The NILPS Otter project aimed to gather more information about the distribution and presence of Otters in the North Isles by surveying stretches of coastline in each island for signs of otters – especially their spraint (faeces), footprints and holts (dens).
As well as coastal surveys, sightings of otters helped build up a general picture of their activity – such as seasonal changes in behaviour. Additional information, including the food being eaten, whether cubs were present or regular patterns of activity was also recorded.
A more focused study was undertaken in the island of Eday where trail cameras were deployed at key sites to learn more about how otters were using stretches of coastline.
Some survey observations
Over 120 kilometers of coastline were surveyed across five islands. Otters were found in all islands, as was expected but far fewer signs of their presence were recorded in North Ronaldsay - the smallest and furthest North. In Eday, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray all stretches of coastline surveyed showed some signs that Otters were present.
Signs of activity often appeared in clusters around the coast, suggesting that these may be core areas for Otters where resources, especially where suitable places for resting sites were more plentiful.
Eday
In Eday, trail camera footage revealed a lot of additional information such as females with cubs, how often certain sites were visited and the regular presence of Otters in places that were more unexpected, such as inland sites and high hills.
Although the cameras were not able to tell the whole story, the surveys, sightings and camera footage together indicated that between 5 and 7 family groups were active at different locations around the island over the same season.
Where to send your records
Send your otter sightings to any of the following:
- county mammal recorder Brian Ribbands email: [email protected]