Eurasian Otters make rare comeback in Kashmir’s Gurez Valley

Bandipora, Jan 30: The elusive Eurasian otter has been spotted in the Gurez Valley of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district for the first time in years. Once believed to be nearly extinct in the area, these recent sightings suggest a potential revival of the species and a healthier aquatic ecosystem.
The latest evidence comes from camera traps set up by the wildlife department, which captured images of the otters along the Kishanganga River near Dawar Tehsil in the border valley.
An official told Rising Kashmir that while the presence of otters in the region was known, capturing them on camera has been rare. The first documented sighting in recent times occurred in August 2023, when researchers studying the Kashmir musk deer unintentionally recorded images of two Eurasian otters near Tarbal, close to the Line of Control.
Wildlife Warden for North Kashmir, Intesaar Suhail, told Rising Kashmir that this is not the first time Eurasian otters have been seen in the Gurez Valley. In 2023, a research project by SKUAST-Kashmir and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) set up camera traps in the same area, which also captured evidence of their presence.
Intesaar noted that the Eurasian otter was once common in Kashmir, around 20-25 years ago. However, sightings have become increasingly rare due to pressures on their habitat. “Although Eurasian otters are found in other regions outside Kashmir, their presence in the valley had almost been presumed extinct. This recent sighting can be seen as a rediscovery of the species in this area,” he said.
He further added that over the past three years, there have been several reports of Eurasian otter sightings across Kashmir. The species was also spotted in Ladakh about 10-15 years ago, suggesting that their range may be wider than previously thought.
“The sighting of Eurasian otters in Gurez is significant given their rarity. Their presence is an encouraging sign for the area’s aquatic ecosystem, and we hope to see more of them in the future,” he said.
Historically, Eurasian otters thrived in a variety of aquatic habitats across the Indian subcontinent, including highland and lowland lakes, rivers, streams, and marshes. In the Himalayas, they have been known to ascend as high as 3,660 meters during the summer months. However, over the past three decades, their numbers have dwindled due to habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances.
The Eurasian otter is currently listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat destruction and pollution.