Eurasian Otter
Published on 01 Nov 2025
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), once thought extinct in Kashmir for nearly three decades, has been spotted again in the Lidder River.
This semi-aquatic mammal, known locally as Vuder.
The sudden decline in otters, a carnivorous mammal that feeds on fish and other aquatic fauna, was attributed to increased water pollution and hunting of the mammal for its fur.
Lutra lutra is listed as Near Threatened according to IUCN.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
Lidder or Liddar River originates from the Kolahoi Glacier in the Himalayas, near Sonamarg, J&K.
It flows for about 73 km and is a major tributary of the Jhelum River.
Valley: The river flows through the picturesque Lidder Valley, with the popular tourist town of Pahalgam centrally located in it.
