Eurasian Otters Make a Comeback in Kashmir’s Rivers, Sparking Conservation Hope

The elusive Eurasian otter — locally known as voddur — is reclaiming its place in Kashmir’s waterways, with three confirmed sightings since 2023. Most recently, on May 28, 2025, a teenager spotted and recorded an otter swimming in the Lidder River near Srigufwara. The blurry video initially sparked fears of a crocodile sighting, but wildlife officials quickly identified the creature through camera trap confirmation.

These sightings, including others in Gurez Valley and Wular Lake, are reigniting hope among conservationists. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is a key indicator of aquatic ecosystem health. These semi-aquatic mammals thrive only in clean, unpolluted waters rich in fish — suggesting that parts of Kashmir’s river systems are recovering.

Once abundant throughout the region, otters nearly disappeared due to poaching, pollution, and habitat degradation. Their soft pelts made them targets for illegal hunting, while shrinking wetlands and river contamination destroyed their natural homes. However, experts now believe the return of stronger river flows after the devastating 2014 floods may have improved aquatic conditions, aiding the species’ slow comeback.

Wildlife researchers from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology stress that otters help maintain ecological balance by preying on fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates. They’re also vital to preserving the food web in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Despite public excitement — reflected in viral social media posts — some local residents remain wary, mistaking otters for aggressive or dangerous animals. Experts reassure that otters are shy and pose no threat to humans, though their presence should still be respected and observed from a distance.

Conservationists are urging authorities to implement stronger monitoring systems, protect riparian habitats, and curb nearby construction and pollution threats. The return of the voddur is more than a rare wildlife sighting — it’s a sign of nature slowly finding its rhythm again in Kashmir’s high-altitude valleys.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 22nd, 2025

Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.