Three species of Otters are know to occur in Nepal: Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), Smooth-coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata) and Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) (de Silva 2006, Thapa 2003).
The Eurasian Otter has been found in Begnas and the Rupa lakes and the West Seti basin (de Silva 2006). The Smooth-coated Otter occurs in the rivers Karnali, Mahakali, Koshi and Narayani rivers. However, a systematic monitoring of Otters is yet to be started in Nepal.
Otters have declined in Nepal with the status of the Asian Short-clawed unknown (de Silva 2006). Currently they are facing immense pressure in four fronts: degradation and loss of riparian habitat, poaching for their pelts, disturbance by human activities and their feeding behaviour brings them direct conflicts with fisherman, who saw Otters competitor for fishing. As a result they are surviving in fragmented population in some isolated areas (Thapa 2003).

The distribution of Otters in Nepal is still unknown. It seems essential to identify wetland sites in which Otters are present. It will be the important initial step to initiate efforts on Otter conservation in Nepal. Lets join our hands together for this !