Otters about 

The otter, one of Britain’s most scarce but charismatic animals, is making a comeback after decades of decline. 

Once common throughout the United Kingdom, populations have been on the decline for over a hundred years.  Firstly, hunting pressure and river pollution took their toll in the late 19^th century.  And things didn’t get better in the 20^th century, especially with agricultural intensification after the Second World War. 

A population crash occurred in the 1950’s due to the use of certain types of pesticides.  These pesticides were washed into the river systems and accumulated in the tissue of the fish and insects that lived there.  The concentrations of the pesticides increase as they moved up the food chain; insect to fish, fish to fish and finally fish to otter.  These concentrations proved lethal to the otter and the species has been struggling ever since. 

The use of these harmful chemicals was banned in 1975 and in 1981 legislation came into force that gave protection to the decimated population of otters. 

But was it too little, too late? 

No - with increased protection, the otter began to return. However, the countryside had changed a lot since the crash: changes in agricultural practises, improved land drainage and increased development have altered many rivers and wetlands, leaving little room for the otter. 

Huge efforts have been made by the water companies and the Environment Agency to improve water quality, with tighter controls put in place to prevent pollution.  A move towards more environmentally-friendly farming practises has also helped, slowing the rate of habitat damage.  Otter re-introductions have been made where the population was particularly hard hit, including Lincolnshire. 

And the results of the 2003 Otter Survey of England show that recovery is well underway.  In 1979, when the first survey was undertaken, signs of otter were found at only 5.8% of sites.  By 2003, otters were found at 36.3% of sites.  This represents a 626% increase.  

But as the population expands, otters face another threat.  Moving to new territories involves crossing watersheds and often roads, and it is here that they are at their most vulnerable.  It is now thought that death from road kills is having an adverse effect on otter expansion. 

But how do you know if otters are using your local river?  Otters are nocturnal, and even then are well known for being shy and elusive.  The best way to tell is to look for their field signs; tracks, droppings and feeding remains.