IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
© IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group

Volume 3 Pages 1 - 51 (March 1988)

Abstracts

Otter Studies in Finland
Pages 2 - 4 (Report)
Uolevi Skarén
Abstract
Interest in otters seems to be increasing in Finland. In order to get a general view of recent studies, I asked certain authors for information about their projects. Distribution surveys have been done.  Caesium levels (following Chernobyl) have been assayed.  Threats, captive breeding and reintroductions are reported.
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The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Brittany
Pages 5 - 8 (Report)
Alain-Jacques Braun
Abstract
Until the mid 1950s the otter was common and locally abundant throughout the province and exploited all available habitats from small oligotrophic streams (less than 2m wide) and large eutrophic rivers to wetlands, sea coasts and islands. Regarded as a pest, it was intensively trapped and hunted, frequently with packs of hounds in tha British manner but in a less organised way.  According to our own information (from field surveys and informants), the species has disappeared from most of the islands and sea coast but is still found inland, especially in headwaters in the central part o£ the region. While the situation of the otter in Brittany seems much better than in many other regions of France, it appears that many threats still exist. Some could be stopped or substantially reduced with the enacting of laws such as mandatory use of cage traps and excluders for fyke nets. Education and training of shooters and trappers should emphasize the conservation of Lutra lutra and Mustela lutreola and include methods for selectively trapping only target species. Traffic accidents could be reduced by installing reflectors near bridges and by modifying culverts
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The Otter Trust and the River Otter Studbook
Pages 10 - 11 (Report)
Colin J.O. Harrison
Abstract:
This article responds to Dr Klaus Robin's article in the previous volume. The Trust considers that it need not take part in the Studbook as animals are solely bred for reintroduction, its own pedigree information is kept, only Lutra lutra lutra are bred, and animals are never exchanged or sent to other zoos or collections.
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A Study of Otters in Lake Mikri Prespa, Greece
Pages 12 - 16 (Report)
Evangalia-Eleni Delaki, George Kotzageorgis, Vassiliki Ioannidou and Argyria Stamopoulos
Abstract:
The food taken by otters in this lake varies seasonally in accord with abundance, being mainly fish, but with significant amounts of reptiles, amphibians, birds and fruit being eaten in summer.  Areas used for holts and lying up are described.  Otter numbers have declined over the last twenty years, probably due to water pollution and increased human disturbance.
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Otters in Western Greece and Corfu
Page 17 - 23 (Report)
Martin Gaethlich
Abstract
This report presents the preliminary results of a field survey currently underway in Western Greece.  It also includes the results of a similar study in Corfu. A good otter population was found in Western Greece, but in Corfu, the isolated population is very threatened by development.  Work on pollutant levels are needed in both areas.
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Status and Distribution of Otters In the Amboro National Park, Bolivia
Pages 24 - 33 (Report)
Nigel Dunstone and Robert Strachan
Abstract
Otters have not fared well in the presence of man, both species have been extensively hunted for their pelts. In recent years an even greater threat is posed by the dynamiting and poisoning of rivers and clearance of bankside vegetation.  Amboro is a relatively new National Park and should be regarded as a showpiece for Bolivia. The foresight of the Government, C.D.F., Prodena Bolivia, and particularly Reginald Hardy and Robin Clarke in getting this venture off the ground and for their continuing support is commendable. Considerable problems remain however, paramount of which, is the hunting of animals for food, for live export or for skins. Ample evidence of this practise has been found on both visits to Amboro.  Pteronura brasiliensis occurred commonly in the Park up until 10 years ago, and was hunted for its pelt until 15 years ago. The species of otter which was commonly encountered was the neotropical river otter (Lutra longicaudis). As far as the otter populations are concerned, direct persecution is now minimal since there is no market for their skins. However the practise of fishing using dynamite or poison should be actively discouraged if the good populations of these animals are to be maintained.
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The Second Scottish Otter Survey
Pages 34 - 38 (Report)
R. and J. Green
Abstract
The results of the second Scottish otter survey are modestly encouraging and parallel indications of a similar, modest improvement in status in Wales and parts of England. However, in all the areas of apparent improvement the otter probably remains a rather scarce animal whilst environmental change continues to affect otter habitat in an unplanned and sometimes explosive fashion. Of particular concern in Scotland at present is the extension of blanket forestry into wetland habitats in the north and the rapid development of a marine fish farm industry amongst  the finest otter habitat in Britain.
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The Need for International Asian Otter Symposium
Pages 39 - 41 (Report)
Pat Foster-Turley
Abstract
Not enough is known about the variable ecology and behaviour of the otter species in Asia.  Much work is needed with these species throughout their ranges in India and Southeast Asia to determine their status and the relative size of their populations.  Because otters, as  high-order carnivores, are very susceptible to the pressures of human population, trapping, and habitat destruction, and because they do not survive in waters that are polluted, there is reason to suspect that in many areas of their so-called range throughout Asia they are in trouble. Unless status surveys and ecological research is begun soon to document their status, we may not know in time.  For all of these reasons, it is important that an effort be made immediately to heighten the awareness of Asian biologists and conservationists into the plight faced by otters and their habitat in this region. Holding an International Asian Otter Symposium in India will serve this purpose and hopefully stimulate more research and conservation efforts with these species.
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The New Otter Centre in West Germany
Pages 42 - 44 (Report)
Claus Reuther
Abstract
The decision of the forest department of Lower Saxony to close the Oderhaus Otter Research Enclosure in December 31st, 1987 made it necessary to find a new organisational base for the German AKTION FISCHOTTERSCHUTZ.  Since July 1987 the organisation has built a new otter centre in Hankensbüttel (50 km north of Braunschweig, 15 km west of the border to the GDR) . The otter centre will be opened at the end of April 1986.  This report describes the organisation and function of the new centre.
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Research on the Otter in Italy
Pages 45 - 46 (Report)
Claudio Prigioni
Abstract
In Italy, otters mainly occur only in some rivers in Central and Southern Italy, plus a recently found population in the Northern Apennines.  A detailed research programme has been undertaken on five rivers.  A captive population of otters has been established at the Faunistic Park "La Torbiera" to obtain useful information to aid field research.
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