The Whisper of the River
For nearly two centuries, it was just a ghost. A name on old records, a species assumed to be lost to time in Nepal’s wild landscapes. But in November 2024, something extraordinary happened—a small, injured otter, no bigger than a housecat, was discovered on the banks of the Rangun and Puntara rivers in western Nepal. What forestry officers thought was an ordinary encounter turned out to be a historic moment: the first confirmed sighting of the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) in Nepal since 1839.
Its rediscovery has ignited excitement among conservationists, raising new questions about Nepal’s overlooked biodiversity and the resilience of a species that managed to evade scientific detection for nearly two centuries.
A Hidden Survivor
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of the world’s 13 otter species. Weighing just a few kilograms, it is a semi-aquatic carnivore known for its intelligence, dexterous forepaws, and playful nature. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, facing habitat destruction, pollution, and poaching across its range from Indonesia to South Asia.
For decades, researchers suspected that the species still roamed Nepal’s rivers and wetlands, but without evidence, conservation efforts remained focused on two other otter species confirmed in the country: the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata). The small-clawed otter’s absence led some to consider removing it from Nepal’s official species list altogether.
That all changed when forest officers in Dadeldhura district found the young otter—fragile, hungry, but very much alive.
The Road to Confirmation
Not knowing the species they had encountered, local officers did what any curious naturalists would do—they took photos and videos. These were shared with the IUCN Otter Specialist Group, a global network of otter researchers, who quickly confirmed it: this was indeed the elusive Asian small-clawed otter.
“This is an incredibly significant finding,” said Sanjan Thapa, deputy coordinator of the Otter Specialist Group’s Himalayan region. “We had long suspected that the Asian small-clawed otter might still survive in Nepal, but without concrete evidence, its status remained uncertain.”
The confirmation sent ripples through the conservation community. Could there be more of them hidden in the country’s river systems? Was this the only survivor of a long-lost population, or just the beginning of a larger rediscovery?
Rediscovery or Reawakening?
Nepal’s rivers and wetlands have long been under pressure from human activities. Pollution from agriculture and industry, habitat fragmentation due to dam construction, and illegal fishing practices have devastated aquatic ecosystems, leading to declining populations of species like otters, freshwater dolphins, and fish.
Yet, the return of the Asian small-clawed otter tells a different story—one of resilience and hope.
Just two years before, the species was rediscovered in Darjeeling, India, not far from Nepal’s eastern border. Now, with confirmed evidence in Nepal’s western region, researchers suspect there could be an undiscovered population spanning the country.
“This sighting should serve as a wake-up call,” said Mohan Bikram Shrestha, lead author of the rediscovery report. “We need to conduct national otter surveys, strengthen habitat protections, and prevent further degradation of our rivers. This discovery proves that if we give nature a chance, it can surprise us.”
What This Means for Conservation
Nepal has made remarkable progress in wildlife conservation over the past few decades. Once on the brink of extinction, the country’s tiger and rhino populations have rebounded thanks to rigorous anti-poaching efforts and habitat conservation. But smaller, lesser-known species like otters have often been overlooked in favor of these charismatic megafauna.
With the Asian small-clawed otter officially back on Nepal’s species list, conservationists are calling for urgent action:
Incorporating the species into Nepal’s wildlife protection laws: Unlike Eurasian and smooth-coated otters, the small-clawed otter is not currently protected under Nepal’s national conservation laws. Changing this would ensure that efforts are made to monitor and safeguard its population.
Launching national otter surveys: Experts believe other small-clawed otters may be out there, hidden in Nepal’s rivers and wetlands. Comprehensive surveys using camera traps and environmental DNA (eDNA) could help map their distribution.
Restoring and protecting river habitats: Strengthening conservation measures in national parks and freshwater ecosystems would benefit not just otters, but a range of aquatic species that depend on clean water and intact habitats.
Community engagement and awareness: Many local communities share their landscapes with otters without realizing their importance. Encouraging sustainable fishing practices, reducing river pollution, and promoting ecotourism could provide conservation incentives.
The Role of Local Communities in Otter Conservation
The rediscovery of the Asian small-clawed otter presents an opportunity to engage local communities in conservation efforts. In many parts of Nepal, people rely on river ecosystems for their livelihoods. By integrating conservation initiatives with sustainable economic opportunities, such as ecotourism and responsible fishing practices, local residents can become key partners in protecting this species.
Nepal’s successful tiger and rhino conservation models relied heavily on community involvement. Conservationists believe a similar approach could be effective for otters. Programs that educate and incentivize communities to protect river ecosystems could make a significant impact.
How You Can Help
Protecting Nepal’s otters isn’t just the job of conservationists—it’s something everyone can contribute to. Here’s how you can help:
🌊 Support organizations dedicated to river conservation. Nonprofits working on freshwater conservation play a crucial role in preserving the ecosystems otters depend on. Donating or volunteering with these groups can make a real impact.
📣 Spread the word. Share this story with your friends and family. The more awareness we raise about the Asian small-clawed otter’s return, the more momentum conservation efforts can gain.
🌱 Reduce your environmental footprint. Small lifestyle changes—like cutting down on plastic use, avoiding pesticides that harm waterways, and choosing eco-friendly products—help protect the fragile river ecosystems otters call home.
📍 Get involved in citizen science. Many conservation organizations have programs that allow the public to report wildlife sightings. If you live in Nepal or travel to otter habitats, your observations could provide valuable data for researchers.
Hope is in the Water
The rediscovery of the Asian small-clawed otter in Nepal is more than just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a testament to nature’s ability to endure against the odds. It reminds us that even in the face of habitat destruction and climate change, life finds a way.
Now, the challenge is ours: Will we step up to protect this remarkable creature and ensure that it is not lost again? Or will we let this historic moment slip through our fingers like water through an otter’s paws?
One thing is clear—this little survivor has given us a second chance. It’s up to us to make sure it counts.