Although highly elusive, the semi-aquatic Eurasian otter is considered one of the top predators of inland freshwater and coastal habitats predating on fish, particularly eels and salmonids, as well as waterfowl, amphibians, and crustaceans.
Otters give birth to their cubs in underground burrows, referred to as ‘holts.’ As highly skilled and agile swimmers, the young are introduced to the water by the age of ten weeks. Well-adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, otters possess webbed feet, dense fur for insulation, and the ability to close their ears and nostrils while submerged. They require clean rivers that provide an abundant food source and ample vegetation to conceal their secluded holts.
Since the 1960s, population numbers of Eurasian otters have severely declined, not just in the UK, but across Europe due to pollution, hunting and habitat loss. In the UK, toxic organochlorine insecticides have a significant impact on populations. Scotland is considered to be a stronghold for UK otter populations but other key populations also exist in Wales and in Northern Ireland. In England, most occur in the south-west. Many regions of the UK now have Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) targeting the protection of this species. Strong populations are also present and widespread in Ireland.
