Otter Surveys

Ecology

Otters live alongside rivers, lakes and sea coasts feeding mainly on a diet of fish. They rest and breed in dens called “holts” which are usually in the roots of old river bank trees. Pollution and habitat loss caused a severe decline in otter numbers during the 1950’s, but conservation efforts have meant that they are now occupying most if their former range.

Survey Methods

Otters are shy and predominantly nocturnal and therefore survey techniques are mainly based on searching for field signs such as footprints, droppings, holts and worn paths alongside water courses. Otters are active all year round and therefore survey timings are not seasonally constrained.

Protection & Legislation

In England and Wales otters are fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) (the Habitats Regulations). In the following description ‘otter holt’ includes hovers and couches, which are otter resting places above ground. Artificial holts are not considered as holts under the legislation until they are known to be used by otters. The Habitats Regulations make it illegal to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill an otter Deliberately disturb an otter in such a way as to be likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of otters or the ability of any significant group of otters to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young Damage or destroy an otter holt Possess or transport an otter or any part of any otter
• Sell (or offer for sale) or exchange an otter

Otters have become exempt from many of the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). However, otters are still protected under Section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This means that, in addition to the provisions of the Habitats Regulations, it is also illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to:  

• Intentionally or recklessly disturb any otter whilst it is occupying a holt
• Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a holt

Licensing & Mitigation

A development licence is required to permit otherwise illegal activities which are described above. A development licence will only be granted if an appropriate mitigation plan has been written by a suitably qualified ecologist.

 Mitigation measures may include: 

• Construction of artificial holtsMaintenance of habitat corridors
• Safe river and road crossing points
• Otter proof fencing along roads

Contact Abricon for free initial advice on otter surveys