HMSO, London. Breeding habitat – In order to successfully rear young, a female otter needs a sheltered location, often with a pool where she can teach her young to swim and catch food. The species was driven to near extinction in some areas between the 1950s and 1970s, but thanks to improvements in water quality and greater protection it can once again be found across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and – as of 2011 – every county in England. The species was driven to near extinction in some areas between the 1950s and 1970s, but thanks to improvements in water quality and greater protection it can once again be found across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and – as of 2011 – every county in England. The head and body length is around 60 to 120cm, with a tail length 40 to 45cm, and the average weight is about 10.1kg for the male and 7kg for the female. The aquatic habitat of otters is very vulnerable in the face of change. The European (or Eurasian) otter is the only species of otter native to the UK, and is one of our largest animals, living in both fresh and salt water environments. Mammal Biodiversity in Agricultural Habitats. Origin & Distribution: The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. Shop Lights & Accessories. Common otters are piscivorous, meaning they eat fish, and carnivorous. In the UK Otters frequent a range of habitat. The otter is one of Britain's largest carnivores and a male otter may weigh over 15kg although females are somewhat lighter. Otters prey mainly on fish and have large home ranges, extending over tens of kilometres. Hunting and trapping of mink - may inadvertently kill otters instead. One of the biggest debate’s visitors have about the Everglades is “which of these animals are the cutest?” While there may be no right answer, the otter will always come up on anyone’s list. Whether it a glimpse of water-webbed whiskers, a lithe body porpoising in play, or the tip of a ruddering tail, the sight of a shy otter is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the UK. UK and Ireland. Animals and Nature › Otters › Sea otter › Hind feet. Decline and recovery. Otters are now very common along the coast of Norway and in Northern Britain, especially Shetland where 12% of the UK breeding population exist. Under Annex II and Annex IV of the European Communities Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora, which covers species of community interest that are in need of strict protection. Habitat type - otters require a habitat consisting of unpolluted watercourses, bankside trees (with exposed horizontal root systems) and vegetation to provide cover, they also require a plentiful supply of food (such as eels) if the population is to be self-sustaining. They are a carnivorous species, the adults of which consume around 1km of food per day, over 80% if which is fish (the type of fish being dependent on availability) although they will also eat amphibians, birds, molluscs, crustaceans and small mammals. A habitat image of Smooth-coated otter Lutrogale pers family pups are playing in morning light on rocks with green background Otters of … They also eat crustaceans, frogs and even small water birds. With the widest distribution of the otter subfamily, the common otter stretches from western Europe to central Asia. When to see. 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