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Otter

A charismatic animal of rivers and streams, the Otter suffered massive declines across the UK between 1950-1980. Improvements in water quality and more sympathetic management of bank sides have allowed this fish eating predator to recover and now they can be found along the river valleys of the National Park. They can even be found in the towns of Brecon, Crickhowell and Llangynidr, where the river Usk flows through the built up areas.

 

 

For information regarding the presence of otters on development sites, please view the planning pages.

Otter are territorial animals and will generally be found all year round along a section of river or stream some 5-20km long. Otters live and breed in sheltered bankside holes called holts, most often the hollow space amongst bankside tree roots, but they will readily use artifically made sites or other structures that offer seclusion and a quick exit into the river.

Both otters and their holts are protected under UK and European laws.

View more information on Otters on the UKBAP website.

 

The Cardiff University Otter Project relies on reports of carcasses by members of the public, and organisations such as the Environment Agency, Countryside Council for Wales, UK Wildlife Trusts, the police and local authorities.

In the event of finding a dead otter, please telephone 0800 807060 (Environment Agency) or 0845 1306229 (Countryside Council for Wales) with details of the location.

 

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last modified 01 April 2008 11:11 — expired