In a remarkable turn of events, scientists have confirmed the presence of the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) in Nepal for the first time in 185 years. This species, the smallest otter in the world, had not been officially recorded in the country since 1839, leading to widespread speculation that it had vanished from Nepalese waterways. However, a juvenile otter, found in November 2024 in Nepal’s Dadeldhura District, has provided the first concrete evidence that the species still inhabits the region.
This groundbreaking confirmation, detailed in a study published in the IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, highlights both the resilience of the species and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Nepal’s fragile freshwater ecosystems. The study, led by Mohan Bikram Shrestha and a team of international researchers, marks a significant step toward understanding the species’ current distribution and threats.
The Return of a Species Long Feared Lost
For decades, the Asian small-clawed otter was considered a species that had likely disappeared from Nepal. Despite occasional unverified reports from eastern Nepal and the western plains of Kailali and Kapilvastu, no clear documentation existed—until forestry officials unexpectedly rescued a juvenile otter in fragile condition. The animal was fed and cared for before experts identified it as the long-lost species.
The breakthrough prompted immediate action from researchers, confirming its presence in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas and multiple river systems. This confirmation carries immense significance for conservationists, particularly for Mohan Bikram Shrestha, a researcher specializing in otters and birds in the region.
“After years of speculation about its presence in Nepal, we can finally confirm that the small-clawed otter lives on in the country,” Shrestha stated.
With this confirmation, scientists are now racing to assess the species’ population size, habitat range, and potential threats, hoping to prevent another near-disappearance.
A Barometer for Ecosystem Health
The Asian small-clawed otter is more than just a rare species—it serves as a key indicator of freshwater ecosystem health. These otters rely on clean, unpolluted rivers with abundant fish and invertebrates, making their presence a positive sign for Nepal’s aquatic environments. However, this rediscovery also highlights the fragile state of the country’s waterways.
According to Think Global Health, Nepal’s rivers have suffered severe degradation due to flooding, landslides, industrial pollution, and climate change. Many water systems have been turned into waste dumping sites for factories, hospitals, and urban centers, leading to a biodiversity crisis. The reappearance of the Asian small-clawed otter suggests that there are still pockets of healthy ecosystems, but without immediate conservation efforts, their survival remains in jeopardy.
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has long emphasized the importance of otter populations as indicators of aquatic health. Their presence suggests that at least some of Nepal’s river systems retain sufficient water quality and ecological balance to support them—but for how long remains uncertain.
Conservationists Call for Immediate Action
Following the official confirmation of the species in Nepal, conservation groups and government agencies are pushing for greater protection measures. The Nepalese government, in collaboration with global environmental organizations, has pledged to integrate the Asian small-clawed otter into wildlife conservation policies and habitat protection programs.
One of the biggest challenges is restoring damaged river systems, ensuring that otters have access to clean water, abundant prey, and protected breeding areas. Sanjan Thapa, deputy coordinator of the Otter Specialist Group’s Himalayan region, emphasized that this rediscovery must lead to direct conservation action:
“Now that we have concrete proof that the small-clawed otter is also found in Nepal, we need to incorporate it in our policies and programs.”
Efforts are already underway, with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) leading river management initiatives in the Lower Karnali Watershed, a region critical to otter conservation. These projects focus on reducing pollution, controlling illegal fishing, and restoring wetland habitats—all essential steps to securing a future for the species.
