Otter News No. 87, International Otter Survival Fund
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Otter News No. 87,
March 2018
Join our IOSF mailing list and receive our newsletters -
Click on this link: http://tinyurl.com/p3lrsmx
News from the Sanctuary
The story is much the same as for last month - the rest of the UK has had a lot of snow
again and we have missed it all. It is very cold, but dry, and the otters are loving it.
It isn’t as cold as last time so the pool on the croft isn’t
frozen solid. Noelle is much
more private and grabs a fish
and takes it under the
sleeping box to eat – here
you can see her looking to
see if I’ve gone so she can
get another one.
Sofi is far more cheeky. I Noelle
stopped to take a few photos
while she was eating and when she had finished she ran
up and grabbed my glove from the ground and ran off
with it! Some new type of fish perhaps?
Sofi All three of the youngest ones are now outside. Uisge
loves his pool. The other night when I went up to check
them before bed I could hear all this splashing and bubbles in the water and it was him
enjoying a night-time swim. One morning I went up and
there was broken ice all around the pool – clearly an Uisge
early morning dip!
Aeris and Beatha are also enjoying their new space,
although I haven’t actually caught them outside since
they were first moved into the enclosure. In fact, Beatha
hides away under the hay and so far I’ve only found
Aeris looking up at me when I go to check them. But
Beatha is fine and grumpy, under her hay.
Beatha and Aeris in their next box
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
1 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Recently we were contacted by Shona from Arthurshiel Rescue Centre at St Boswells in
the Scottish Borders.
Mel at IOSF
A young otter cub had been found ©Sarah Corrigall
alone and crying in the garden of a
house near Duns. It was left for most
of the day in the hope that the mother
would return for it, but eventually the
little otter was picked it up and taken
to Shona to be cared for. She did a
wonderful job and soon the little
animal, now named Mel, was strong
enough to be transferred to IOSF on
Skye for long-term care.
As luck would have it, Janet was actually visiting the Borders so was able to bring the
cub back up to Skye with her. Mel has now settled into one of our cub units and has a
very good appetite and a bit of a temper!
If you would like to support our cubs in the Sanctuary you can send a cheque
marked "Hospital" on the back or make a donation online at www.ottershop.co.uk
Gift Aid is a simple way to increase the value of your gift to IOSF - at no extra cost to
you. If you pay tax in the UK, IOSF can reclaim the basic rate tax (25%) on your gift. So,
if you donate £10, it is worth £12.50 to IOSF.
It is a simple process to sign up to Gift Aid - all you have to do is make a Gift Aid
declaration. If you are donating online, just select the “Yes” option on the Gift Aid box on
the donation form. Alternatively you can download and print out the Gift Aid
Declaration on page 13 of our Fundraising Pack which can be found at:
http://www.otter.org/documents/IOSF_Fundraising_Pack.pdf
Or contact us on 01471 822487 and we'll send you a form through
the post.
#worldotterday
World Otter Day Grant Winners
These three grants offer £100 towards the cost of putting on an event or carrying out
education work, as part of World Otter Day. We have had a fantastic response with
applications from all over the world and an interesting variety of projects and ideas.
So, the task to choose three winners has not been easy, but after much consideration,
the following are to receive a £100 IOSF World Otter Day grant:
Ninoslav Đurović, Montenegro -
With children, we will be raising awareness of the importance of otter and
identifying otter signs in the field, on an island at Skadar Lake. This event will be
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
2 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
recorded and broadcast on TV. A trail camera trap will also be sited on the
island and positive results shared on social media.
The Cardiff University Otter Project, Wales –
Live streaming of otter post mortem to provide a detailed insight into the research
undertaken on otters in the UK and why we do post-mortems.
Godfrey Lubanga, Uganda
To carry out a 10km survey on the Nile, east of Karuma, over a 10 day period.
Members of the local community will be involved, and there will be discussion
with local fishermen to educate them on the value and importance of otters in the
environment.
We have also received ideas and pledges from other World Otter Day supporters
in many countries. These include Australia, Mexico, Benin, Pakistan, Scotland,
Nepal and the Philippines.
What are you doing for World Otter Day? Email us at enquiries@otter.org and
tell us about what you will be doing. It can be as simple as using social media to
promote World Otter Day, or you can organise a fundraising event, theatre,
create and display a banner, give a talk about otters, do a parachute jump or
abseil... even wear one of our World Otter Day t-shirts which you can buy from
our Teespring store (https://teespring.com/stores/iosf-otter-shop-
shirts?aid=marketplace&tsmac=marketplace&tsmic=campaign)
The possibilities to raise awareness are endless. You know you otter get
involved!
Team Otter
Hi Kids!
Have you visited the Team Otter website recently? Here you will find lots of great
information about otters all over the world, so if you have a project to complete you can
find out interesting facts to use. There are also quizzes, games and much more for you
to do.
IOSF’s Caption Competition is still
running. Can you think up the best
caption for this photo? If you have one
then email it to me, Ben@otter.org by
Monday 30 April.
Good Luck.
http://www.loveotters.org/411038442
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
3 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Laos Workshop Taking Place
By the time this newsletter reaches you, Paul and Grace
will be in Nakai, Laos for this year’s otter workshop. The
workshop is looking at the conservation of endangered
otters and their habitats in Laos, through education and
reducing illegal trade. There are 31 delegates and seven
trainers attending this event.
We will report on this further in our next e-newsletter.
25th Anniversary Raffle
Help celebrate our 25 years of caring for injured and orphaned otters by supporting our
25th Anniversary Raffle. The money raised will go towards our campaign to build new
pens and treatment space at the otter sanctuary.
We have some great prizes to be won:
An Otter Watching Day for two people on the Isle of Skye (for details visit
http://otter.org/Public/Events_OtterWatchingDays.aspx)*
A patinated cold cast bronze low relief sculpture by the artist David Burt
A bottle of Abhainn Dearg single malt whisky from the Outer Hebridean Isle of
Lewis (only available to a person 18 years or over living in the UK)
A Border Fine Art sculpture entitled River Hideaway (Otter Family)
A framed painting entitled “Inktense Otter” by Jane C Kirkwood
A signed copy of "Otters of the World" by Paul and Grace Yoxon
An IOSF Otter Adoption Gift Box
A beanie sea otter soft toy
* Does not include transport to Skye or accommodation
For a chance to win one of these otterly delightful prizes and to help IOSF fund new
accommodation for the otters, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grace-
yoxon-25
Tickets cost just £5 each and are available from Grace’s JustGiving fundraising page.
Make sure once your donation has gone through, that you tick the box alongside “I'm
happy to be contacted by Grace Yoxon ". Justgiving can then share your contact
details with us and we can issue you with a ticket number. The draw will take place on
June 6th 2018 and all winners will be notified by email.
Good luck!
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
4 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Be Otter Savvy
Sea otter Savvy, along with Wild Lens, has created a video to ensure the safety of Sea
otters – as well as people – while observing them. The video educates individuals on
the correct protocols for observing the species, such as keeping a safe distance, trying
not to disturb them while they are sleeping etc.
While this video is aimed at Sea otters the information fits into viewing of other species.
It is always important to keep a safe distance between you and any wildlife, such as
otters, when observing. Otters will not attack an individual that is at a safe distance but
should it feel threatened or in danger will defend itself.
http://wildlensinc.org/eoc-single/sea-otter-savvy-music-video/
Facebook goes otter-ly crazy
As Kevin Wagter prepared for his annual
Sea otter wrapped in seaweed Sea otter paddle with friends, creating an
©Beth Savidge event to remind them on Facebook, little
did he know the hysteria it would cause.
Mr. Wagter goes every year, with his
close friends, to kayak around the Sea
otters. As his event was public, this soon
went viral and before he knew it he had
7,000 people ‘interested’ in attending.
Thankfully, he explained the situation
and now hopes that crowds do not form
in the area as it is important not to
disturb the otters and their cubs! This is a careful reminder as to how powerful
Facebook can be, both good and bad. Sea otters are a protected species and, as
shown in the previous article, it is important to respect these animals in their natural
habitat. Otters are shy animals and want to be left in peace.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20180313/NEWS/180319872
Gardenis
We have teamed up with gardenis.co.uk, who retail all things gardening, because they
want to support IOSF. So, you can save 4% off your order and earn IOSF 4% of your
order value using the special code OTTER... it’s that simple.
Offer applies UK delivery only.
Visit the Gardenis website today https://www.gardenis.co.uk/
AmazonSmile
Do you like to shop with Amazon? Use AmazonSmile and you can raise money for
IOSF with every purchase.
Simply go to https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ login and select International Otter Survival
Fund as your charity. AmazonSmile acts exactly the same as Amazon but donates a
small percentage to charity. Make sure you use AmazonSmile for all future purchases
as the standard Amazon website does not donate. https://smile.amazon.co.uk/
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
5 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
News in Brief
Otters thriving in Tibetan city
Across much of China otters are becoming locally extinct due to hunting, pollution and
habitat loss. So why, in Yushu, Qinghai, a town of around 200,000, is there a healthy
population of Eurasian otters?
Yushu, located in Tibet, has a 95% Buddhist population, a factor that has contributed to
the otter population’s survival. Buddhist beliefs instil the idea of conserving animals and
their habitats. This comes from the idea of reincarnation and that any animal could be a
person’s friend or family member. During the harsh winters in Tibet, consumption of
meat is a necessity but many locals prefer the meat of larger fauna, such as yaks,
meaning that smaller prey, like fish, are left for other animals, such as otters. The
Tibetans also believe that cutting trees from the mountains will anger mountain gods, so
all habitats remain fully intact.
Twinned with the fact that local religious leaders have called for an end to the use of
animal furs, otters have an opportunity to thrive once more.
During the survey, which lasted a month, otters were caught 66 times on seven different
camera traps and around 200 spraints were also recorded along a 45km stretch of river.
https://news.mongabay.com/2018/03/how-tibetan-buddhism-and-conservation-efforts-
helped-eurasian-otters-thrive-in-a-city-of-200000-people-commentary/
Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
©Emil Barbelette
Otter Genome Decoding
As part of the Wellcome Trust’s Sanger Institute’s 25th Anniversary they will be
decoding the DNA of 25 UK species for the first time, and Cardiff University’s Otter
Project will get the opportunity to decode otter’s DNA, thanks to a public vote.
Cardiff University Otter Project has become one of the five projects to be funded, which
will provide some invaluable information both for otter populations in the UK, and
worldwide. Once research into the DNA genomes has been completed we will have a
greater understanding on many aspects relating to otters.
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/1025970-sequencing-the-otter-genome-to-improve-
environmental-monitoring
https://floundering25.imascientist.org.uk/2017/12/13/thank-you-from-the-floundering-
zone-winner-eurasian-otter/
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
6 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Is it a Lizard?
In Aberdeen, the SSPCA were called
©Scottish SPCA
out by an individual who was worried
about a large lizard at the bottom of
the garden. The UK is only home to
small lizards so this was a potentially
worrying situation.
Once the SSPCA arrived worries soon
turned to laughter as it turned out to be
an otter ornament. How the otter got
there is unknown.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-43329838
‘Weird’ Otters in Minsmere, UK
The population of otters in Minsmere RSPB reserve have been described as ‘weird’.
Why? Because they are active both during the day and at night. Freshwater otters are
largely nocturnal, whereas coastal otters are usually active during the day.
Spraint analysis has been done to try and determine this strange behaviour but as yet,
nothing has been concluded.
http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/minsmere-s-mystery-of-the-weird-otters-1-5425618
River Otter caught on camera in Massachusetts
Although not rare in South-eastern Massachusetts, River Otters rarely take the time out
to pose for photographs. Henry Zimberlin found himself ‘on cloud nine’ when he had the
chance to take some great shots of a North American River Otter. Although he sees
them fairly regularly he never gets the chance to take a photo, due to their quick moving
nature.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/entertainmentlife/20180225/elusive-river-otter-caught-
on-camera-at-acushnet-sawmill
River Otters making a comeback in North American River Otter
©Marianne Hale
Nebraska
(San Francisco Zoo)
North American River Otters were once
endangered in Nebraska but now it looks as
though they are making a comeback.
Nebraskan otters were wiped out by
unregulated trapping and hunting but a
reintroduction programme, that started three
decades ago, looks like it has been successful.
Estimates indicate that there are around 5,000
otters in Nebraska and they are on the verge
of being taken of the endangered species list
for the state.
http://nebraska.tv/news/local/river-otters-making-a-comeback-in-nebraska
Sea otters ‘Social networking’
Currently, the monitoring of Sea otter populations along the California Coast is
completed by measures such as binoculars, radio-tracking and telescopes. This
involves a lot of pain-staking work and good weather, as much of the monitoring is done
from the coast, leading to gaps in the data.
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
7 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have teamed up with the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to design two new types of wildlife-
tracking tag. This will be a small device requiring minimal interference with the animal.
The device will be able to fill gaps in animal behaviour and interaction as GPS signals
will be received. Using this information they will be able to monitor how and when
individuals interact with one another, distribution and many other complex questions
surrounding the species.
https://www.usgs.gov/news/usgs-and-nasa-team-help-scientists-study-social-networks-
wildlife
The Good and the Bad - Laws in Sea otter Management
First, the good, from California. A federal judge has ruled that “No Otter Zones”
cannot be reinstated in the state. Previously, zones were established and when an otter
crossed into the zone it would be relocated to the San Nicolas Island, in hope of forming
a new population. This did more harm than good for Sea otter populations, as of the 140
relocated only 11 stayed; the rest either died or swam back north to their previous site.
Steve Shimek, Executive Director of The Otter Project, said “In retrospect, the idea of
putting ‘lines’ across the water, and saying that a marine mammal should not cross that
line, just kind of doesn’t make sense”.
The removal of Sea otters also resulted in kelp forests being over-eaten and sea beds
becoming barren wastelands where few species can survive.
http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/reagan-era-sea-otter-relocation-policy-cannot-
continue-federal-judge-at-pasadena-based-ninth-circuit-court-rules/
Sea Otter ©Tabea Lanz
Now, the bad, from Alaska. A senator has called for an increase in the number of Sea
otters that are allowed to be hunted. Local communities believe that it is necessary to
bring Sea otter populations down as they are decimating shellfish populations.
Governments are looking at the possibility of granting local fisherman permission to cull
Sea otters.
A move to change the laws could have disastrous effects on all the hard-work that has
been put in to achieve the increased Sea otter population.
As we have reported many times, Sea otters were hunted to the brink of extinction and
where populations have increased they are some way off the numbers they were at
before the hunting boom.
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
8 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Sea otters face many difficulties for their long-term survival and we do not need to add
increased hunting to that list!
https://www.adn.com/politics/2018/03/17/alaskans-make-new-push-to-kill-more-sea-
otters-saying-theyre-decimating-southeast-shellfish/
https://www.krbd.org/2018/02/28/sen-stedman-sponsors-resolution-control-sea-otter-
growth/
KISTOC Education work in Kenya – Phase 2
Following on from a successful phase 1 in August, KISTOC continued its educational
work around Lake Victoria, Kenya. The education day involved 97 students from 19
different schools, both primary and secondary.
During the morning sessions students were given an interactive lesson on fauna and
flora, biodiversity and conservation needs of the lake. KISTOC patron Peter Nyamenya
also gave more information on otters around the area.
Furthering on from the morning session students were taken to a local environmental
conservation NGO where they spent an hour before heading to Lake Victoria for an
opportunity to find Spotted-necked otters as well as secondary signs of the species.
This is also a great spot for other fauna, such as birds, so helped students experience
and understand biodiversity a little
Spotted-necked otter ©Jan Reed Smith more.
Before the end of the day, students
visited the River Kisat, one of the
tributaries to Lake Victoria. This river is
very polluted and fish numbers are
depleted. This gave KISTOC the
opportunity to emphasise the
importance of maintaining a clean
environment for all species, otters and
mankind included.
KISTOC took the opportunity, in its
report, to thank IOSF for the support
that has made this project possible and provide a clear environmental message to the
children of Lake Victoria.
Product of the Month - Otter Shop (on Twitter @otter_shop and Facebook)
Where all profits go to help otters www.ottershop.co.uk
‘The Lost Words’ by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris
You may remember that, back in December, we mentioned the
removal of words in nature from the Oxford Junior Dictionary,
including ‘otter’.
Well, this wonderfully written and illustrated book shows the
beauty of words and art in nature. The exquisite descriptions
bring our natural world to life, making it difficult not to become
absorbed in the writing and illustrations.
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
9 of 11
www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
This book is available at the Otter Shop,
price £20
https://www.ottershop.co.uk/the-lost-words-
robert-macfarlane-jackie-morris-
c2x25742577
Events
Visit our webpage and discover what otter-related events are happening, such as The
Otter Wey project at Farnham, Surrey in May.
http://otter.org/Public/Events.aspx
At the end of February, Paul was due to present a talk on "Otter Ecology and
Conservation" in conjunction with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, at Sedbergh. He and
Grace travelled south and all was well until the severe weather arrived. Unfortunately,
due to the rural roads to the venue the talk had to be cancelled and of course everyone
was disappointed, but because of the amount of snow falling people could not risk
journeying there... “better safe than sorry”.
Legacy
A legacy is a great way of giving to something close to your heart and every gift will
make a difference. Have you ever thought of leaving something in your will to charity?
Please consider remembering the International Otter Survival Fund in your will and help
our work, protecting otters, to continue.
Including a legacy in your will ensures that your wishes are carried out, so it is important
to discuss this with your solicitor. You can stipulate a specific restriction for its use, but
remember that without restriction your legacy can be directed to where it is required
most urgently.
Should you choose to provide a legacy for the International Otter Survival Fund in your
will, we thank you and appreciate your support in this way.
This link http://otter.org/Public/HelpUs_Legacy.aspx will take you to our dedicated
webpage concerning making a Legacy.
Our work is only made possible by your generosity, so
thank you to all who have supported our work with
donations.
We are also grateful for the support of:
The Henderson Charitable Trust
The William Dean Countryside & Education Trust
Nurtured by Nature
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
10 of 11www.otter.org IOSF Otter News No. 87, March 2018
www.loveotters.org
Become an IOSF Life Supporter
Our supporters are always valued by us as a crucial source of support for the work that
we are doing, and those of you that become life supporters are highly appreciated.
For a one-off payment of £350 you can become a Life Supporter and give your long-
term commitment to help secure a better future for otters in the UK and around the
world.
We will send you a certificate showing your life supporter status and you will continue to
receive full updates in our newsletters, on all of the work that we are doing.
https://www.ottershop.co.uk/become-a-life-supporter-c2x9466694
All photos are © to the name/s as indicated, otherwise ©IOSF
You can follow us on:
Annual Supporters’ Rates
UK and EEC Countries: Adult: £24.00 per year
Child: £13.00 per year
Family: £34.00 per year Increase the value
of your gift to IOSF:
All other countries: Adult: £30.00 per year
Child: £15.00 per year
Family: £40.00 per year
Life Membership (all countries): £350.00
Have you enjoyed reading this
Discover Ways You Can Help
e-newsletter? Then please forward it to
someone else and spread the word.
There are many ways in which you can
If you are reading this for the first time and raise money and awareness to help the
would like to receive all IOSF mailings, click otters in our Fundraising Pack or find out
here to sign up. Please be assured that we what some of our supporters have done
will never pass on your details to any other over the years in the online newsletters.
party and you will only ever receive emails
from us.
International Otter Survival Fund Join our IOSF mailing list. Click on this link:
7 Black Park http://tinyurl.com/p3lrsmx
Broadford
Isle of Skye IV49 9DE www.otter.org
Scotland
Email: enquiries@otter.org The International Otter Survival Fund
Tel/Fax: ++(0)1471 822487 Working to Save the Worlds Otters
British Animal Honours 2013
IFAW Animal Action
Wildlife Conservation
Award Winner 2012
Award Winner
11 of 11You can also read
