A species of otter thought to be extinct in Nepal has made a remarkable comeback after nearly two centuries. The Asian small-clawed otter was recently discovered in Nepal's Sudhurpaschim Province, marking its first confirmed sighting since 1839.
The exciting rediscovery occurred when locals found a young otter at the meeting point of the Rangun and Puntara rivers in Dadeldhura. Forest officer Rajiv Chaudhary and his team rescued the juvenile animal, cared for it briefly, and safely released it back into its natural habitat.
"After receiving the information, we rescued the otter and I took photographs to confirm the species identification," said Chaudhary. A team of experts later verified that it was indeed the long-lost Asian small-clawed otter.
The finding is particularly exciting as the juvenile otter appears to be part of a larger group. Local residents have reported multiple sightings of otter families in the area, suggesting a healthy population may exist there.
These charming creatures, which can live in both lowland and hilly areas, were previously thought to survive only within protected national parks. This discovery proves they can thrive outside these boundaries in suitable environments.
The otters were found in an ideal habitat - a rocky riverbed with clean water and nearby forests, relatively untouched by human activity. These animals, which feed primarily on fish, crabs, and snails, are known to be indicators of pristine aquatic environments.
However, challenges remain for these rediscovered otters. All three otter species in Nepal face threats from habitat destruction, particularly due to river mining for stones and gravel. Conservation efforts will be critical to protect this remarkable species and prevent it from disappearing again.
The rediscovery has been documented in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, highlighting its importance to the scientific community and conservation efforts worldwide.