IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
© IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group

Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 1 - 61 (April 2002)

Abstracts

Otters And Fyke Nets -Some Aspects Which Need Further Attention
Pages 7- 20 (Article)
Claus Reuther
Abstract
Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) become attracted by fishes caught in fyke nets, lobster creels or other fishing gear, and they sometimes are drowned by trying to get access to these fish. Numerous publications describe this problem and the attempts to avoid this kind of loss. By comparing these data with unpublished data provided from different European countries, and in trying to prepare recommendations for fishermen, it became obvious that there are some results which are inconsistent or founded on too small a database to offer a background for adequate conservation recommendations. Therefore, some aspects are highlighted here to encourage otter conservationists and researchers to collect more data and to contribute to a more reliable database for conservation measures. In particular, an improvement in the knowledge of fishing techniques and of fishing gear used by fishermen seems to be necessary for a better understanding of the factors which influence the number of otters drowned..
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Travel Mortalities of the Otter and Road-Passes: a Database
Pages 21 - 24 (Article)
Lionel Lafontaine and Geoff Liles
Abstract
A major cause of otter deaths is road traffic accidents. Various mitigation measures have been used to try to reduce the numbers, but assessment of their effectiveness is not consistently carried out or made available. The authors propose a project, the Database
of Otter Roadpasses, to collect and disseminate knowledge from OSG members about otters, roads and mitigation measures. A pro-forma response is provided indicating what information should be collected; this should be returned to the authors for compilation into the database.
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Progressive Skinning of Toads (Bufo bufo) by the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Pages 25 - 29 (Report)
Fred Slater
Abstract:
Predation of the Common Toad (Bufo bufo) by otters is less common than predation of the Common Frog (Rana temporaria). To avoid the paratoid glands of toads, only the hind legs may be skinned and eaten. At a B. bufo breeding site, regularly predated by otters, an increasing proportion of predated toads have been completely skinned. With declining populations of fish and crustacean prey, it is suggested that this apparent behavioural change better utilises the residual food resource.
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Giant Otter Project in Peru Field Trip and Activity Report - 2001
Pages 30 - 39 (Report)
Jessica Groenendijk and Frank Hajek
Abstract:
The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) was uplisted from 'vulnerable' to 'endangered' by IUCN in 2000; habitat destruction in South America currently poses the greatest threat to the species. In 1990, the project 'Status, habitat, behaviour and conservation of Giant Otters in Peru' was initiated by the Frankfurt Zoological Society - Help for Threatened Wildlife (FZS) in order to increase knowledge and national awareness of these unique animals and to develop a comprehensive plan for their conservation in Peru. The progress of the Project has been described continually in the IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
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On the Tracks of the Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) in Gabon
Pages 40 - 50 (Report)
Hélène Jacques, François Moutou and Franck Alary
Abstract:
The distribution and status of the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) has yet to be assessed in the rainforests of central Africa where the species is said to occur. No study had been conducted up to now, probably due to the remoteness of these areas. A 15 day mission (July 2001: St Anne), followed by a further 4 weeks mission (January 2002: Setté Cama, Lopé reserve, Langoué baï) to Gabon, allowed us to gather information on A. congicus, to see the animal and many tracks, and to begin to form a network to get information not only in Gabon but also from the rest of central Africa. A. congicus seems to thrive in the virgin tropical rainforests of the interior, the main threat being hunting for bush meat, mainly in southern Cameroon but also, apparently, on a smaller scale in Gabon.
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Still on the Tracks of the Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus): First Mission in Cameroon
Pages 51 - 55 (Report)
Franck Alary, François Moutou and Hélène Jacques
A 15 day first-step mission was undertaken in Cameroon during February 2002. The purpose of this prospective trip was, first of all, to raise interest amongst wildlife institutions (Governmental and NGOs) concerning the 3 species of otters supposed to inhabit this country. The same kind of work has been initiated in Western African countries such as Togo, Burkina-Faso, Benin and Niger. This will allow the institution of a network around the French speaking part of Africa, in order to collect information on distribution, status and threats as regards otters.
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