Distribution, population status and habitat utilization of common Otter (Lutra lutra) in Neelum valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Neelum Valley comprises of fascinating wildlife, yet it is not explored due to multiple factors including inaccessibility, no appropriate means of transportation and communication and cross border firing between Pakistan and Indian armed forces. Common otter (Lutra lutra) listed as near threatened by IUCN in the Red List of 2008, has been extinct in much of its range with many populations still thinning and is firmly protected by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Wild Life Act. The present study aimed to find out the distribution, habitat utilization and population status of common otter in Neelum Valley. Study area was divided into zones and localities and eight months surveys of each locality were conducted from December, 2004 to July, 2005. The important vegetation of the area was Rumex histatus, Adhatoda zeyloanica, Cynoglossum lanceolatum, Salix sp, Pinus sp, Cedrus deodara and Celtis eriocarpa. Common otter was found to adapt to rocky area with cave type places, sands and pebbles. Average population was measured by the indirect method of sampling. The animal was distributed in all three zones and 22 localities apart from Nosada locality. A total population of 35 animals was estimated with the average population density of 2.29 animals/km2 in the study area. Highest average density (2.83 animals/km2) was observed in zone B followed by zone C (2.26 animals/km2) and A (1.68 animals/km2). Locality Salkhala was highly populated with average population density of 3.08 animals/km2 followed by Palri (3.00) and Athmuqam (2.96) while minimum density (0.00) was observed at Nosada locality. Otter population is facing threats from habitat disturbance, hunting and pollution. Cumulative approach is needed to develop a conservation strategy for the survival of common otter in the study area.