Special Correspondent
Pune : On January 6th, Gopal Bhaskaran, a passionate birdwatcher, made an extraordinary discovery while exploring the Mula River near Mangaon Dam, close to Hinjawadi. During his wildlife observations, Bhaskaran spotted two otters swimming in the river—an encounter never before reported in this region.
A resident of Pune for the past four years, Bhaskaran captured photographs to document the sighting. He speculated that the otters might be either Smooth-coated or Eurasian, though he noted that the Eurasian otter is particularly rare, with limited information available about its distribution. “As far as I know, there are no previous records of either species being sighted in Pune,” he said.
While otters have been observed in other parts of Maharashtra, such as Kavdipat and Ujani Dam, this new sighting near Pune raises crucial questions about the health and diversity of the city’s river ecosystems.
“This discovery calls for a closer examination of our river systems to identify any other rare or overlooked species,” Bhaskaran explained. “It also highlights the pressing need for conservation efforts to protect these vital habitats.”
As an avid wildlife enthusiast, Bhaskaran has dedicated years to documenting the flora and fauna around Pune. He emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the region’s rivers to ensure the survival of rare species like these otters.
This remarkable sighting underscores the urgency of ongoing conservation work to protect and preserve the biodiversity of Pune’s river systems.
