In a remarkable turn of events, Eurasian otters, long believed to be extinct in Kashmir, have been spotted in the region’s waters, sparking excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Since 2023, three individuals have been sighted by Indian wildlife officers in two places, reigniting hopes for the fragile freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayan region.
Nasir Amin Bhat, a 17-year-old high school student, captured a grainy nine-second video of a Eurasian otter in the Lidder River, a tributary of the Jhelum River, in Hugam village of Indian-administered Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The video shows the creature with a fur coat, classified as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, gliding out of the water and jumping onto the riverbank.
According to Indian wildlife biologist Nisarg Prakash, the sighting of otters in Kashmir is an indicator of high-quality aquatic habitats. “The reappearance of otters might mean that poaching has come down or the habitat has improved, and maybe both in some cases,” Prakash said. Historically, Eurasian otters thrived in Kashmir’s water bodies, but their population declined sharply due to water pollution and hunting for their fur.
Khursheed Ahmad, a senior wildlife scientist at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), notes that habitat alterations from human activities and encroachment of their ideal habitats along riverbanks and other water bodies forced Eurasian otters to retreat and become confined to areas least accessible to humans. Despite being protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, otters continue to face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances.
The rediscovery of Eurasian otters in Kashmir has sparked mixed reactions from residents. While some are excited, others are worried about the presence of these animals. Muneera Bano, a homemaker, has stopped washing clothes and utensils on the riverbank after the otter was discovered, fearing for her safety. “There are underwater caves [in the tributary], and it is hiding in one of them. When it comes out in the morning, crows see it and they start screaming. I am too terrified to go there,” she said.
However, scientists emphasize that otters can grow accustomed to human presence and do not pose a significant threat to humans. “Rather than being scared or fearful, curiosity about otters can make them a sight to be enjoyed while watching them fish or swim,” Prakash said. Eurasian otters largely prey on fish, eels, and sometimes waterfowl, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
The sightings in Kashmir’s Lidder River and Gurez Valley have raised hopes for the conservation of these remarkable creatures. Ahmad emphasizes the need to protect the new habitat from uncontrolled pollution, garbage accumulation, increased carbon emissions, and habitat degradation. “Now we should see to it that the new habitat is protected… Addressing these challenges is crucial for their conservation and wellbeing,” he said.
As conservation efforts continue, the rediscovery of Eurasian otters in Kashmir serves as a positive sign for the region’s fragile ecosystem. With stricter animal welfare laws in force and ongoing conservation initiatives, there is hope for the long-term survival of these incredible animals.