Asian small-clawed otter reappears after 185 years

By Avinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, Feb. 6: The Asian small-clawed otter, once thought to be extinct in Nepal, has been recorded in the country’s Sudhurpaschim Province after 185 years. 

The otter was found at the confluence of the Rangun and Puntara Khola (rivers) in Dadeldhura.

This species had not been sighted in Nepal since 1839, leading to concerns that it had disappeared from the region due to the absence of concrete evidence of its existence.

However, the recent discovery confirms that the species still inhabits Nepal. 

According to Rajiv Chaudhary, a forest officer from the Division Forest Office in Dadeldhura, locals captured a juvenile otter from the confluence area in November 2024.

“After receiving the information, we rescued the otter, cared for it for a few days, and then released it back into its natural habitat. I also took photographs and sent them to other experts for species identification,” Chaudhary said.

A team comprising Mohan Bikram Shrestha, Ganga Shrestha, Hirulal Dangoura, Rajiv Chaudhary, Purnaman Shrestha, Karun Dewan, Rajesh Sada, Melissa Savage and Zuofu Xiang confirmed that the species was indeed the Asian small-clawed otter. 

Their joint article, including photos of the rediscovered species, was published in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin.

Chaudhary said that there appears to be a group of small-clawed otters at the confluence of the Rangun and Puntara rivers. “Locals have frequently reported sightings of otter groups in the area. The juvenile that was captured was part of one such group,” he informed.

The IUCN journal article also said that the presence of a juvenile indicates the likelihood of a larger otter population in the area. The publication stressed the need for further study and conservation efforts to protect this significant rediscovery.

Previously, it was believed that the small-clawed otter, which can inhabit both the Tarai and hilly regions of Nepal, was restricted to protected areas due to habitat destruction. However, this new record confirms that the species still exists outside of national parks.

An important part of the ecosystem, the small-clawed otter thrives in both land and aquatic environments but relies on water for its food. According to Chaudhary, the otter primarily feeds on fish but also consumes crabs, prawns and snails. Otters are considered indicators of clean water and noise-free environments.

Researcher Hirulal Dangoura reported that the otter was found in a rocky riverbed area with clean water and nearby forests in Dadeldhura. “The area is relatively isolated, with minimal human activity. It appears to provide a suitable environment for the otters to thrive,” he added.

Habitat destruction is a major threat

Nepal is home to three otter species -- the smooth-coated otter, the Eurasian otter and the Asian small-clawed otter. All three species face existential threats due to the destruction of their natural habitats.

Dangoura said that the extraction of stones, gravel and sand from rivers and streams has placed the small-clawed otter at significant risk. “Habitat destruction is the primary challenge. Human activities like capturing and killing otters are also contributing to their declining numbers,” he added.