On the occurrence of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Neeru stream of Chenab catchment, Jammu & Kashmir, India

This communication reports the first photographic record of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra in a hill stream Jammu & Kashmir, putting an end to doubts over its presence upper Chenab catchment. Three individuals were photographed during limited camera trap survey conducted Neeru stream, left bank tributary river mid-October 2020. We argue that rapid human population influx, infrastructure expansion, and pollution have altered hydro morphology affecting otter population. observation calls for more intensive surveys nearby smaller basins Neeru, Kalnai, Sewa other large tributaries River, combining occupancy with traps improved conservation management species region.