Working Groups and Networks
The IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group works closely with many organizations around the world that share its values and mission to conserve otters and their habitats.
Working Groups align with the OSG’s goals and fall under the IUCN SSC umbrella, combining efforts in research, education and policy to protect otters and their ecosystems. Networks are vital to the work of the OSG allowing us to extend our work beyond the IUCN frontiers. Together, they build stronger global efforts to ensure the survival of otters.
Working Group
OSG Ex-Situ Working Group
The Otters in Zoos Task Force was born in 2008 and, in 2024, the group changed its name to a more appropriate OSG Ex-Situ group. The group promotes cooperation between all zoos and aquariums worldwide to create healthy self-sustaining ex-situ otter populations, essential to supporting conservation efforts of these increasingly threatened species.
Working Group
OSG Otter Mortality Working Group
A tool to help conservation by sharing information on how to reduce human-induced mortality on otter populations worldwide.
Working Group
The Otter Youth Circle
The Otter Youth Circle (OYC) aims to represent members from 18 to 35 years of age within the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group (OSG).
Network
Himalayan Otter Network (HON)
The Himalayan Otter Network (HON) focuses on the conservation of otters in the Himalayan region, emphasizing research, community engagement, and collaboration across the Himalayan countries to protect otters and their habitats.
Network
Central Asia Otter Network (CAON)
The Central Asia Otter Network has a common goal of promoting research and conservation of otter species in the region.
Network
Lontra Italia – Italian Otter Network
Lontra Italia is the Italian OSG branch that channels its energies into the conservation of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in Italy. Its efforts include habitat restoration, monitoring populations, educational material and increasing public awareness.
Network
International Giant Otter Alliance
Created in 2022 during the II International Giant Otter Workshop, held in Argentina, the IGOA represents an international collaborative group, that share a concern and passion for giant otters. IGOA is committed to communicate, share information, build capacity and act to promote and strengthen the species’ conservation.