Abstract
Currently the Hawr Al Azim Wetland is the largest freshwater wetland in Lower Mesopotamia and represents the remaining fraction of the former Mesopotamian Marshes, whose area has declined dramatically over the past 25 years. Two species of otter, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and the smooth-coated otter (Lutragale perspicillata) have been reported for this area. The sub-species of the latter is endemic to the wetlands, and is thought to be close to extinction. Current knowledge on the distribution and status of the otters within the marshes is minimal, and attempts to obtain more information are being hampered by military operation. In order to determine the otters' status we conducted a field survey, interviewed local people who had access to the inner marsh and reviewed all available information about otters' distribution in the wetlands. Although we could find sound evidence of the presence of both species in the past, the survey failed to find any current sign of otters. In contrast, local fishermen claimed that otters are sometimes ob- served in the inner or upper parts of Hawr Al Azim. The distribution of the two species in the area needs to be further investigated and attempts should be made to protect and restore the best remaining parts of Mesopotamian marshlands.
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