Conservationists have rediscovered Eurasian otters in Lantau, previously believed to be extinct in the area since the 1960s. In a social media post, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) said their otter surveys earlier this year revealed faeces at The Brothers Marine Park, confirming the species' presence in northern Lantau waters. Conservationists have previously confirmed the presence of Eurasian otters in various habitats in 2020, including fishponds and coastal areas stretching from Pak Nai to Lo Wu, and even in urban waterways. Recent genetic testing from Lantau verified that the faecal remains found belong to this species, broadening the known range of otters in Hong Kong. "The new discovery of otter at The Brothers Marine Park, along with our previous finding in Pak Nai, suggests that otters may utilise the coastal areas west of Castle Peak, from Pak Nai down to northern Lantau," the conservation centre wrote. "[The discovery] not only brings hope for this locally critically endangered species but also indicates that the otters’ habitats extend beyond coastal wetlands and rivers to include offshore islands and adjacent marine environments." KFBG said the finding shows the importance of enhancing field survey efforts to better understand the distribution and status of these otters in Hong Kong.
