Volume 7 Pages 1 - 43 (February 1992)

Citation: Shalmon, B. (1992) Status of Otters in Israel IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 7: 42

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Status of Otters in Israel

Benny Shalmon

Eilat Field School. FOB 204, Eilat 88101, Israel

The otter Lutra Lutra population in Israel is small but stable. Since the survey by Macdonald, Mason & Shalmon (Oryx. October 1986), we obtained information (sightings, road casualties) that confirms the stability: The population in the Jordan River catchment is thriving, as these rivers are clean, for they supply drinking water.

The otter population in the coastal plain has been exterminated, as all the rivers in that area, except one, are polluted. If these rivers are cleaned they will be recolonized by otters from the Jordan River catchment. There is evidence (spraints, road casualties) of such unsuccessful penetrations, through the edge of the Jordan River Catchment (River Harod - River Kishon).

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