Nepal is home to three otter species—the Eurasian otter, the smooth-coated otter, and the Asian small-clawed otter—but these charismatic creatures are facing an uphill battle for survival. Habitat destruction, illegal fishing, pollution, and human encroachment are pushing these species to the brink. However, a new initiative led by WWF Nepal, funded by the UK government’s Darwin Initiative, is working to address these challenges by integrating otter conservation with community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. While the project has shown promise, it also highlights the complex interplay between conservation efforts and the needs of local communities.
The Eurasian otter, locally known as the black otter, is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and degradation. The smooth-coated otter, listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, is distinguished by its sleek fur and social behavior, while the Asian small-clawed otter, the smallest of the three, lives in large social groups and is particularly vulnerable to human disturbances. All three species depend on healthy freshwater ecosystems—clean, flowing rivers, sandy banks, and dense riparian forests—but these habitats are under severe pressure from illegal fishing, sand mining, deforestation, and pollution.
In response, WWF Nepal launched the Strengthening Communities’ Livelihood and Stewardship to Conserve Otters in Karnali project. The initiative aims to protect otter habitats while supporting the livelihoods of marginalized communities, such as the Sonaha and Tharu, who rely on the Karnali River for their survival. “The idea is to reduce pressure on river resources by providing communities with sustainable alternatives,” explains Aashish Kapali, Freshwater Program Associate at WWF Nepal. “If we can empower these communities to make sustainable decisions, it will benefit both people and wildlife.”
Otters depend on healthy freshwater ecosystems, including deep river channels, clean flowing water, sandy riverbanks, and dense riparian forests. However, these habitats are being degraded by illegal fishing, sand mining, deforestation, and pollution. Interestingly, Kapali, who has been working in the otter area for two years, has not seen a live otter. “It is a shy animal and is not seen frequently, so it faces more indirect threats than direct ones,” he says.
Six key otter habitat hotspots have been identified in Lumbini’s Bardiya (Tikuligadh, Rajipur, Tihuni, and Chhedia) and Sudurpaschim’s Kailali (Phanta and Nuklipur). The project focuses on four key areas: community-based river management, livelihood diversification, strengthening governance and law enforcement, and developing a national otter conservation plan.
Along the Karnali River, 15 Community River Stretch Management Groups (CRSMGs) have been established, comprising 375 members—68 percent of whom are women. These groups monitor river health, promote sustainable fishing practices, and collaborate with government agencies to enforce regulations. However, challenges remain.
Buddhi Singh Tharu, a 59-year-old member of a river monitoring group, points to the dumping site on the banks of the Karnali River in Tikapur Municipality, Kailali, as a major source of pollution. “Garbage leaks into the river, affecting otter habitats,” he says. He also highlights the disturbance caused by motorboats operated by Rajapur Municipality in Bardiya, which are marketed as a tourist attraction but disrupt otters, dolphins, and other wildlife.
Livelihood diversification is a cornerstone of the project. By providing training and resources, the initiative is helping communities transition from river-dependent livelihoods to sustainable enterprises. On-farm initiatives include training in vegetable farming, betel leaf cultivation, pig farming, and fish farming, while off-farm programs offer alternatives such as hospitality training, handicraft production, tailoring courses, and driving instruction.
Sudha Chaudhary, a 45-year-old farmer from Bardiya, is one of the beneficiaries. She now grows tomatoes and chilies on her 500-square-meter farm and has seen a significant improvement in her income. “Last season, I made a profit of around Rs 50,000,” she says. “Farming has become our primary source of income, and we no longer rely on the river.”
Program Associate Kapali states that the project team assessed the intensity of fishing activities and the dependence of families on the river before selecting beneficiaries.
Photos: WWF Nepal
The project also aims to strengthen governance and law enforcement by enhancing the capacity of government agencies to regulate illegal fishing and the over-extraction of river resources. Additionally, a national otter conservation plan is being developed to ensure long-term protection for otters and other aquatic species. “We’ve drafted a Smooth-Coated Otter Conservation Action Plan based on insights from 158 participants across 13 sites in Nepal,” says Kapali. “The goal is to create a framework that balances conservation with community needs.”
Despite these efforts, the project faces significant challenges. Pollution, illegal fishing, and habitat degradation remain persistent threats, and the success of the initiative depends on the active participation of local communities. To raise awareness, the project introduced Sakhi, an otter mascot whose name means ‘friend’ in the Tharu language, and selected 45 ‘Otter Champions’ to lead conservation campaigns.
Arun Sonaha, a 27-year-old Otter Champion from Rajapur-1, has been actively sharing his knowledge about otter conservation with other young people. “Communities have adapted their livelihoods to support otter conservation,” he says. Saraswati Sonaha, a 21-year-old tailoring trainee, hopes to open her own shop once her training is complete. “My family depended on the river, but I want to start my own business,” she says. “Otters should be protected for future generations.”
Kapali explains that the project has provided sewing machines to all 15 trainees and will offer additional support if they decide to start their own businesses after the training. “However, we don’t provide 100 percent funding. If they invest a share themselves, they will feel a greater sense of ownership,” he says.
The project’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. Three local cooperatives—Deuthan Krishi Cooperative, Sharad Saana Kishan Cooperative, and Shree Bindeshwori Cooperative—have been strengthened, offering loans, training, and support to over 180 community members. Bhagawati Shah, chairperson of the Sharad Saana Kishan Cooperative, explains that the cooperative provides loans of up to Rs 40,000 at a six percent interest rate without collateral to eligible beneficiaries who present a business plan. “Around 100 people qualify for these loans, and so far, 23 individuals have already benefited,” she says. The cooperative also offers training in pig, fish, goat, and vegetable farming, as well as tailoring. “Our goal is to help people transition from river-dependent livelihoods to business ventures,” she adds.
In Tighra, Rajapur-3, Maiti Tharuni, 60, is engaged in handicraft production. She was one of 18 women who participated in a 15-day training program on grass-based handicrafts, which included a buy-back guarantee. She explains that crafting a handicraft item takes anywhere from 30 minutes to four days, depending on its size and design. “There is strong demand, and we frequently export our products to Kathmandu, but we haven’t been able to meet the growing orders,” she says. “We used to make handicrafts before, but with this training, we now work in a more professional, modern, and efficient way, incorporating new and diverse designs,” she adds.
While the project has made strides in empowering communities and protecting otter habitats, its long-term success will depend on sustained efforts and collaboration between stakeholders. The challenges are significant, but the initiative offers a glimpse of what’s possible when conservation and community development go hand in hand. As Kapali puts it, “The goal is to create a future where both people and wildlife can thrive.” For now, the story of Nepal’s otters is one of resilience and hope, a reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, positive change is possible.
