Reintroduction of the otter: A success story
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Published source details
Lammertsma D., Niewold F., Jansman H., Kuiters L., Koelewijn H.P., Perez Haro M., van Adrichem M., Boerwinkel M.-C. & Bovenschen J. (2006) Herintroductie van de otter: een succesverhaal? . De Levende Natuur, 107, 42-46.
Published source details Lammertsma D., Niewold F., Jansman H., Kuiters L., Koelewijn H.P., Perez Haro M., van Adrichem M., Boerwinkel M.-C. & Bovenschen J. (2006) Herintroductie van de otter: een succesverhaal? . De Levende Natuur, 107, 42-46.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide mammals with escape routes from canals Action Link |
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Release captive-bred individuals to re-establish or boost populations in native range Action Link |
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Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range Action Link |
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Provide mammals with escape routes from canals
A study in 2002–2005 in two wetland areas in the Netherlands (Lammertsma et al. 2006) found that providing mammals with escape or access routes from and into canals resulted in their use by Eurasian otters Lutra lutra. In 2002–2005, twenty-four animals, comprising a mix of wild-caught and captive-bred individuals, were released at two sites. In one of the areas, modifications to canal banks were made to aid entry and exit by otters to and from the water. Use of exits from canals was monitored by direct observation, observation of tracks in the snow, and identification of otter faeces.
(Summarised by: Phil Martin)
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Release captive-bred individuals to re-establish or boost populations in native range
A study in 2002–2005 in two wetland areas in the Netherlands (Lammertsma et al. 2006) found that following release of captive-bred animals, together with the release of some translocated individuals, over half of Eurasian otters Lutra lutra settled in their release areas and some successfully reproduced. After three weeks, 14 of 23 otters settled within their release areas, while two died and seven moved away from release areas. Three years after the first translocations, five female otters had successfully reproduced, producing nine young. At this time, the total population was 12 otters. In 2002, fifteen wild-caught otters were released at one site. At a second site, in 2004–2005, eight animals, comprising a mix of wild-caught and captive-bred individuals, were released. Before release, animals were fitted with radio-transmitters and DNA samples were taken. Following release, otters were monitored by radio-tracking and by collection of faeces, which was analysed to identify individuals.
(Summarised by: Phil Martin)
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Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range
A study in 2002–2005 in two wetland areas in the Netherlands (Lammertsma et al. 2006) found that following translocation, and release of some captive-bred animals, most Eurasian otters Lutra lutra settled in their release areas, where successful breeding then occurred. After three weeks, 14 of 23 otters settled within their release areas, while two died and seven moved away from release areas. Three years after the first translocations, five female otters had successfully reproduced, producing nine young. At this time, the total population was 12 otters. In 2002, fifteen wild-caught otters were released at one site. At a second site, in 2004–2005, eight animals, comprising a mix of wild-caught and captive-bred individuals, were released. Before release, animals were fitted with radio-transmitters and DNA samples were taken. Following release, otters were monitored by radio-tracking and by collection of faeces, which was analysed to identify animals individually.
(Summarised by: Phil Martin)
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