Signs of Resurgence for Eurasian Otters in Indian-administered Kashmir Amid Environmental Challenges
Hugam, Indian-administered Kashmir – Seventeen-year-old Nasir Amin Bhat found himself in an unexpected encounter with nature one breezy evening in May. As he waded in the glacial waters of the Lidder River, his friend Adil Ahmad alerted him from the riverbank, suggesting he turn back due to an unknown creature nearby.
What followed was a remarkable sight: a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) adeptly navigating against the current. Unsure of what he was witnessing, Bhat quickly captured a nine-second video showing the otter emerging from the water and scrambling onto the riverbank. Classified as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the otter’s presence signifies a potentially positive shift for the region’s fragile ecosystems.
Long thought to be extinct in the area, sightings of the Eurasian otter in Kashmir are becoming more frequent, with three individuals reported by Indian wildlife officers in 2023 alone. These encounters have rejuvenated hope among environmentalists and wildlife conservationists for the preservation of the Himalayan freshwater ecosystems that have been vulnerable to climate change pressures.
Indian wildlife biologist Nisarg Prakash regards the otter’s resurgence as a promising indicator of improving aquatic habitats. “The presence of otters could suggest a decrease in poaching and enhancement of habitat, or perhaps a combination of both,” he stated.
Once prevalent across North India, including the beautiful Himalayan foothills, Eurasian otters experienced population fragmentation due to habitat loss and pollution over the years. Khursheed Ahmad, a senior scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, explained that while not extinct, sightings had become exceedingly rare, stifled by human disturbances along vital waterways.
The discovery of otters in Hugam has caused mixed reactions. Muneera Bano, a local homemaker, has paused her daily routines on the riverbank out of caution. “There are underwater caves, and I feel uncertain venturing there now,” she said, reflecting a community balancing excitement with trepidation.
To mitigate fears, Indian wildlife officials have actively engaged with local residents, demonstrating that the river remains safe for human activities. Scientists emphasize that otters are not inherently dangerous; in fact, they frequently adapt to human presence. Prakash advocates for fostering curiosity rather than fear, as observing these aquatic mammals in their natural habitat can be enriching.
The re-emergence of Eurasian otters in Kashmir is not just a sign of ecological improvement but also an opportunity for community education regarding wildlife conservation. As the region navigates environmental challenges, experts stress the need for protection against pollution and habitat degradation to ensure a sustainable future for these creatures and their ecosystems.
As the narrative unfolds, the renewed presence of otters serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most picturesque yet endangered landscapes.
#EnvironmentNews #MiddleEastNews