A Conservation Comeback: The Return of the Eurasian Otter

By Rachel Crapper, Assistant Ecological Consultant

The Eurasian otter is the apex predator of the UK’s freshwater ecosystems. As opportunistic carnivores, they primarily feed on fish but will also eat crustaceans, frogs, molluscs and even small water birds. Otters require a mix of good quality water sources in close proximity to terrestrial habitats, making rivers, lakes and coastal regions ideal habitats.

Otters give birth to cubs in underground burrows called “holts” which they build along clean rivers with abundant food sources and plenty of vegetation to conceal the holts. Despite facing near extinction in England and Wales, otters have managed to thrive in Scotland’s coastal regions and wild moorlands. While rare, they are still widespread in small, scattered populations in England and Wales.

Ecological Importance of Otters

As apex predators, otters are crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic conditions. Otters help to control populations of fish, preventing overpopulation and promoting a balanced ecosystem, with more opportunities for aquatic plants and insect life. This species is a good indicator of a healthy ecosystem as their survival is dependent on clean water with abundant populations of prey and diverse riparian habitat.

Conservation Status and Recovery

The Eurasian otter faced severe population decrease throughout Europe and the UK during the 20^th century due to a range of factors including pollution, changing habitats, road traffic mortality and climate change. However, due to conservation efforts, their numbers are slowly increasing.

Eurasian otters are now protected under the Habitats Directive 2010 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which is crucial to prevent declining numbers. Organisations, such as The Wildlife Trust, have led various habitat restoration programmes targeting otter recovery. Programmes such as The Vincent Wildlife Trust have played a great role in reintroducing otters to England and Wales where populations have become scarcer. Public education programmes have also helped shift perceptions of otters from pests to vital parts of aquatic ecosystems.

Although otter populations have recovered well in many areas in the UK, this species is still classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature which highlights that continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their long-term survival.