Since July 1988 at least 300 otters have been run over in England and Wales. Please feel free to download and use these sheets free of charge for reference. Unlike other parts of the UK, where they occur mainly in freshwater ecosystems (rivers and lakes), otters in Scotland live along coastlines, as well as in lochs and rivers. nets and traps). and the use of this iconic species to raise awareness of pollution problems and the benefits of action to improve the environment. The European otter is classified as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, meaning that it is likely to be considered threatened in the near future. Individuals are up to 90 cm. If it changes its behaviour, then there’s a good chance you have disturbed it and should leave quietly. Historically, otters Lutra lutra occurred over most of the UK. The otter is active mainly at dusk or after dark, and during the day rests in a burrow, known as a holt, that it makes in riverbanks or under the roots of a tree. VAT No. The otter has good senses of sight, hearing and smell, and the long whiskers on each side of its snout are highly sensitive to touch, helping it to find food in murky conditions underwater. Otters also have an acute sense of smell! in length along the coast, or from 5-20 km. Main navigation. The prevalence of Pseudoterranova decipiens (Nematoda) and Corynosoma strumosum (Acanthocephala) in otters Lutra lutra from coastal sites in Britain. Otter offers a variety of different themostats including the versatile G-series, robust V series, and the fluid optimised Y1 series. 10: Always keep dogs on leads – no matter how well behaved they may be –and under control near watercourses and rivers, especially if you know that otters may be nearby. The European otter is protected in various international conventions, including the European Union’s Habitats and Species Directive and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), where it is listed in Appendix 1, which prohibits all trade in individuals from the wild. Therefore, we are happy to offer the following to affected fisheries (free of charge to successful applicants): 1. Their weight ranges from 7-12 kg. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to Scotland, especially the islands and the north-west coast, western Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country (though they remained common and widespread also in Ireland). After a gestation period of 60-64 days, 2-3 (or sometimes 4) pups are born. It has large lungs, and its heart rate slows down to conserve oxygen when underwater, enabling the otter to dive for several minutes. Please remain aware of how the otter is behaving. About us. The existence of sea otter is helping the ecosystem to be balance. 1167746 In some parts of its range, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand, it is already considered to be Endangered, and in Mongolia it is listed as Critically Endangered. Otter droppings, or spraints, are often used to mark territory. To grasp its prey, the otter has sharp, non-retractable claws on its feet, which each have five toes. Anti-Climbing Suit otter 2016-10-26T12:00:52+01:00. Otter numbers plummeted in Britain in the 1950s due largely to pollution from pesticides and habitat loss. Eurasian otter numbers began declining in the 1950s until the species became almost extinct in England and Wales, although a small population survived in Scotland. Otter waste can also be an issue … The Environment Agency can be contacted on 03708 5060506 (ask for the local Biodiversity & Fisheries Officer). 8: Stay aware. This information may get into the wrong hands. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 2: Prioritise species safety. Discover where otters live in the UK, how you can spot their signs, and where you can see them for yourself. 5: Always stay downwind. Dodson claims the Environment Agency reintroduced otters to a nearby river without informing him and that the otters ate all the stocked fish in … 6: NEVER BAIT AREAS OR OTTERS. Predation can eat into the profits of those with vested interests in fish, but measures can be taken to prevent otters from taking stock from still-water fisheries. Mating occurs at any time of the year and females give birth to 2 – 3 cubs, usually between May and August. However, at some point during a product’s life cycle, some units may develop problems. These are very important, as they are used to communicate with other otters. We will advise on suitable fencing and how it should be erected; Our vision is of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands of Scotland, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive. Since these were withdrawn from use, otters … Otters that live in coastal waters need to visit fresh water regularly to clean their fur. In recent years, though, the otter has recovered considerably in the UK and much of Europe due to conservation efforts and the banning of pesticides such as dieldrin. Are otters a problem for freshwater fisheries? Plastic can holders (the type that hold your larger cans together) are a particular hazard to otters as they are inquisitive animals, and often get their head stuck in these, while empty plastic carrier bags pose a potential threat to many species. We also hope to work with organisations such as the Angling Trust and Environment Agency (both of whom will also advise on otter predation prevention) to strengthen our position and benefit both angling and otter conservation. 2020 Census Homeless. The main problem the otter has faced in the recent past has been habitat loss and hunting by humans, but with conservation efforts addressing those issues in the UK, its population has expanded again, and its future now looks assured here. Fortunately, in 2011, the Environment Agency announced their return. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent. They say to use chat but no one answers at chat - even during the work hours they are open. Otters in fish hatcheries, stocked ponds, or private waterways can wreak havoc in a short amount of time. Recent Stories. 7: Never remove spraints (dung). Mortality can be high amongst young otters, often due to starvation when they disperse in areas where there are well-defended territories of adults. Other Problems Your console has been manufactured under strict quality standards, as required by the regulations governing the manufacture of electronic devices. When census takers tried to count the nation's homeless population, they ran into many problems that could threaten the accuracy of the effort. Considerable advice is available to establish whether it is otters that are causing problems to a fishery, and if so whether compromise measures such as decoy ponds etc might be sufficient. Males, known as dogs, are longer than the females, which are called bitches. I ordered SAMSUNG OTTER + POP SYMMETRY GALAXY S20 BLACK Item No: 77-64209 and paid extra to have it shipped overnight. Doing so may change otter behaviour patterns and will be VERY detrimental to the species. If otters fascinate you, below are some interesting otter facts. The otter (Lutra lutra) was lost from most of England and Wales between the 1950s and the 1970s because of pesticide pollution of waterways. (Copyright on fence and costings image remains the sole property of Joss Faulkner, and should not be reproduced without express permission.). If you’re going out with another photographer, ensure that you know them and their behaviour, and that you’re both on the same page. Because of its smart brain, sea otter uses its hand and take a rock to dislodge the invertebrate animal from its shell before the sea otter eats it. This decline was caused by organo-chlorine pesticides. Journal of Zoology. A female otter reaches sexual maturity at between 18 months and 2 years of age, although most breeding begins at between 2 and 3 years. We are unable to confirm exact number of otters, but we can give simple advice to enable both species to co-exist. 3. Predation by otters can have a serious impact on both private and commercial fisheries. Captive otters have been recorded eating an average of 1.5 kg. Otters that live along coastlines feed mainly on crabs and dogfish (Scyliorhinus spp.). The return of otters to the UK. SEE OUR SELECTION. Traffic injuries are also a problem, as more roads are built through their habitats. Copyright © 2019 Uk Wild Otter Trust | Designed by Kinlake, Otter factfile: What they’re like, threats, and how to find them, What to do if you find a live otter or cub, Click here for advice on how to find otters. Organochlorine chemicals which are found in pesticides contaminated rivers in England rendering them uninhabitable for fish and otters. We are happy to visit fisheries to advise on the best preventative measure(s). 6: NEVER BAIT AREAS OR OTTERS. The male plays little, if any, role in rearing the young. 2. We will help erect fencing if it is possible and feasible for us to do so; The otter’s coat is brown on top, while the underside is a paler cream colour. After 10 weeks they are able to swim, but will remain with their mother for up to a year. The dense fur acts as insulation, helping to keep it warm in the water, and the guard hairs are covered in a water-repelling oil, which keeps the skin underneath dry. 7: Never remove spraints (dung). The eyes are located on the top of the head, so that they are above the water when the animal is swimming. The otter’s droppings are known as spraint and otters use them to mark their territories How to recognise In the UK otters can only really be confused with the introduced American mink, but otters are much larger (95-130cm in length, including tail), with a distinctive white throat. But it survived in Scotland’s cleanest bodies of water in the north and west. Otters have acute hearing and will hear you from a long way off. One of the major culprits behind the disappearance of otters in the UK is habitat pollution. Doing so may change otter behaviour patterns and will be VERY detrimental to the species. We are very happy to advise on any aspect of fishery protection – simply get in touch for more information. Jefferies, D. J.; Hanson, H. M.; Harris, E. A. A fish farmer who claims his business was ruined after otters ate all of his 22,000 prized carp has been told his argument for damages is "hopeless". - 4 - The revised (2006) Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) target for otters in England was for at least 997 10km squares to show signs of otter occupation by 2010 and for 1084 10km squares to show signs of otter occupation by 2015. Territories range in size, depending on the availability of food, and may be up to 3 km. One of the golden rules is to please take your litter home with you, because this can seriously injure all wildlife. UK Election 2015: most important personal issues Share of HK residents who are very satisfied with press freedom HK 2012-2018 Italy: electoral expense reimbursements 2011-2016 If you have any ideas for an invention then please do let me know. The European or Eurasian otter is the most widely-distributed of the world’s 12 otter species, and it occurs throughout Europe and much of Northern Asia, including Russia, China and the Korean peninsula. Like all predators, the otter fulfils a regulatory function on the numbers of the species that it preys upon. The European otter is a medium-sized carnivore in the Mustelidae, or weasel, family, which also includes the pine marten, badger and stoat. However, we can help those affected. 8: Stay aware. Many people ask us where they can see otters. The ponds also provide otters with a source of fish, and disused beaver lodges are used by otters for shelter. She wants the treat at the bottom of the bottle. Below are some illustrations of fencing that has been successfully installed to prevent otter predation. In the UK, the otter is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and is listed as a priority species for conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). It’s important to know your target species’ habitat, behaviour and feeding patterns before setting out. In parts of their range, otters are also threatened by hunting, and bycatch in some fishing gears (e.g. A company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland – company No. You can also report otter spots to us by clicking here. The otter was once widespread throughout the UK and Europe. Although it was previously widespread in Japan, it is now believed to be extinct there. It’s important to watch them responsibly, so we’ve produced a simple advice guide to help you to understand the dangers that otters face — and to help you enjoy them as much as we do. 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