Sighting of Eurasian Otter in Kashmir | 16 Jun 2025

Source: IE 

Eurasian Otter or Common Otter (locally known as Vuder in Kashmir) has been sighted in Kashmir after 25-30 years. It has been historically found in Dachigam, Dal Lake tributaries, Rambiara stream, and Lidder river (in Pahalgam). 

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) 

• About: It is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal native to Eurasia. 
  • It is a keystone species in river ecosystems as its presence is an indicator of clean water and healthy aquatic biodiversity. 
  • Other species in India include smooth-coated Otter (throughout India), and Small-clawed Otter (Himalayas and southern India).  
• Taxonomy: It belongs to the genus Lutra, family Lutrinae, order Carnivora. 
• Diet: Mainly feeds on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians and occasionally eats reptiles, birds, eggs, insects, and worms. 
• Habitat & Behaviour: 
  • Found in the Himalayas, northeast India, and Western Ghats.  
  • It prefers clean freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, streams, and wetland and is also found in coastal areas.  
  • It is mostly active at night, builds dens (holts) near water, and lives mostly solitary, though mothers are sometimes seen with their cubs. 
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN: Near threatened 
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II 
  • CITES: Appendix I