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

Volume 10 Pages 1 - 56 (October 1994)

Abstracts

The International Otter Survival Fund
Pages 4 - 5 (Report)
Paul Yoxon
Abstract
The IOSF was set up in 1993 to safeguard areas of otter habitat, and also to support people working in research and rehabilitation of otters worldwide. They have also set up a rehabilitation centre for otters in Scotland. The major current threat to otter habitat in Scotland is the proposed development of superquarries, and this is reviewed.
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Meeting Of the European Section of the OSG
Pages 10 - 14 (Report)
Sheila Macdonald
Abstract
The European Section of the OSG met in June 1994 at Otterpark Aqua Lutra in the Netherlands. Reports from each country are summarised. The eight main recommendations are: all European countries that have not signed the Bern Convention should do so urgently; 1995 will be the Second European Year for Nature Conservation and the otter could be a good mascot for sustainable land use within whole water catchments; lifting the Iron Curtain provides a great opportunity because of the immense biodiversity in eastern Europe; it will be more cost-effective to protect this biodiversity instead of destroying it for short-term economic gain only to spend vast sums trying to restore it later; tithe current low economic base in eastern Europe means that money sent from the West now will have a disproportionately large effect in the East, so now is the time to act; knowledge should be transferred between east (which have undisturbed ecosystems) and the west (which has technology and experience of good and bad laws and regulations); to this end, publications should be made available in English and Russian, the main scientific languages throughout Europe; and better coordination is needed between IUCN specialist groups.
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Hindering Otter Lutra lutra Road Kills Part 1
Pages 14 - 20 (Report)
Olaf Körbel
Abstract:
On commission from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V. began the research and development project "Otter on the Road". The intent was to collect and analyse data on otter deaths, the conditions under which the otters died as well as constellations of the death sites having an impact on the danger potential, for example, an increase. This paper presents the results of analysis of otter road deaths, road type and adjacent watercourses. A subsequent paper will cover mitigation measures.
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Major Steps taken towards Otter Conservation in Indonesia
Pages 21 - 24 (Report)
Roland Melisch, Priyo Budi Asmoro, Listya Kusumawardhami
Abstract:
A cooperative project on otters of West Java undertaken by the Indonesian Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA) and Asian Wetland Bureau- Indonesia is nearing completion. Fieldwork was carried out and data collected in 15 representative wetland areas between July 1993 and May 1994 to determine which otter species occur, and their distribution and habitat use in West Java. Final reports are in preparation and will be available by the end of this year (1994). The conclusions are presented, translated from Indonesian, which identify threats (wetland conversion to rice fields, settlements, aquaculture, pollution, prey reduction due to pollution and direct conflict as pests), summarise the role of otters (enrich Indonesian biodiversity, a matter of national pride, ecological health indicators, control of pests in rice fields, public entertainment) and suggest follow-up (immediate listing as protected, guarding of hybrids to prevent escape into the wild, improving public awareness, foundation of an Indonesian Friends of the Otter group, standardisation of otter names).
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The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Central Finland
Pages 27 - 28 (Report)
Risto Sulkava
Abstract
The otter population on the upper tributaries of the Kokemäenjoki-river system was carefully surveyed by snow-tracking in 1985 - 1993. The otter population in the study area increased in the last eight years. All otters appear to be born in summer. The otters travel in their large home range all year round. Traffic (cars), fish traps and fish hatcheries caused the most of otter deaths. The diet is 60% small fish, with frogs and toads being seasonally important.
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Otters Increasing - Threats Increasing
Pages 28 - 30 (Report)
Andreas Kranz
In some parts of Central Europe populations of otters are apparently increasing. Until recently, no research was being conducted on the ecology of otters in mainly artificial habitats like fish farms. Otters are not only a new source of conflict requiring species management, but appear once again threatened by illegal hunting. Austria is dealing with this problem using compensation for otter damage, electric fencing and translocation of problem otters. Despite a rise in illegal killing, Austria does not formally recognise this as a threat.
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Heavy Metals, OCPs and PCBs in Spraints of the Otter from Slovenia
Pages 31 - 34 (Report)
Arno C. Gutleb
The otter has declined in most of its former European range. Little attention has been paid to the problem of pollution in the former east European countries. This study surveyed the parts of Slovenia that were adjacent to Austria, and where positive otter signs were found. Otter numbers and distribution seems to have changed little since 1984, being restricted to certain watercourses. In the rivers where otter sign was found, pollution levels of heavy metals, organochloropesticides and PCBs were low enough to cause no problems. Further investigations are recommended.
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Aspects of PCB Levels in Danish Otters (Lutra lutra) and Notes on the Levels in Stone Martens (Martes foina)
Pages 34 - 40 (Report)
Morten Elmeros and Pim Leonards
The widespread decline of otters in most of lowland Europe has been linked to bioaccumulating toxic chemicals such as PCBs. The Danish population is become restricted to the North West of the country. Liver samples from otters collected between 1991 and 1994 were analysed for PCB content, and this was compared to levels from stone martens, which are found throughout and beyond the otter range. In general, PCB levels were below that thought to cause reproductive and physiological failures, except around Karup. Concentrations in eels was higher than in other fish sampled, especially in Karup, but were not selectively eaten by otters. A larger PCB survey in the otter range and adjacent catchments should be done to find out if PCB concentrations are preventing southward expansion of the otter population.
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Monitoring Lutra lutra Habitats in Portugal: a Conceptual Plan
Pages 41 - 46 (Report)
Anabela Trindade
The Eurasian otter is widespread in Portugal but their range may be reducing. Its survival depends on protecting its habitat. A method for monitoring the quality of otter habitat by regularly assessing certain habitat descriptors is proposed. If carried out over several years in the same conditions, this would enable habitat quality changes to be assessed.
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