Otter News Archive

New research has found that otter numbers have fallen by 18pc because of water pollution, the loss of riverside habitats, roadkill and the scourge of mink -- originally escaped from fur farms.

A major plan to halt the decline of the otter and another rare species, the Kerry Slug, however, will be announced shortly by Environment Minister John Gormley.

A new survey by the National Parks and Wildlife department shows that otter numbers declined significantly because of water pollution from agriculture, forestry and sewage systems.

It is now illegal to hunt, disturb, or intentionally kill otters, but the action plan to save the species includes 29 additional measures over five years.

Measures

These include a review of agri-environment schemes, an expansion of fish biomass surveys, the provision of artificial breeding sites, rapid otter surveys across the country, a review of the impact of roadkill -- and mink-hunting.

A wide range of departments and agencies will be involved in the battle to save the otter.

Mr Gormley said the decline of the otter highlighted the need for conservation measures to ensure the future of the species.

"The otter is rare across much of Europe and while Ireland may still be a stronghold for the species, we cannot afford to sit on our laurels," he told the Irish Independent yesterday.

"This species action plan details the measures needed to halt this decline and return the population to its pre-1980's level," the minister added.

The first national otter survey in 1980/1 found otters at 88pc of 2,042 sites in the State.

A smaller follow-up survey of 246 sites, a decade later, found a 13pc decrease in otter presence. The most recent otter survey, carried out in 2004/5, searched 525 sites and found otter presence had declined by a further 5pc to just over 70pc.

This trend was corroborated by a 10pc decline in otter presence in Northern Ireland over the same period.

The otter is an opportunistic predator with a wide-ranging diet including salmon, frogs, eels and crayfish, occasional birds and mammals, rockling, wrasse, sea scorpion, blenny and molluscs.

Dramatic declines occurred in many European otter populations during the latter half of the 20th century.

Also on the danger list is the the Kerry Slug now restricted in Ireland to certain woodland and bogland habitats in Kerry and West Cork. Ireland has an international responsibility to look after the species, which, outside this country, is only found in Portugal and Spain. The slug is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.

Threats

The new action plan identifies its biggest threats as habitat disturbance, the spread of alien plants such as Rhododendrons, and a break up of its population.

Mr Gormley said: "The Kerry Slug is not one of our most glamorous species, but biodiversity is not just about glamorous species. My department is committed to protecting all species of conservation concern. This plan is tangible proof of that commitment."

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