By 2010, to restore breeding otters to all catchments and coastal areas where they have been recorded since 1960. Never put a photograph, film clip, or personal experience before the welfare of the otter. Species Biodiversity Action Plans (Summaries), Berne Convention (Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats), Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), Agricultural Pollution of watercourses - particularly in the form of organochlorine pesticides (especially PCBs), that bio-accumulate in the fish eaten by otters; and more recently the synthetic pyrethoids present in sheep dips. Cubs are usually born in a holt in a bank, or between rocks or tree roots. Hunting and trapping of mink - may inadvertently kill otters instead. Otters occupy large home ranges – up to 40km along a river for a male otter but less than half that for a female. Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2: Action Plans. 3: Know your companions. Discover (and save!) Most otters live in dens — built by other animals, such as beavers — that are dug into the ground that have many channels and dry inner chambers. You are more likely to see an otter today in the UK than ever before, yet their elusive nature still makes them a difficult spot. Sep 18, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Cherry Mischievous. The cause was the combined effects of water pollution, habitat destruction and persecution, including hunting. 25-40. Under domestic legislation, otters are covered by the. The intended outcome of management in otter habitat should be to: protect existing holts, resting places and breeding sites, achieve a continuity of suitable habitats, limit levels of disturbance. Otter numbers in the UK have increased slightly in recent years but the Eurasian otter is still classed as “Near Threatened” in the Red Data List. The species was driven to near extinction in some areas between the 1950s and 1970s, but thanks to improvements in water quality and greater protection it can once again be found across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and – as of 2011 – every county in England. Otters are now very common along the coast of Norway and in Northern Britain, especially Shetland where 12% of the UK breeding population exist. Their webbed feet and long, muscular tail enable them to swim comfortably at about one metre […] Reduced prey - this can also associated with poor water quality, although a parasite problem in the eel population and eel harvesting also contribute to the problem. coppicing, scarifying, mowing and ground-works within potential otter habitat have a high risk of causing damage, disturbance or harm. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! Their diet in the wild is crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Otters prey mainly on fish and have large home ranges, extending over tens of kilometres. But you can bank on the fact that there is an otter somewhere in a river near … The river channel provides suitable habitat for otter to move through the area. A typical range will encompass a river, side streams and ponds together with the adjacent woods and wetlands. ), pp. Otter Habitat and Distribution. Small populations are particularly vulnerable to isolated pollution events. Good, interconnected habitat – Otters can use up to 40km of river as their territory. 1167746 They also eat crustaceans, frogs and even small water birds. Flowerdew, J.R. (1997). The otter (Lutra lutra) is found throughout the UK and Ireland and is associated with streams, rivers and coastal areas. Scotland is home to 90% of UK otters. Drought - either natural or induced by over abstraction. UK wildlife: Otter (lultra lultra) on land carrying fish it has caught out of the sea onto the seaweed shoreline, Isle of Mull, Scotland Otters of chambal river. Habitat. They leave the protection of their mothers at 10 – 12 months and can breed at 2 years old. Animals and Nature › Otters › Sea otter › Hind feet. www.lrcwales.org.uk Natural History Societies and local Mammal Groups - contact details from: www.mammal.org.uk . Betts, C.J. Sea otters prefer coastal habitats within a mile of the shoreline. mitigation for a safer otter habitat June 2007 Conference: IUCN OSG Workshop Dutch Otter Re-introduction Project in the Netherlands, Steenwijk, 10-12 april 2007 Habitat type - otters require a habitat consisting of unpolluted watercourses, bankside trees (with exposed horizontal root systems) and vegetation to provide cover, they also require a plentiful supply of food (such as eels) if the population is to be self-sustaining. There are 13 different otter species worldwide, but the Eurasian otter is the only species to inhabit Europe. Poor bankside habitat - a lack of the habitat features required for breeding. 3, 18 A eutrophic river, with a high carrying capacity and plentiful food and habitat cover, could support a 17 They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. In: Biodiversity and Conservation in Agriculture: Proceedings of a Symposium held at The Stakis Brighton Metropole Hotel 17 November 1997, (Ed. However, populations remain in Wales, south-west England and much of Scotland, where sea loch and coastal colonies comprise one of the largest populations in Europe. 4–7 In the 1950s, persistent organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) became intensively used in agriculture. T he second episode in our Wild Britain series focuses on otters. It hasn't been plain sailing for otters in the UK in the last few decades. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Coastal otter habitat ranges from sheltered wooded inlets to more open, low-lying coasts. We are a Devon-based charity dedicated to protecting and promoting a positive understanding of the European otter and its conservation. A habitat image of Smooth-coated otter Lutrogale pers family pups are playing in morning light on rocks with green background Otters of … The river is also likely to provide suitable foraging opportunities to otter given its ability to support fish and invertebrate species. (1998). Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. Free Delivery Over £50 On Selected Orders. Eurasian otters are indigenous to the UK and can be found in either fresh or salt water, although it’s usually known as the river otter for the obvious reason. The Lower Otter estuary lies within the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is the smallest otter species being only about 11 lbs. The otter (Lutra lutra) is found throughout the UK and Ireland and is associated with streams, rivers and coastal areas. They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. Otter (Lutra lutra) or European Otter. Disturbance - by recreational users of the countryside. Kirkwood, R.C. Look out for snipe, redshank and lapwing, plus bittern and the occassional rarity. Fishing - there is a perceived conflict with angling/fishing that can result in the deliberate killing of otters. The otter is one of Britain's largest carnivores and a male otter may weigh over 15kg although females are somewhat lighter. If otters are, or are likely to be, present will your planned operation impact in any of the following ways? In freshwater they feed on trout and salmon. As otters are highly mobile and wide-ranging, assessment of development impact on otters may need to take account of watercourses beyond immediate development footprint. Otters in the UK and Sussex The European otter (Lutra lutra) is a protected species in the UK following a dramatic crash in their numbers in the 1960s. Sep 18, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Joanne Spink. The return of otters to the UK. National Rivers Authority. The impact may be direct, such as a loss of a holt site or indirect such as increased lighting along a section of a river corridor used by otters. They generally have brown fur with a pale underside, a long slender body, small ears, a long thick tail, webbed feet and a flattened head. Populations suffered catastrophic declines in the 1950s and 1960s, a trend that was also seen across continental Europe. (1997). Sea otters prefer coastal habitats within a mile of the shoreline. The otter is also listed under two schedules of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedules 5 & 6. Doxey Marshes - Although well known as a great bird watching location, Doxey Marshes is also home to regionally significant populations of otter, which are regularly recorded on the reserve, as well as harvest mouse and water shrew. (1993). your own Pins on Pinterest Changes in the way the woodland is used e.g. The species was driven to near extinction in some areas between the 1950s and 1970s, but thanks to improvements in water quality and greater protection it can once again be found across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and – as of 2011 – every county in England. The national species action plan specifies two objectives: The re-introduction of otters to their past range is a difficult process, although it has been successful in some cases. Prior to the 1950s, these fish-devouring mammals were abundant in England. your own Pins on Pinterest Shop Lights & Accessories. Otter habitat is not exclusive to dens, and it is also known in quiet undisturbed areas, for them to sleep above ground in what are known as couches, made from reeds or grass. The pollution of lakes and rivers affects the fish that are their main food source. Asta, Oscar, Tritan and Ray can be seen in the habitat daily from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Habitat Range. Looking for interiors ideas? The banks of the river provide suitable resting places for otter. In recent years the decline in numbers would appear to have been halted, and the species is now making a recovery, moving into some of its previous habitats. We run a Young Ambassador Scheme for young otter lovers, supported by Chris Packham, to inspire and support young people to become leaders in the natural world. Otters have recovered in many areas but are still struggling to return to Sussex. is the only otter that is native to the UK; can be found in both freshwaters and coastal habitats; is solitary, elusive and predominantly nocturnal ; feeds predominantly on fish, but takes a wide diversity of other prey eg crayfish, anurans (frogs and toads), birds, invertebrates and small mammals; has litters of 1-3 cubs, born at any time of year. The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Do your homework to ensure that you’re fully educated before venturing out to otter spot. Happily the UK population At our otter habitat, visitors and families can enjoy their playful nature as they swim and engage with each other. In the UK Otters frequent a range of habitat. Otters are not considered a marine mammal, because they cannot survive without access to fresh water, but they often use coastal habitats, as well as lakes, swamps, rivers and streams. To maintain and expand existing otter populations. Rivers, lochs and costal waters. Common name: European otterScientific name: Lutra lutra. The return of the otter to waterways across the country is one of the UK’s top conservation success stories. Building a holt on the fringes of a suitable water body or water course is a simple way of supporting otter population growth. Eurasian otters are indigenous to the UK and can be found in either fresh or salt water, although it’s usually known as the river otter for the obvious reason. This includes; crabs, frogs, voles and even large water birds. Document Library. However, the size of the range can vary from 1.1km on coasts with a rich food supply to 40km on rivers (dependent on the quality of the habitat, food supply and social interactions with neighbouring animals). They do live in large family groups. Cubs take their first swim at about three months old, but don't become independent until about one year old; consequently females are restricted to breeding every one or two years. Those living on the coast are susceptible to oil spills. The otter is short-listed on the UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1 (1995) and as such the report contains a costed However, the survey was so labor intensive and logistically difficult we concluded the approach was not useful to Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. In the UK Otters frequent a range of habitat. They have short legs with a long tail and body, which leans forward when walking. Planners give green light to Otter Valley project Boeing to Release Fourth-Quarter Results on January 27 DNA-editing method shows promise to treat mouse model of progeria /Public Release. pollarding old willows or coppicing alders) there may be a risk to otters. . It is believed that water pollution is the most usual cause of UK Otter population declines. Fact Sheet No. Origin & Distribution: The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Andrews, J. and Rebane, M. (1994). Baby otters for sale is 1 of 5 different otter species that is native to Asia. Even when carrying out work to improve the riparian and wetland vegetation and habitat (e.g. The European (or Eurasian) otter is the only species of otter native to the UK, and is one of our largest animals, living in both fresh and salt water environments. Housing for an Asian small-clawed otter is not for everyone. The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, the West Country or East Anglia for the best views. With the widest distribution of the otter subfamily, the common otter stretches from western Europe to central Asia. Welcome to the UK Wild Otter Trust! National Rivers Authority, Bristol. Whether it a glimpse of water-webbed whiskers, a lithe body porpoising in play, or the tip of a ruddering tail, the sight of a shy otter is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the UK. Breeding habitat – In order to successfully rear young, a female otter needs a sheltered location, often with a pool where she can teach her young to swim and catch food. 3. A priority species under the UK post 2010 Biodiversity framework. Captive breeding programmes have been set-up by the Otter Trust and various other sanctuaries and parks, and can be used to supply stock, but because of the protected nature of the species and the difficulties involved, no re-introduction programme should be established without the involvement of a suitable body (English Nature, Countryside Council for Wales or Scottish Natural Heritage ). Otters came close to extinction in the UK and much of Europe. They are also protected under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is enforced in Britain by the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997. river otter habitat within the LWR study area (Schieler 1995). They utilise a wide variety of habitats including rivers, streams, ditches, wetlands, reed … 2: Prioritise species safety. We are a Devon-based charity dedicated to protecting and promoting a positive understanding of the European otter and its conservation. Incidental mortality - mainly in the form of road deaths and drowning in eel traps. Most sea otters remain in habitats with rocky substrate, as their prey tend to be more plentiful in these areas. Breeding can occur at any time of year, but the majority of cubs are born (in litters of between one and four cubs) in the spring or summer when there is a greater chance of survival. The Mammal Society. Within the UK They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Habitat: Otters are voracious fish eaters, with fish making up over 80% of their diet, so they have evolved to live in a variety of habitats where fish are plentiful. January to December. Diet. We rehabilitate injured and orphaned otter cubs at our centre in Devon, caring for them and continuing their development so they can later be released back into the wild. Would the proposed operations or activities have an impact on otters if : present? Damage or destruction of breeding sites or resting places is prohibited, and all life stages are protected against deliberate capture, killing, disturbance or destruction in the wild; and keeping, transport, sale/exchange and offering for sale/exchange of specimens, and scope is provided for the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Return of the sea otter › Hind feet the UK – great news for the otter ( Lutra Lutra waves. 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