Otters in Jiuzhaigou: A Sign of Thriving Ecosystem
Recent sightings of Eurasian otters fishing in Jiuzhaigou Valley have sparked public interest. Park officials confirm these are native species, reflecting the area’s healthy aquatic ecosystem and successful conservation efforts.
The recent viral footage of otters catching fish in Jiuzhaigou Valley’s Five-Colored Lake has captured public attention and sparked discussions about wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage site in China’s Sichuan Province.
These remarkable creatures are Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), a native species that has long called Jiuzhaigou home. As top predators in freshwater ecosystems, their presence serves as a crucial indicator of environmental health. The park’s pristine waters and abundant fish populations provide ideal conditions for these skilled hunters.
Jiuzhaigou’s otters belong to one of three otter species found in China, alongside the smooth-coated otter and Asian small-clawed otter. The Eurasian otter, classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN and protected as a Class II species under Chinese law, has the widest distribution among the three.
Their increasing visibility in the park reflects successful conservation efforts. Park officials maintain a hands-off approach, allowing these natural inhabitants to thrive undisturbed. This policy has paid off, as evidenced by growing otter populations and more frequent sightings by visitors.
The otters' presence tells a larger story about Jiuzhaigou’s ecosystem. These mammals require clean water and abundant prey to survive. Their active presence in the park’s waters demonstrates the success of long-term environmental protection measures and the careful balance maintained between tourism and conservation.
For visitors lucky enough to witness these playful creatures in action, the experience offers a rare glimpse into the behavior of one of nature’s most charismatic predators. The sight of otters freely swimming and fishing in Jiuzhaigou’s crystal-clear waters stands as living proof of how effective conservation can allow wildlife to flourish alongside responsible tourism.
The misconception that these otters might have been introduced to the park stems from their relative rarity in public sightings. However, scientific surveys dating back to 2005 have documented their presence in the region, confirming their status as native residents rather than introduced species.