Habitat and Anthropogenic Determinants of Otter Presence in the Karnali River, Western Nepal

Freshwater ecosystems support global biodiversity but face mounting anthropogenic threats. Otters (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Lutrinae) are semi‐aquatic apex predators that are vital for maintaining ecosystem balance, yet they are undergoing widespread global declines. This study assessed otter habitat use and conservation threats along the Western Bend of the Karnali River in western Nepal. From 102 transects (100 m long, 10 m wide) surveyed (October–December 2024), otters were detected at 35 sites based on direct and indirect evidence. Model‐averaged logistic regression identified six significant predictors of occurrence: negative associations with house density (OR = 0.001, p < 0.001), river width (OR = 0.075, p = 0.009), and water current velocity (OR = 0.293, p = 0.041); and positive associations with moderate riparian vegetation (26%–50%; OR = 158.1, p = 0.003), small stone substrate (OR = 3.85, p = 0.002), and absence of dogs (OR = 20.94, p = 0.005). The composite Human Disturbance Index showed a non‐significant negative effect, indicating limited tolerance to general human activity but strong avoidance of settlements and dogs. Our findings confirm otter persistence in this river stretch outside the protected area network of the country and emphasize targeted conservation, particularly dog management, reduced settlement pressure, and riparian habitat maintenance, to secure these keystone species in human‐modified freshwater systems.