Common otter  (Lutra lutra)

Common otter fur was once highly prized, and for many years the species was hunted for this reason, for 'sport' and to protect fish stocks (3). Throughout most of Europe and Britain, common otter numbers declined drastically in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Habitat loss and pollution played a major part in the decline (2). Furthermore, many otherwise suitable rivers lack enough tall vegetation for otters to conceal their holts and to rest in (2). The species has a low rate of population growth due to the extended period of maternal care, the small size of litters and the short average lifespan of about 4 years (3).

Some areas managed as 'otter havens' have been protected against human disturbance and had plenty of vegetation planted (4), building artificial holts may also help the otter (4). In some cases, reintroductions of captive bred otters to parts of the former range have been successful (2), and natural recolonisation has occurred in some areas (3). Under the EC Habitats Directive two areas have been proposed as SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) for the otter. The species action plan produced as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) aims to maintain and expand existing populations and ensure that by the year 2010, breeding populations have been restored to all catchments and coastal areas where post-1960 records exist (4).