The OSG is one of the SSC groups with the most members. We pride ourselves in being a strong, inclusive group that demonstrate a long-term commitment to otter conservation, in the broadest sense. Our members have a very wide range of backgrounds, including researchers, environmentalists, ecologists, toxicologists, zoo staff, vets, educators and many others. This produces an active forum with a wide range of views, the primary focus being the conservation, management and recovery of all 14 species of otters.
Please note that the OSG will update its operational structure for the 2025–2029 quadrennium.
There are two Co-Chairs and three Deputy Chairs that work together to ensure the correct functioning of the large SSC group.
There is an Advisory Board that is contacted if need be and can be made up of both OSG members and non-members. The experience of the Advisory Board further enriches the OSG and elevates its strength in both global and local conservation issues.
The OSG is the global Red List Authority for the extant 14 species of otter. All IUCN Red List of Threatened Species assessments are guided by the Red List Authority, who ensures that all known species’ statuses are updated.
Species Coordinators are appointed for each otter species and coordinate the relative OSG members’ work, represent their species and the OSG within their communities and among regional stakeholders, and serve as the official link between their respective region and the OSG. Species Coordinators play a key role in linking global conservation priorities to the local level and vice versa.
Network and Working Group Coordinators coordinate groups of members with expertise on specific topics, species or regions. They identify global and regional priorities within their ‘topics’ and provide guidance and act as the OSG’s expert network for their respective topics.