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

Volume 6 Pages 1 - 35 (February 1991)

Abstracts

Distribution of Lutra lutra in the Highlands of Sri Lanka
Pages 2 - 5 (Report)
Padma Kumari de Silva
Abstract
The only otter found in Sri Lanka is Lutra lutra. A survey was carried out in 1989/1990 in the highland region of the island, an area drained by four river systems. Abundant signs of otters were found. Freshwater crabs form the main part of the otters' diet in the study area, where few fish are found. Although at present, otters are plentiful, partly because access to tea plantations is limited, reducing pressure on otters living on them, this may not continue as vegetable farming increases, bringing pesticide and fertiliser washoff and soil erosion. Mining is also causing increased water turbidity, and fish farming is leading to otters being destroyed. Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and the Horton Plains National Park help to protect otters and other wildlife, but conservation measures need to be put in place now to protect otters against theses growing threats.
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Radiotracking a Translocated Otter in Spain
Pages 6 - 7 (Report)
Jordi Ruiz-Olmo, Juan Jimenez and Ignasi Marco
Abstract
A subadult male otter, injured in a road traffic accident, was found in central Spain. After treatment, it was considered suitable for return to the wild. The opportunity was taken to radio track the released otter, using a subcutaneous transmitter implanted under the shoulder skin. This was very successful, and considered to be an improvement on harnesses and intraperitoneal implants. A new study in now taking place using two adult otters.
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Fish Farming and Otters in Portugal
Pages 7 - 9 (Report)
Anabela Trindade
Abstract:
In Portugal fish farming has expanded very rapidly in the last decade, with trout, mullet, cuttlefish, seabream, eel, salmon and prawns being intensively reared in artificial ponds. A questionnaire was sent to all known fish farmers to assess the effect of predation, especially by otters; no compensation scheme exists in Portugal. This paper discusses the results of this exercise. It is suggested that fish farmers need to look beyond economic and technological aspects of aquaculture and consider the wider environmental impact of their activities.
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Cesium-137 Levels Detected in Otters from Austria
Pages 9 - 11 (Report)
Arno Gutleb and Gabriele Mraz
Abstract:
Pollution seems to be one of the most important causes for the decline of the European otter (Lutra lutra). The accident in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant added another aspect to environmental pollution. Few data on cesium-137 contents in otters are available, so levels were measured in 3 otters from Austria. All levels found were very low.
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Lead in Sea Otters
Pages 19 - 20 (Report)
Donald R. Smith, A Russel Flegal and James A. Estes
Abstract:
As yet there is no direct evidence that environmental pollutants affect sea otter populations. However, this may be from lack of looking. The first steps in these investigations are to measure levels of potential environmental contaminants in sea otters, determine whether these levels vary among populations, and compare the findings with those from other mustelids/otters for which there is a known or suspected impact. Our approach is to compare measurements between Alaska, where sea otter populations are thriving, and California where the otter population is at best showing a sluggish increase.
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Otter Distribution, Status and Conservation Problems in Hungary
Pages 20 - 23 (Report)
Ildiko Kemenes
Abstract:
The river otter Lutra lutra has been protected in Hungary since 1974 and became strictly protected in 1978. However, the first and so far only survey of its distribution was carried out by me in 1987-88. I now report the results of this survey and discuss the present status and conservation problems of otter in Hungary. Otters are most plentiful in the south west. Because of contamination of many water courses, otters are dependent on fish farms of various sizes. Until now, these were subsidised, but now they are in private hands, but no compensation for otter-related losses are available, owners on low incomes cannot afford expensive mitigation measures. They would welcome the live-trapping and removal of problem otters, but the government would need to sponsor suitable areas for release of these animals. Conservationists in Hungary are seeking support for such a scheme. We think that it would be in the interest of the conservationists of Europe to help to maintain Hungary as one of the strongholds of otter and we are inviting suggestions and ideas on how to achieve this.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (107 K)

Progress on Californian Otter Research
Pages 24 - 31 (Report)
J. Scott Shannon
Abstract:
The river otter Lutra lutra has been protected in Hungary since 1974 and became strictly protected in 1978. However, the first and so far only survey of its distribution was carried out by me in 1987-88. I now report the results of this survey and discuss the present status and conservation problems of otter in Hungary. Otters are most plentiful in the south west. Because of contamination of many water courses, otters are dependent on fish farms of various sizes. Until now, these were subsidised, but now they are in private hands, but no compensation for otter-related losses are available, owners on low incomes cannot afford expensive mitigation measures. They would welcome the live-trapping and removal of problem otters, but the government would need to sponsor suitable areas for release of these animals. Conservationists in Hungary are seeking support for such a scheme. We think that it would be in the interest of the conservationists of Europe to help to maintain Hungary as one of the strongholds of otter and we are inviting suggestions and ideas on how to achieve this.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (69 K)

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