"N 74°15'17.68"E 146 57 Spraint 15°26'24.53"N 74°15'4.46"E 122 58 Spraint 15°26'24.15"N 74°15'1.77"E 124 59 Spraint 15°26'37.02"N 74°14'19.01"E 92 60 Defecating area 15°26'37.94"N 74°14'23.53"E 98 61 Defecating area 15°26'37.88"N 74°14'23.51"E 97 62 Defecating area 15°26'44.21"N 74°14'33.86"E 120 63 Defecating area 15°26'46.64"N 74°14'36.15"E 115 64 Den 15°26'53.39"N 74°14'31.44"E 108 65 Defecating area 15°26'59.29"N 74°14'32.13"E 120 66 Spraint 15°27'10.27"N 74°14'42.57"E 123 67 Defecating area 15°20'22.41"N 74°15'47.25"E 101 68 Spraint 15°20'21.36"N 74°15'43.83"E 85 69 Defecating area 15°37'3.24"N 74° 9'30.24"E 107 70 Defecating area 15°36'47.38"N 74° 9'25.47"E 96 71 Grooming 15°36'47.38"N 74° 9'25.47"E 96 72 Spraint 15°37'13.16"N 74° 8'3.20"E 93 73 Spraint 15°31'2.61"N 74°12'2.83"E 65 74 Defecating area 15°31'3.28"N 74°12'0.72"E 65 75 Defecating area 15°31'4.20"N 74°11'59.50"E 64 76 Defecating area 15°31'5.59"N 74°11'57.19"E 63 77 Defecating area 15°31'1.38"N 74°11'47.22"E 58 78 Defecating area 15°31'0.74"N 74°11'45.66"E 60 79 Spraint 15°31'1.60"N 74°11'44.74"E 61 80 Defecating area 15°30'41.56"N 74°12'31.63"E 76 81 Defecating area 15°30'22.09"N 74°13'19.36"E 107 82 Defecating area 15°30'22.67"N 74°13'20.04"E 111 83 Defecating area 15°30'22.45"N 74°13'32.73"E 128 84 Defecating area 15°20'26.67"N 74°15'59.38"E 108 85 Spraint 15°20'23.43"N 74°16'10.40"E 106 86 Defecating area 15°20'25.97"N 74°16'14.14"E 103 87 Defecating area 15°19'7.45"N 74°17'24.28"E 110 88 Defecating area 15°19'7.29"N 74°17'24.49"E 111 89 Defecating area 15°19'5.06"N 74°17'25.26"E 112 90 Defecating area 15°18'57.86"N 74°17'31.54"E 121 91 Defecating area 15°18'56.51"N 74°17'34.17"E 127 92 Defecating area 15°18'56.42"N 74°17'34.56"E 126 93 Defecating area 15°18'56.43"N 74°17'34.89"E 128 94 Defecating area 15°18'55.94"N 74°17'36.38"E 122 95 Defecating area 15°18'55.75"N 74°17'37.04"E 126 96 Defecating area 15°18'54.98"N 74°17'45.92"E 141 97 Defecating area 15°18'54.93"N 74°17'46.50"E 126

98 Defecating area 15°18'52.38"N 74°17'48.12"E 149 99 Spraint 15°18'52.21"N 74°17'48.07"E 141 100 Defecating area 15°18'51.51"N 74°17'48.19"E 139 101 Spraint 15°18'51.25"N 74°17'48.14"E 138 102 Defecating area 15°18'43.68"N 74°17'52.36"E 132 103 Defecating area 15°18'43.57"N 74°17'52.54"E 130 104 Defecating area 15°18'43.06"N 74°17'56.88"E 137 105 Defecating area 15°18'43.03"N 74°17'58.52"E 139 106 Defecating area 15°24'19.36"N 74°12'20.11"E 63 107 Defecating area 15°24'17.11"N 74°12'21.31"E 64 108 Defecating area 15°24'14.89"N 74°12'21.29"E 65 109 Defecating area 15°23'56.66"N 74°12'28.54"E 67 110 Defecating area 15°23'56.67"N 74°12'28.73"E 67 111 Defecating area 15°23'55.83"N 74°12'28.52"E 69 112 Defecating area 15°23'54.81"N 74°12'28.71"E 69 113 Spraint 15°23'53.68"N 74°12'28.74"E 69 114 Defecating area 15°23'59.43"N 74°12'28.79"E 66 115 Spraint 15°23'21.53"N 74°13'9.78"E 78 116 Spraint 15°23'24.82"N 74°13'1.39"E 71 117 Defecating area 15°23'27.18"N 74°12'56.62"E 71 118 Defecating area 15°23'28.40"N 74°12'55.94"E 71 119 Defecating area 15°37'50.47"N 74°13'36.00"E 155 120 Defecating area 15°37'55.59"N 74°13'36.08"E 143 121 Spraint 15°37'55.99"N 74°13'36.56"E 145 122 Defecating area 15°38'7.15"N 74°13'40.50"E 150

9. Media reports on our work

1. Article published in Herald(Goa) on 5th October 2014 http://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/a-lease-of-life-for-GOA%E2%80%99S-WILD- OTTER/79333.html

Fig 17: Snapshot of the article in a local newspaper Herald (Goa)

2. Article published in Beacon on 29th March 2015 https://www.beaconreader.com/lela-roy/wild-otters

Fig 18: Snapshot of article overview published in an international online magazine, Beacon

3. Article published in Times of India on 8th June, 2015. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Two-otter-species-spotted-in- Goa/articleshow/47578908.cms

Fig 19: Snapshot of the article in a national newspaper, Times of India

4. Article published in Live Mint on 25th September, 2015. http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/VDzjXxZmZGEL1rU6XKT0pO/On-the-trail-of-otters-in- Goa.html

Fig 20: Snapshot of the article in Livemint

5. In the blogs on 21st November, 2014. https://otterman.wordpress.com/2014/11/21/wild-otters-a-new-otter-conservation- ngo-fromgoa-india/

Fig 21: Snapshot of the blog post about out work

10. Workshop Schedule for Capacity Building

Day 1: Introduction to Otters Learn about otter ecology Otter species across the Globe Overview of otter conservation scenario

Day 2: Understanding Smooth-coated otters Habitat parameters essential for Smooth-coated otter survival Field visit to a promising Smooth-coated otter habitat Learn to identify otter signs

Day 3: Understanding Small-clawed otters Habitat parameters essential for Small-clawed otter survival Field visit to a promising Small-clawed otter habitat Learn to identify otter signs

Day 4: Using scientific tools Recording field data in data sheets Learn to use scientific equipment – camera trap, GPS Data import and interpretation Learn related software – Google Earth, QGis, GPS Trackmaker

Day 5: Participating in community engagement Learn about importance of involving local community in otter conservation outside protected areas On the field experience of working with the community Understanding otter conservation in human use landscape

Day 6: Addressing the conservation challenges Open discussion on wildlife conservation Way ahead for otter conservation How can you contribute? Overview to conservation leadership

11. List of images and figures

Image no. Description 1 A smooth coated otter in its habitat 2 A prospering family of Smooth-coated Otters photographed during field surveys. 3 One of the most promising Smooth-coated Otter den found during the transect surveys. 4 Otter signs – paw print, grooming site and spraint 5 Retaining wall construction affects several micro habitat parameters 6 Undisturbed shallow forest streams are ideal habitat for Asian Small-clawed Otter 7 Mangrove forests provide the necessary cover and security to Smooth-coated Otters 8 Check dam along with concrete retaining walls which fragment otter habitat 9 Sand mining activity destroys forest streams causing loss of potential otter habitat 10 Sand mining in Mandovi river, Goa 11 A Smooth-coated Otter killed by fishermen in retaliation. 12 (Left) Fishing net pieces found inside Smooth-coated Otter spraint.(Right) Cuts on Smooth-coated Otter’s face caused by feeding from nylon gill nets used by fishermen. 13 Poachers with their snares 14 Solid waste seen in the streams 15 (Left) A selfie with the fishermen after explaining him the importance of otters. (Right) Otter T-shirts and stickers distributed among fishermen to increase awareness; reduce animosity and build appreciation. (Bottom) Fishermen appreciating an otter image 16 Presentations involved interaction with over 1100 students. Otter stickers distributed; kids reenacted otters seen on camera trap videos 17 Otter family poster will be put in the Forest Officer’s office in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary to bring this elusive mammal in spotlight. 18 Video snapshot of Smooth-coated Otter and Asian Small-clawed Otter 19 Asian Small-clawed Otter (left) and Smooth-coated Otter (right) at exact same location 20 A fisherman at work 21 (Above) Interns recording paw print of Smooth-coated Otter. (Below) Intern recording otter spraint 22 Home page of the Wild Otters website and the snapshot of e-mail from IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Chair 23 Facebook pages spreading awareness on otters to global audience 24 Atul presenting at 13th International Otter Congress in Singapore 2016 25 View of a typical check dam which impacted transect surveys 26 Lactating Smooth-coated otter female in human dominated landscape

Figure no. Description 1 Map of the field site 2 Grids overlaid on river segments in Goa; green cover on the right indicates the protected areas. 3 Distribution of Smooth-coated and Asian Small-clawed otter in Goa 4 Distribution of Asian Small-clawed otter signs across various stream depths 5 Altitude distribution of Asian Small -clawed otter signs 6 Distribution of smooth coated otters in mangroves across varying altitudes 7 Correlation between otter signs and check dams 8 Distribution of check dams in Goa 9 Areas impacted by Iron ore mining in Goa 10 Areas impacted by sand mining in Goa 11 Plot of Fishing Intensity v/s Otter signs 12 Conservation focus areas 13 Snapshot of e-mail from IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Chair 14 Snapshot of the paper title and abstract 15 Distribution of Smooth-coated otter in Goa 16 Distribution of Asian Small-clawed otter in Goa 17 Snapshot of the article in local newspaper Herald 18 Snapshot of article overview published in international online magazine Beacon 19 Snapshot of the article in national newspaper Times of India 20 Snapshot of the article in Livemint 21 Snapshot of the blog post about out work

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ADDRESS LIST AND WEB LINKS

Wild Otters – www.wildotters.com H. No. 887/13, Kamat Nagar, Porvorim-socorro, Bardez, Goa – 403501

Mhadei Research Center – www.mhadeiresearchcenter.org MhadeiResearch Center, C/oRachanaInfotech, Mahalaxmi Plaza, 1stfloor, RPD cross, Tilakwadi, Belgaum-590006 India

Below are some interesting websites providing information on otters across the globe. 1. http://www.otter.org/ 2. http://www.seaotters.org/ 3. http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/ 4. http://www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk/ 5. http://www.otterproject.org/ 6. http://www.defenders.org/sea-otter/ 7. http://www.otternet.com/ 8. http://dailyotter.org/ 9. http://www.riverotterecology.org/ 10. http://otters.in/ 11. http://www.himalayanotternetwork.org/

DISTRIBUTION LIST

Copies of the report were shared with following organizations

1. Goa Forest Department 2. IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group 3. Mhadei Research Center 4. Wildlife Conservation Society – India 5. Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE) 6. The Gerry Martin Project

We will continue to share the project findings with relevant stakeholders.

To purchase the copy of the report, please contact [email protected].