OP Agnihotri/ Haldwani
Sounding satisfied with the ongoing wildlife conservation efforts, the divisional forest officer (DFO) Haldwani, Kundan Kumar said that the recent sighting of otters in Nandhaur river is a strong ecological indicator of improving biodiversity in the region. Notably, the otters had been spotted near Machlivan area of Nandhaur range under Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary during routine field monitoring by forest staff. Video footage, captured on-site, shows a group of otters actively moving along the riverbank and diving into the water. “This is a rare and encouraging sight in the Terai wildlife landscape,” said a senior forest officer of the division.
Placing emphasis on the ecological importance of the development, the DFO said, “The presence of otters reflects the robust health of the river ecosystem. Their return strengthens biodiversity indicators in this stretch of Nandhaur river. We are giving special priority to their protection.”
Otters are globally recognised as bio-indicators of clean and functional river systems, as their survival depends on unpolluted water and a rich fish population. The Nandhaur riverine ecosystem supports diverse aquatic life, including the Golden Mahseer (Golden Mahseer), a flagship Himalayan fish species that thrives in clear, fast-flowing waters and forms an essential prey base for apex aquatic predators.
The wildlife experts say that the species recently sighted is most likely the smooth-coated otter, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. “Known for its social behaviour and yet elusive nature, the species is rarely observed in open habitats unless conditions are undisturbed,” an expert noted.
Underlining the department’s action plan, the DFO said that continuous river monitoring is being conducted, illegal fishing activities are being strictly curbed and riparian vegetation along the riverbanks is being preserved to maintain a secure habitat for otters and other aquatic fauna.
The forest authorities are now planning intensified monitoring in the Machlivan stretch to better understand otter movement patterns and population distribution, he added.
The sighting is being viewed by the conservationists as tangible proof that sustained habitat protection, anti-poaching vigilance and community awareness are yielding measurable ecological gains.
With biodiversity indicators showing positive trends, the Nandhaur landscape is emerging as a promising model of river-centric conservation in Uttarakhand’s Terai region, observed a conservationist.
