LuTrRA. Lae 
“This sport they continue apparently with the keenest enjoyment, until 
fatigue or hunger induces them to desist.” 
The following are the Indian species; ZLwtra nair, L. simung wel 
monticola, L. Elvioti, and L, aurobrunnea of the long-clawed family, and 
Aonyx leptonyx of the short-clawed. 
No. 195. LUTRA NAIR. 
The Common Indian Otter ( Jerdon’s No. 100). 
Native Names.—Ud or Oo, Ood-bilao, Panikutta, Hindi; Mr-nat, 
Canarese ; WVeeru-kuka, Telegu ; /al-manjer, Mahratti. 
Hasitat.—India generally, Burmah and Ceylon. 
Sais Paes - —" —- 
Lutra natr. 
DEscRIPTION.—Hair more or less brown above, sometimes with a 
chestnut hue, sometimes grizzled, or with a tinge of dun; yellowish- 
white, or with a fulvescent tinged white below; the throat, upper lip, 
and sides of head are nearly white; the line of separation of upper and 
lower parts not very distinctly marked. Some have whitish paws. 
S1zE.—Head and body, 29 to 30 inches ; tail about 17 inches. 
This otter, which is synonymous with Z. Jndica, L. Chinensis 
and Hodgson’s Z. Zarayensis, is well known throughout India, and 
indeed far beyond Indian limits. They are generally found in secluded 
spots, in parties of about half a dozen hunting in concert. The young 
ones are easily tamed, and become greatly attached if kindly treated. 
I had one for some time. Jerdon tells a curious story of one he had, 
and which used to follow him in his walks. He says: “As it grew 
older it took to going about by itself, and one day found its way to the 
bazaar and seized a large fish from a moplah. When resisted, it showed 
