Status of otters in Nepal: A link with ancient waterways and people

Abstract

Otters are members of mammalian family Mustelidae which are carnivorous and live a semi-aquatic life. They are top predator and important indicators of the health of ecosystem in which they live. Out of 13 species of otters that are found in the world, 3 species are found in Nepal: (1) Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra; (2) Smooth-coated otter, Lutrogale perspicillata and (3) Asian small-clawed otter, Aonyx cinerea. In Nepal, Eurasian otters have been mainly reported from Annapurna Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park, Rara National Park and Bardia National Park. These species of otters are basically solitary animals with only temporary pairing of mates or mothers with their young. Smooth-coated otter is the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale and as its name indicates, the fur of this species is smoother and shorter than that of other otters. In Nepal, they have been recorded from major river basins of Nepal namely; Koshi, Narayani, Karnali and Mahakali. Asian small-clawed otter is native to South and Southeast Asia and lives in extended family groups with only the alpha pair breeding. Since the information available about this species is very limited, the actual distribution of the species is still unknown in Nepal. Loss of wetland habitats due to construction of large-scale hydroelectric projects, encroachment of wetlands for settlements and agriculture, diminishing prey biomass, poaching and contamination of waterways by pesticides are continuously deteriorating freshwater ecosystem and nearby forest which impose major threats to otters in Nepal. A study conducted in Karnali corridor, one of the prime habitats of otters suggests that there is a need to create more awareness about the otters and their habitat. In addition there needs to be regulation of fishing, logging and sand excavation. Research findings need to be taken into consideration when developing Park strategies and management plans for otter conservation.