Diyarbakır a Eurasian Otter, a Species Classed As 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN Red List, Has Been Filmed in the Tigris River

Endangered otter spotted in Tigris River in Diyarbakır A Eurasian otter, a species classed as 'near threatened' on the IUCN Red List, has been filmed in the Tigris River in Diyarbakır, southeastern Turkey. Photographer Veysi Arcagök captured the semi-aquatic mammal while it hunted fish near Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on Aug. 2, 2026. “While taking bird photos in Hevsel Gardens, I had the chance to observe and film an otter catching a fish.

Watching it catch a fish with natural movements in its natural habitat was extremely exciting. The presence of an otter in the Tigris shows wildlife is largely preserved, Arcagök said. He added that last year he also recorded a leucistic carrion crow, and that records like these show Diyarbakır stands out not only historically and culturally but also for its rich wildlife.

“I knew otters lived in the region, but this was the first time I saw one. It was incredibly exciting. The Eurasian otter usually lives in burrows it digs along the banks of streams, rivers and coastal areas across Turkey and Europe.

It entered the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2020 and is listed as “near threatened. Killing one carries a fine. Prof. Dr. Ali Satar of Dicle University stressed that the animals must not be harmed.

“They are very beneficial to other aquatic creatures. They build dams across the water, and the water deepens behind these dams. When water levels drop, creatures find habitat there and can breed more easily.

Hunters shoot them when they see them. They are protected; we must not harm them. We must protect all living creatures and be sensitive. We must also not pollute their habitats.””””