LUTRA. 



293 



The Common Otter ; Udbilao, Panikutta, Hind ; Sag-i-ab, 

 Punjab ; Nirunei, Tarn. ; Niru-kuka, Telegu ; Deeya balla, Cinga- 

 lese. 



Distrihution. — The typical variety is found throughout the Palae- 

 arctic region from England to Japan, it extends to the Himalayas 

 from Gilgit to the Brahmapootra, at elevations of from 4,000 ft. to 

 1 2,000 ft. The var. nair is found throughout Assam and the 

 eastern half of the Indian peninsula from the foot of the Hima- 

 layas to Pondicherry, and also probably throughout the western half, 

 but this is uncertain. 



The var. chinensis is found throughout South China, extending 

 as far as Yunnan and Upper Burma about Bhamo, and another 

 variety unnamed is found in Ceylon. 



