CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a remarkable rediscovery, the Eurasian otter a species once believed to be extinct in the Kashmir Valley has been sighted after a gap of nearly three decades. The reappearance of this elusive mammal is generating interest among wildlife researchers and conservationists, given its historical presence and ecological importance in the region.
About Eurasian Otter
Also known by several names such as the European otter, common otter, and Old-World otter, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Mustelidae. Renowned for its agility in water, this mammal is a key indicator species for the health of freshwater ecosystems.
Geographic Distribution
The Eurasian otter holds one of the broadest geographic ranges among Palearctic mammals. Its presence spans:
Europe
Middle East
Northern Africa
Eastern Russia
Parts of Central and East Asia, including China
In India, it inhabits regions in the north, northeast, and southern parts of the country. Notably, in Kashmir, the otter locally known as "Vuder" was once a thriving component of the Valley’s aquatic biodiversity, commonly seen in lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Habitat Preferences
Eurasian otters are extremely versatile when it comes to habitat, and they can adapt to a variety of freshwater and coastal environments, including:
Rivers and streams
Lakes and ponds
Swamp forests and marshlands
Estuarine and coastal zones
In the Indian subcontinent, especially in hilly terrains, they are more commonly found in cold mountain streams and high-altitude water bodies.
Physical Characteristics And Adaptations
The Eurasian otter is well-suited to aquatic life, exhibiting several physical adaptations:
Streamlined body and a powerful tail that aid in swimming
Webbed feet for efficient movement in water
Short, dense fur that retains a layer of insulating air to keep the body warm
Ability to close nostrils and ears underwater to prevent water entry
These otters are solitary by nature and are known for their sharp vision, keen hearing, and an excellent sense of smell, which they use to locate prey like fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.
Conservation Status
The Eurasian otter faces multiple conservation challenges across its range. It is classified under:
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule II
CITES: Appendix I (international trade restrictions)
Threats To Survival
Major threats affecting the Eurasian otter include:
Water pollution from agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and industrial waste, which degrades aquatic ecosystems and reduces food availability.
Poaching and illegal hunting, especially for its highly valued fur.
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to infrastructure development and encroachment on riparian zones.
Ecological Significance
The presence of otters is an indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems. Their return to Kashmir signals a potential revival of freshwater habitats, and underscores the need for increased monitoring and conservation of the region’s wetlands and river systems.
Conclusion
The recent sighting of the Eurasian otter in Kashmir not only revives hope for its conservation in the region but also serves as a call to action for better protection of aquatic biodiversity. With focused conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and pollution control, the otter could reclaim its rightful place in the Valley’s delicate ecological balance.
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