In a quiet corner of the Pir Panjal range, where snow-fed streams snake through pine-scented valleys and high mountain meadows, an elusive river guardian has returned — or perhaps, never truly left.

For the first time, we have documented the presence of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area located in South Kashmir’s Shopian district. This finding marks a major milestone in wildlife research and conservation in the Indian Himalaya, shedding light on a shy, semi-aquatic mammal that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our freshwater ecosystems.

A River Runs Wild – and Rich

We essentially stumbled upon the species during larger wildlife surveys focused on the near-threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri), the largest wild goat in the world, known for its distinctive spiral horns. In March 2024, as the Wildlife Trust of India’s field team followed the Markhor’s winter trails, they encountered something unexpected — Eurasian otter along the Rambiara River, a permanent Himalayan stream that flows through the sanctuary’s dense forests and mountain slopes.

Rambiara River in Hirpora wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir | Photograph by Tanveer Akbar/WTI

Following a few more searches for the otter’s presence, we turned this chance encounter into a focused investigation in April 2025. Between April and June 2025, we conducted a systematic survey along a 12-km stretch of the river. Using a combination of trail sign surveys, camera traps, and interviews with local residents, we set out to understand whether otters were truly making a home here.

The results were clear: Eurasian otters were present and active in the area, albeit in low numbers. We found an appreciable number of otter signs — from spraints (droppings) to pugmarks and feeding remains — across several trails. Our camera traps captured images of these elusive creatures gliding through the river’s edge, confirming what we suspected but could never prove until today.

A Secretive Species in a Fragile Landscape

Once widely distributed across Jammu and Kashmir, Eurasian otters have become increasingly rare, driven into remoter waters due to pollution, habitat loss, and dwindling fish populations. These mammals, which feed primarily on fish and require clean, flowing water and dense vegetation, are excellent indicators of river health. Their presence often signals a relatively intact ecosystem.

At elevations between 2,300 and 2,700 meters, the Rambiara River offers otters the cold, oxygen-rich water and secluded banks they prefer — at least for now.

Studies suggest that otters are like silent witnesses to the health of our rivers.

Eurasian otter recorded in camera trap along the Rambiara River | Photograph by WTI

Hidden in Plain Sight

While the otters were always there, people had hardly noticed them. Out of 60 locals interviewed, only 15% recognized the species, and just 5%, i.e., only three people out of 60, had seen one firsthand. Still, the overwhelming majority — 92% — said they supported efforts to conserve them.

Interestingly, over half of the respondents also reported a decline in fish populations over the years. It was a worrying sign, not just for otters but for the river ecosystem as a whole, which supports countless species — and human communities. Locals have been witnessing the changes, even if they don’t fully understand the species involved.

Why This Matters and what’s next?

The Eurasian otter is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and its future in the Himalayas remains uncertain. This study offers the first systematic evidence of its presence in this part of Kashmir, filling an important gap in its distribution range and our understanding of the species’ range in India. More recently, records of Eurasian otters have been reported from the Kishanganga River in Gurez Valley and the Lidder River near Pahalgam in Kashmir. This finding also highlights the importance of community in habitat protection and conservation efforts. With their support — and further scientific work — the Rambiara River could become a safe haven not just for otters, but for the diverse wildlife that relies on clean, free-flowing water.

Camera trap image of Eurasian otter along the Rambiara River | Photograph by WTI

Further studies using modern tools, such as eDNA sampling (detecting species through genetic traces left in water) and habitat modelling, will help in better understanding how otters use high-altitude rivers — and how they might or are already responding to climate change. Consequently, scientists, with the support of communities and governments, would be able to strategize policies that protect the remaining population, in the hope that nature can bounce back.

In the meantime, this rediscovery provides a glimmer of hope and a reminder: sometimes, nature is hidden in plain sight, waiting for us to look more closely.

Note: The article has been submitted for publication in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal: European Journal of Wildlife Research (submission ID: 3a0fb213-735a-4136-973f-d2ced10d105b). It will soon be available online.

Dr. Tanushree Srivastava is the senior manager and project head of WTI’s Kashmir Markhor Recovery Project and Hangul Recovery Project in Jammu & Kashmir.