Endangered Central Asian Otters Face Extinction Risk in Kyrgyzstan

The Ministry of Natural Resources of Kyrgyzstan held a discussion on the results of a fauna study conducted in the Kyzyl-Suu River basin in the Chon-Alai district, focusing on the threat of extinction facing the Central Asian river otter.

The meeting involved representatives from the National Academy of Sciences, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as environmental activists and civil society leaders, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

The results of field work and laboratory water analysis data were also presented.

Experts noted the disappearance of the Central Asian river otter, which is the top predator of river ecosystems and the stability of the population of which serves as an indicator of the well-being of water bodies. They believe that there are poorly studied rivers in the region, where isolated groups of these animals may survive.

The possibility of restoring the otter population by importing from other regions or nature reserves to restore the ecosystem and preserve biodiversity in the country was discussed.

Experts outlined the problem of the negative impact of trout farms on the disappearance of the otter.

The Central Asian river otter is a subspecies of the river otter, a mammal from the mustelid family. It lives in swamps and lakes. It is on the verge of complete extinction and is listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan.