Archive · 6 Jun 2025
My Otter Diary: A New Documentary on Otter Life and River Conflicts
Imagine a river where otters and fishermen both try to catch fish.
A new documentary called "My Otter Diary" tells the story of these otters and how they live.
The filmmakers spent years watching them, learning how they eat, play, and raise their families.
It also shows how the river is changing and making it harder for both the otters and the fishermen to find food.
The film wants people to understand that both otters and fishermen are struggling and to think about how to help them.
The documentary "My Otter Diary" focuses on smooth-coated otters and their life on the Cauvery River.
Filmmakers Sugandhi Gadadhar and Rana Belur spent five years filming the otters.
The film explores the otters' behavior, their relationship with humans, and conservation challenges.
The Cauvery River faces issues impacting both fishermen and otters.
The documentary aims to raise awareness and start a conversation about conservation efforts.
- Who
- Sugandhi Gadadhar and Rana Belur, along with a female otter named Maya and her family.
- What
- A documentary titled "My Otter Diary" which explores the life of smooth-coated otters and their interactions with humans along the Cauvery River.
- When
- The film was made over a period of five years, beginning in 2020. It was released on June 6, 2025.
- Where
- The documentary focuses on the Cauvery River.
- Why
- To raise awareness about smooth-coated otters, explore their relationship with humans, and highlight conservation challenges.
Fishermen's Perspective
Otter's Perspective
Resource Competition
Fishermen's Perspective
Fishermen face challenges in catching enough fish due to fewer fish in the river.
Otter's Perspective
Otters and fishermen compete for the same diminishing fish resources due to environmental stressors on the Cauvery River.
- Documentary Title
- "My Otter Diary"
- Main Focus
- Smooth-coated otters
- Location
- Cauvery River
- Filmmakers
- Sugandhi Gadadhar and Rana Belur
- Otter Family Followed
- Maya and her family
- IUCN Status
- Vulnerable