Why in News?
Eurasian otters spotted returning to Kashmir Valley after decades via LoC waterways like Kishenganga and Sindh Nalla, with photographic evidence confirming cross-border migration from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or Ladakh.
Physical Traits
- Sleek brown fur (lighter underside), streamlined body, webbed feet, short neck, broad face, and long tail adapted for swimming; can close ears/nose underwater.
- Length up to 1.2 meters; weighs 5-15 kg; dense fur traps air for insulation.
Habitat and Distribution
- Found in freshwater rivers, lakes, coasts across Europe, Asia (including Himalayas, India), and parts of North Africa; widest-ranging Palaearctic mammal.
- Prefers clean waters with abundant fish; territorial and semi-aquatic.
Diet and Behavior
- Primarily fish-eating carnivore; shifts to amphibians, crustaceans, birds, small mammals in winter or scarcity.
- Solitary, playful, nocturnal/crepuscular; hunts using acute senses; regulates prey populations as top predator.
Conservation Status
- Endangered or recovering regionally; threatened by poaching, habitat loss, pollution, fish farms.
- Protected in India (Schedule I); recent radio-tagging in reserves like Satpura; sightings indicate resilience with clean water efforts.
Download Pdf
