Re‐Emergence of Eurasian Otter ( Lutra Lutra ) in the Valley of Kashmir, India: A Conservation Triumph and a Challenge

ABSTRACT

Kashmir Valley is a unique landscape nestled in the northwest Himalaya. It is a flat‐bottomed valley flanked on all sides by mountains. The valley is drained by the River Jhelum, which is fed by an extensive network of tributaries. The valley was once an uncontested abode of Eurasian otters. However, for the past many decades, no sighting of the animal was reported until recently. Hunting, habitat destruction, and pollution were the main reasons for pushing the population into decline. This paper collates the recent reports of Eurasian Otter sightings from the valley after decades, establishing the re‐emergence of the otters in the valley. This brings a propitious moment for ecological health and resilience. It further outlines the possible threats that have emerged recently and will impact the otter population's re‐emergence severely. The study also highlights the need for conservation to firmly re‐establish otters as top predators of Kashmir's freshwater ecosystems and the means of achieving the otter conservation goals.