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

Volume 4 Pages 1 - 45 (March 1989)

Abstracts

Coastal Otters in Southwest Portugal
Pages 2 - 7 (Report)
Pedro Rui Beja
Abstract
A survey was made for otter signs along the coast of Portugal, preliminary to a more thorough survey later in 1989. Spraints, anal secretions and footprints were looked for, as were holts. As was expected, the area contained a good population of otters.
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Social Organisation and Behavioural Ontogeny of Otters (Lutra canadensis) in a Coastal Habitat in Northern California
Pages 8 - 13 (Report)
J. Scott Shannon
Abstract
The following notes summarize on ongoing series of observations of the behaviour of a coastal population of the Nearctic otter, Lutra canadensis. Study of this population began in June 1983. and became a graduate thesis project in May 1986.  Two groups of otters exist in the study area - the single breeding female, with her cubs and two female offspring from previous years who act as helpers, and a large group of male otters, including offspring of the breeding female of various ages.
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Southern Sea Otter, the Process to Translocate and the Results of the Initial Year, August 1987 - August 1988
Page 14 - 19  (Report)
Carl T. Benz
Abstract:
A successful translocation programme requires success in research, law enforcement and containment efforts inclusively. If successful, the translocation will establish a second breeding colony of southern sea otters (contained within a designated zone) and accomplish certain goals and requirements of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The second colony will : 1) reduce the probability that more than a small proportion of the population could be decimated by any single natural or man-caused catastrophe; and 2) allow additional data to be obtained for assessing translocation and containment techniques, population status, and the influence of sea otters on the nearshore marine community, which will facilitate a better understanding of the characteristics and impacts of a sea otter population at an optimum sustainable level. In 1987, 45 sea otters were captured from the southern third of the Californian sea otter range, and translocated to San Nicolas Island. One year later, only 14 were known to still be at the new location. The success of the initial year's effort at reestablishing a founder population at San Nicolas Island is less than expected. However, based on the Washington State translocation example, it may take many years before the success of the translocation at San Nicolas Island can be determined. Although the habitat round San Nicolas Island appears to be able to support a large population, many sea otters have returned to their parent range, or passed through Management and No Otter Zones. From this first year, a number of lessons about how to go about the capture and relocation process have been learned.
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Assessment of Pollution Risk for the Remaining Otter Populations in Lower Saxony, West Germany
Pages 20 - 24 (Report)
Ralf Röchert
Abstract:
Little was known about the threat to West German otters from water-borne contaminants - heavy metals and organochlorines. Aktion Fischotter initiated a study to look at pollution levels in West German otter populations, and compared the results to Swedish data. In order to look at the amount of contaminants available to otters, the levels in roach were examined. Levels found seemed low, especially in the west, which may be the result of trophic conditions of western waters. From the results, otters in F.R.G. are restricted to waters low in PCBs, but the levels found even in the west are similar to levels that in Sweden seriously affected otter populations.
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Contamination of an Otter found Dead in the F.R.G
Pages 25 - 26 (Report)
Ralf Röchert
Abstract
A single dead otter from the River Elbe near the border with G.D.R was analysed for contaminants.  A very high level of Mercury and PCBs were found which matched the profile of the highly contaminated river.  It also indicates a population exchange between East and West Germany via the river Elbe.
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Otter Survey in the Northern Part of the Netherlands
Page 27 - 28 (Report)
Vincent Martens
Abstract
An otter survey was done in 1987 and 1988 in Groningen and Drente, Friesland and Overijssel.  In 1987, evidence of five or six otters was found; in 1988 evidence for only two were found; in late 1988, one otter was killed by traffic and the other disappeared.  It seems likely that otters are now extinct in northern Netherlands, and it is doubtful that they exist elsewhere in the country.  High PCB levels are implicated.  Without improvements in water quality, reintroduction would be irresponsible.
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Blindness in Otters
Pages 29 - 30 (Report)
James Williams
Abstract
In England, which has a long history of well-recorded otter hunts, there were historically no records of blind but fit otters.  The author obtained records of 22 blind but otherwise fit otters observed between 1957 and 1980, but none before or since; this seems to correspond with the period of greatest otter decline.
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Creation of Natural Reserves to Protect the Otter (Lutra lutra) in Catalonia (N.E. Iberia)
Pages 31 - 35 (Report)
Jordi Ruiz-Olmo
Abstract
A series of reserves have been set up to protect otters in Catalonia, which control or prohibit development that may degrade the otter's habitat. The RNPs are reviewed in connection with otter distribution.   These are a good and useful step, but more information about otter ecology and needs in Catalonia is needed.
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The Situation of the Otter in Flanders, Belgium
Pages 37 - 38 (Report)
Dirk Criel
Abstract
The otter has become an endangered species in Belgium on the extinction. Probably nothing can be done to save the last otters, because water pollution, habitat destruction and disturbance are still rife.  All future efforts will concentrate on the re-establishment of a healthy otter population, although this will take a very long time. Plans are made for an ecologically orientated approach to water management and first steps are set to create so called 'otter reserves'.  All activities are co-ordinated by the 'Otteroverleggroep' (OOG): a commission in which national and regional authorities, organisations and specialists are represented. In the near future they will take charge of funds to support projects on the protection of otter habitats.
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Report on the First International Asian Otter Symposium
Pages 40 - 41 (Report)
Pat Foster-Turley
Abstract
The first International Asian Otter Symposium, held 1n Bangalore, India from October 17-22, 1988 was a great success.An Asian section of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group is being formed. An Asian Otter newsletter has been started for continued communication with symposium participants and others after the conference. The next Asian Otter Symposium 1s being planned and will be hosted by Japan in 1991. A move to make otters the symbol of wetlands in India is being spearheaded. Otter surveys are now also being initiated throughout Asia.
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