otter drawing

The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), based on the Isle of Skye, was awarded a well-deserved accolade at the Animal Awards on ITV on April 18 this year.

This is one of the world’s leading otter charities. In the UK, IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on 20 years of scientific research in the UK and around the world.

IOSF logo

Otters are the only amphibious members of the weasel family, Mustelid. Their numbers in the UK have increased slightly in recent years but the Eurasian otter is still classed as “Vulnerable” in the Red Data List.

Otter-like animals have inhabited the earth for the last 30 million years and over time have undergone subtle changes to the carnivore bodies to exploit the rich aquatic environment.

 

baby otterEuropean_otter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above left, an otter cub. On the right, an adult Eurasian Otter, Lutra lutra.

You can find out more and check out their current conservation status in the Red Data List.

For lots more information, please visit:

www.otter.org