Endangered Eurasian otter photographed in Turkey's Dicle River

A Eurasian otter, listed as near‑threatened on the IUCN Red List in 2020, was photographed on the banks of the Dicle River near Diyarbakır. The animal was captured by photographer Veysi Arcagök while he was shooting bird images in the Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Prof. Dr. Ali Satar of Dicle University emphasized the otter’s ecological role, noting that it builds dams that deepen water and create habitats for other species. He also reminded that killing otters is punishable by fine under Turkish law, underscoring the need for protection of this endangered mammal.

The sighting is presented as an indicator that the river’s ecosystem remains relatively healthy, supporting the conservation of a species that depends on clean water and intact habitats.