Habitat selection of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) in the peri-coastal, urbanised landscape of Goa, India

Abstract Human development can have detrimental impacts on the environment and its contained ecosystems. However, several species adapted to thrive in human-modified landscapes. This study was aimed assess habitat selection of threatened smooth-coated otters ( Lutrogale perspicillata ) peri-coastal landscape Goa, India. In Indian context, there are significant gaps knowledge pertaining factors that influence otter occurrence such environments. Otter presence/absence 78 1 km 2 plots across two river catchments modelled against variables including measures agricultural pollution, salinity, mangrove cover, fishing presence. The effect size direction relationships between probability were analysed by building a set candidate generalised linear models. models subsequently ranked using small-sample Akaike’s information criterion (AICc). Analysis indicated water presence had positive occurrence. concentrations pollutants (nitrates, phosphates, sulphates) not contributing influencing surveyed landscape. metrics used this be applied for preliminary assessments occupancy other coastal landscapes India, aid conservation species.