Eurasian Otter

Eurasian Otter : Recently, the rare Eurasian otter was spotted in the Lidder River near Srigufwara in South Kashmir. This sighting is an important development for wildlife conservation, as the species was once thought to be extinct in the region.

• About Eurasian Otter: A semiaquatic, carnivorous mammal native to Eurasia. It is elusive and usually solitary.

o Also known as European otter, common otter, and Old-World otter (Vuder-by locals in Kashmir)

o Physical Features: A long, slender body with a thick tail, short legs, and webbed feet for swimming. It is covered in dense, sleek brown fur—lighter on the underside—that traps air for insulation. Adapted for aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose underwater and has sharp senses of sight, smell, and hearing.

o Habitat: Found in various aquatic habitats such as rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, swamps, and coastal areas

- In the Indian subcontinent, mainly seen in cold hill regions and mountain streams

o Distribution: Widely distributed across the Middle East, Europe, Northern Africa, Eastern Russia, China, and parts of Asia

• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule II

o CITES: Appendix I.