In a remote district of western Nepal, a small, unassuming creature has defied extinction. After being absent from the country’s records for nearly two centuries, the Asian small-clawed otter, the smallest otter species in the world, has reappeared. This unexpected discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the fragility of biodiversity in the region and sparks new hope for species that have seemingly vanished.
A Century-Long Silence Broken
For nearly two hundred years, the Aonyx cinereus had not been seen in Nepal. The last official sighting of this tiny otter was recorded in 1839, and despite occasional reports from areas like Makalu Barun and Kailali, no solid evidence had ever confirmed its continued existence in the country. As time passed, some researchers speculated that the otter had likely gone extinct, leading many to dismiss any further efforts to search for the elusive animal.
But in November 2024, in a remote part of the Dadeldhura district, the story took an unexpected turn. Forest officers discovered a young otter in poor health, and while initially unsure of its species, they brought it to a local station. After sharing photos with experts, it quickly became clear that the animal was none other than the Asian small-clawed otter. This marked its official return to Nepal, a place where it had not been seen for almost two centuries.
Experts Confirm the Rediscovery
According to Mongabay, The rediscovery of the Aonyx cinereus was confirmed in early 2025 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), marking a significant moment for biodiversity conservation. Mohan Bikram Shrestha, a researcher affiliated with the Central University of Forestry Sciences in Changsha, played a key role in verifying the otter’s identity. The animal was photographed and filmed before being released back into its natural habitat.
The confirmation has sent waves of excitement through the scientific community, reigniting hopes for the survival of species thought to be lost. The sighting also raises important questions about the state of Nepal’s less-explored ecosystems. Could other species long presumed gone still be hiding in these remote, untouched areas?
A Fragile Environment Under Threat
Though the discovery is a cause for optimism, the otter’s future remains uncertain. The area where the Aonyx cinereus was found, the Dadeldhura district, is facing several environmental challenges. Human activities such as sand and stone extraction have begun to destabilize the riverbanks, causing significant damage to aquatic habitats. Additionally, agricultural pollution, hydroelectric dams, and destructive fishing practices continue to threaten the delicate ecosystems that support the otter and other wildlife.
To address these threats, local communities are beginning to play an active role. The WWF has been working with the Sonaha community, who have lived along the Karnali River for generations, to promote sustainable fishing practices. The rediscovery of the otter has added new urgency to conservation efforts, with many now pushing to include the species in national protection programs.
The confirmation of the sighting is published in the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin.
