Otter Guidelines

MINIMUM STANDARDS These standards represent the absolute minimum acceptable standards for keeping this species in captivity. They fall very short of the optimum conditions. Falling below these standards seriously affects the welfare state of the animals.

This document was prepared by members of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Otter Specialist Group at the Xth International Otter. I Aims and Objectives These guidelines have been written by an international body of professionals to provide for institutions and individuals a basic standard of care required when keeping the Eurasian Otter (EO), Lutra lutra, in captivity. EAZA Best Practice Guidelines are produced by the various Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) to merge expert husbandry knowledge and make it widely available within and outside the borders of the EAZA community.

The guidelines displayed below show best practice standards, which EAZA zoos aim at achieving. They have been compiled using a template and made user. How to become an Ecologist or Environmental Manager Monitoring the Otter This publication, produced by English Nature (now Natural England), outlines the protocol for otter monitoring in Special Areas of Conservation including monitoring of otters and their habitat, and summarises methods of assessing otter numbers.

The recommendations have a sound scientific basis or are the result of experience gained over many years of working with this species. This document was prepared by members of the Otters in Captivity Task Force (Carol Heap - Chestnut Center Otter and Owl Park, Lesley Wright - OSG Secretary, Lindell Andrews - Adelaide Zoo; edited by Jan Reed-Smith - OCT Chair, and reviewed by Sarah. However, as a result of the dedicated efforts of concerned biologists and state wildlife agencies, reintroductions, protection, improved habitat quality, and regulated harvest, otter populations began to rebound in the later half of the 20th century.

At present, river otter populations are expanding across their range. Sea Otter Savvy program offers simple guidelines marine recreationists can follow to avoid disturbing sea otters. I Introduction and Objective This manual has been collated by an international body of experts to help institutions and individuals recognize and adhere to the basic minimum standard of care required in keeping smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata).

This species is referred to as the smooth otter in North America. These Best Practice Guidelines for the European Otter (Lutra lutra) are a recording of their needs and demands. Experts on otters have contributed to these guidelines through writing about their experiences with the animals, so occasionally, several solutions are offered or examples are given.

Objective This manual has been prepared by zoo and aquarium professionals to help institutions identify and adhere to the basic minimum standards of care recommended for keeping the North American river otter (NARO, also known as the Nearctic otter) in wildlife facilities.