Assessing the Forest-Hydrological Systems in a Biodiversity hotspot: Satpura Landscape

The Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, is working on a project focusing on the status of rivers and streams originating from the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The project focuses on understanding the forest hydrology in the Satpura Tiger Reserve and studying the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) as an indicator species of the aquatic habitats in this landscape. The project aims to effectively monitor forest streams/rivers and other species dependent on riparian ecosystems. The main objectives of the project are: 1. Understanding the current distribution of Eurasian otters in relation to the status of perennial forest streams and water reservoirs. 2. Detailed hydrological monitoring across multiple seasons and assessing stream flow availability in forest areas within the study area. 3. Develop detailed conservation recommendations based on active monitoring of hydro-ecological characteristics and identifying critical areas for conservation efforts specific to freshwater wildlife. Since its inception, this project has established foundational knowledge through reconnaissance surveys and camera trapping, confirming the presence of otters in multiple streams and rivers of Satpura Tiger Reserve.