A species long thought to have vanished from Nepal has made a remarkable comeback—185 years after it was last seen. The Asian small-clawed otter, believed extinct in the region since 1839, was recently discovered in Dadeldhura’s remote river confluence, stunning conservationists and renewing hope for its survival. The young otter was spotted and safely released back into the wild by local forest officers, prompting further investigation and confirmation by a global team of experts.
Photos and findings have now been published in the IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, officially verifying the species’ return. Even more exciting, locals have reported additional sightings, suggesting a thriving group may inhabit the area. This rediscovery not only challenges past assumptions about the otter’s range, but also signals the health of the surrounding environment.
Experts say this surprise reappearance highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these elusive creatures and their fragile habitats.