A video circulating on social media shows rare footage of Himalayan otters eating rainbow trout in the Kishanganga River in Gurez. The video, filmed by Wajid Munawar Shangroo, a local resident, offers a rare look at these semi-aquatic mammals, known as “vadurs” in the local Shina language. Otters, part of the Mustelidae family, are important members of aquatic ecosystems, found across most continents, except Australia and Antarctica.
This sighting in Gurez is part of a growing trend. A 2023 study found two Eurasian otters in the Kishanganga River, and earlier research recorded otters in other nearby areas, including the Neru Stream in 2020. Wajid shared that otters had been missing from the area for years, but in 2023, he saw one near his home, and recently witnessed three otters feeding on fish. He believes the otters have been returning because of small caves along the riverbank, which they use for shelter.
The Eurasian otter is present in several parts of northern India, including Kashmir, and is an important indicator of river health. These otters thrive in cold streams and rivers, especially those with fish populations. However, they are classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, and their presence in the region highlights the need for stronger conservation efforts.
Kishanganga River, fed by glacial melt, flows through the Gurez Valley, a lush and biodiverse area. Once common throughout Kashmir, the Eurasian otter population has decreased due to habitat loss, pollution, and human activity. The recent sightings give hope that these otters might be slowly returning to their natural habitat.
