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

Volume 9 Pages 1 - 16 (March 1994)

Abstracts

Giant Otters and Ecotourism in Peru
Pages 7 - 8 (Report)
Elke Staib and Christof Schenck
Abstract
Giant otters are the most endangered otters in the world, threatened by rainforest destruction, over fishing, the contamination of the water systems with mercury in areas of gold miners, illegal hunting and, possible infections with diseases of domestic animals. Numbers are so low that every otter is valuable. A new and increasing threat is tourism. Tourists find these animals very memorable and attractive, and guides lead their clients to find them. This disturbs otters, especially in places where tourist visits are irregular, and this can lead to them abandoning an area completely. We presented recommendations to mitigate this at the International Theriological Congress in Australia, 1993: the need for education of tourist guides; the prohibition of tourist groups accompanied by unlicensed guides; co­ordination among tourist agencies to stagger visits; provision of better information to tourists on conduct in the area and their likely impact on the environment; the provision of alternative attractions to relieve pressure on the lakes; limiting the number of lakes that may be visited by tourists and leaving the others undisturbed; and suggestions to improve administration and regulations.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (106 K)

Pcbs and Organochlorine Pesticide Levels in Otter (Lutra Lutra) Scats from Eastern Scotland
Pages 8 - 10 (Report)
S.M. Macdonald and C.F. Mason
Abstract
Thirty-five samples of otter scats were collected from rivers draining into the Firth of Forth, a heavily populated and industrialised region of eastern Scotland into which otter populations have been recently expanding. Samples from the River Devon had generally high levels of PCBs, with elevated amounts of dieldrin in samples collected close to an industrial area with woollen mills. Dieldrin and PCBs were also high in samples from the River Tyne. The more rural Forth, Teith and Allan rivers had samples with generally lower levels of contamination.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (28 K)

Otter News from Poland
Pages 11 - 13 (Report)
Jerzy Romanowski and Marcin Brzeziriski
Abstract:
1993 was a good year for both the otter and otter researchers in Poland. Much field work was conducted, including several master degree projects, and some results of earlier research were published. The most important news is that signs of increase in otter population were noted. There are new threats however - the development of major rivers for transport, and conflict with fish farmers.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (37 K)

Stop-Grids for Fish Traps in Denmark
Pages 13 - 14 (Report)
Aksel Bo Madsen and Bjarne Søgaard
Abstract:
From 1 January 1991, the Danish Ministry of Fishery has decreed that all trap fishers using fish traps in otter habitats must use stop-grids or stop-net in their fish traps; failure to do so incurs a fine of DM 175 ($110) per trap, and the trap will be confiscated. This has now been extended to cover the whole of Denmark's fresh water, and certain areas in brackish and salt water.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (163 K)

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