The Eurasian otter, also known as the common otter, belongs to the Mustelidae family and thrives in a semi-aquatic habitat. With its sleek, elongated body, webbed feet, and a dense coat that provides both insulation and protection from the frigid waters, it’s ideally adapted for its aquatic lifestyle. These otters have a wide-ranging habitat spanning from Europe and Asia to the Indian subcontinent.
Historically, the Kashmir Valley was home to a thriving population of Eurasian otters, known locally as VODUR or AAB VODUR. These otters inhabit rivers, streams, and marshes, subsisting on a diet of fish, crustaceans, and various aquatic invertebrates. Regrettably, their numbers have significantly dwindled in the valley, approaching the brink of extinction due to rapid population declines. Nonetheless, there remains a glimmer of hope, as a recent sighting of three otters near the Chenab basin close to Jammu signals a potential resurgence.
Eurasian Otter: Exploring Its Fascinating Biology
The Eurasian otter, a captivating semi-aquatic mammal, displays an intriguing blend of biology and behavior tailored for aquatic life.
Belonging to the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, ferrets, and minks, these otters are the largest otter species in Europe. Adults can reach lengths of 1.2 meters (4 feet) with tails included, weighing between 7 and 12 kilograms (15 to 26 pounds). Their smooth, dark brown fur functions as both insulation and protection against cold water.
With compact, robust legs and webbed feet, Eurasian otters demonstrate formidable swimming abilities. Their strong toe claws enable them to grasp slippery surfaces, such as prey or rocks. Their elongated snout and flattened heads are precision tools for catching fish and other aquatic prey.
Eurasian otters, primarily solitary creatures, exhibit heightened activity during morning and evening hours. Their territorial nature finds expression through scent markers, vocalizations, and the creation of excrement pits. These creatures employ a diverse range of sounds, from whistles to chirps and growls, for inter-otter communication.
Remarkably, Eurasian otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes without resurfacing for air. With a top swimming speed of 7 kilometers per hour and a diving depth of 20 meters (66 feet), they are adept aquatic hunters. Their carnivorous diet encompasses an array of prey, from fish and crabs to mollusks, amphibians, and even small mammals.
Tragically, the 20th century saw a severe decline in Eurasian otter populations due to habitat loss, water pollution, and hunting, particularly for their fur. Pesticides, notably DDT, further exacerbated the depletion of fish populations, which indirectly affected otters.
In response, Europe launched conservation initiatives during the 1970s and 1980s to protect otter populations. Reintroduction efforts revived regions where otters had vanished, while protected areas were established to foster their resurgence. These concerted actions have yielded positive results, leading to increased otter numbers in several regions. As of now, the IUCN Red List classifies them as “Near Threatened.”
Causes of Eurasian Otter Extinction in Kashmir Valley
The extinction of Eurasian otters in the Kashmir Valley can be attributed to a combination of factors that have disrupted their delicate ecosystem.
Habitat Loss: The foremost factor driving the Eurasian otter’s decline is the loss of their natural habitat. Human activities, including urbanization, agricultural expansion, and industrial development, have wreaked havoc on wetlands and water bodies. These areas are vital for otter survival, providing both sustenance and shelter. As they diminish, so does the availability of food and refuge for otters.
Poaching: Poaching poses a significant threat to Eurasian otters in the Kashmir Valley. Traditionally, otters were sought after for their various body parts, which were believed to have medicinal properties. This has led to the targeting of otters for their fur, flesh, and other body parts. Moreover, misconceptions among local fishermen, who see otters as competitors responsible for dwindling fish populations, have exacerbated the decline of the otter population.
Hydroelectric Development: The construction of hydroelectric generating plants has posed a serious risk to Eurasian otters in the Kashmir Valley. Dams and reservoirs alter the flow of rivers and disrupt the local ecosystem, making it difficult for otters to find suitable habitats and prey. These changes have further exacerbated the challenges faced by otters in the region.
In the Jammu & Kashmir valley, research into the species’ ecology and behavior is an essential component of conservation efforts. This research aids in identifying specific areas that require targeted conservation actions to help protect and potentially revive the dwindling otter population.
A Glimpse of Hope: Rediscovering the Eurasian Otters in Jammu and Kashmir
The debut photograph of this elusive semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal signals a ray of hope for the dwindling otter population in Jammu and Kashmir. In October 2020, a remarkable discovery unfolded as three Eurasian otters were captured within the pristine waters of the Chenab River for five days. This remarkable revelation was unveiled through a research article published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa (JOTT) in February 2023.
Scientists from the University of Jammu employed sophisticated video traps to document these elusive creatures, unveiling two adult otters and one young adult otter residing in the Neeru stream, nestled in the heart of the Chenab basin.
Their groundbreaking findings not only confirmed the continued existence of this magnificent species within the upper Chenab basin but also shed light on a thriving otter population within the crystalline waters of Neeru. These regions, blessed with remote seclusion from human habitation, rocky riverbeds, and narrow valleys, remain unsuitable for the disruptive sand and gravel mining activities, creating an ideal haven for these otters. The survival of the Eurasian otter considered a “flagship” species and a pivotal indicator of the ecological well-being of aquatic habitats, bodes well for the Neeru stream. This is particularly noteworthy as the otter is classified as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List.
The Neeru, a perennially flowing stream stretching over 30 kilometers, originates from the lofty Kailash Lake, situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters, and eventually joins forces with the mighty Chenab River at Pul-Doda. As it courses through its path, the Neeru stream traverses small towns, semi-urban areas, and significant urban centers, raising the prospect of uncovering additional streams harboring otter populations.
This remarkable rediscovery underscores the importance of safeguarding and preserving these pristine water ecosystems and the invaluable species that call them home.
Conclusion
The Eurasian otter remains conspicuously absent from the Kashmir Valley, its presence marked only by an alarming lack of evidence. This absence underscores a sombre reflection on the region’s environmental challenges and serves as a stark testament to the lapses in natural ecosystem preservation. Otters, as guardians of aquatic equilibrium, play a pivotal role, and their extinction carries profound ramifications.
The demise of Eurasian otters in the Kashmir region is, regrettably, a direct consequence of human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and overfishing. Their once-abundant habitats have dwindled due to the encroachment of human development and construction, leaving these remarkable creatures with dwindling refuge options. The degradation of wetlands and river ecosystems compounds the threat, as these are critical to the otters’ survival.
Yet, a glimmer of optimism emerged with the recent discovery of three otters in the Jammu region, breaking a hiatus spanning over three decades. The survival of this species hangs in the balance, necessitating prompt action from governmental authorities to address the pressing environmental concerns and salvage their habitats.
To safeguard this fragile otter population and prevent the fading of our glimmer of hope, authorities must expedite their efforts. This includes habitat restoration, the establishment of protected areas, and the implementation of robust environmental and wildlife protection laws and policies. Concurrently, educational and awareness campaigns become pivotal, enlightening people on the significance of biodiversity and the urgency of conservation endeavours. These represent the initial strides on a lengthy path towards the conservation of otters in Jammu and Kashmir.
ReferencesÂ
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/28778/OPS/GDTB0ARR3.1+GSCB0BB9I.1.html
https://vajiramias.com/current-affairs/eurasian-otter/6412b5f4c302e751def558ea/
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