Since the 1970s, this charismatic species has shown a promising recovery from its historic lows, but the increasing trend seen up to 2009-10 was not repeated in the latest round of Welsh surveys (2015-17). The results in Gwent show that the Rivers Usk and Wye both saw significant declines (26% and 24%, respectively) in the number of positive otter sites between the 5th (2009-10) and 6th (2015-17) surveys.

Here is a quote from the report, explaining what these figures represent:“The results of many hydrometric areas (Cleddau, Clwyd, Conwy, Dee, Loughor, Taff, Tywi and Usk) are now at pre-2002 levels. The Teifi and Wye are at pre-1991 levels. There is, therefore, cause for some concern about the ongoing conservation status of otters in Wales. Particular areas of concern are those hydrometric areas where otter signs declined by more than 20% and the decline was statistically significant; Teifi, Conwy, Loughor, Glaslyn, Mid-Glamorgan, Usk, Wye and Tyw.”

Gwent Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers contributed to the 2017 otter surveys on the Rivers Usk and Wye, and maybe some of you did too. It’s all too easy to assume they’re doing fine when we see regular signs at sites like Magor Marsh or sightings in populated areas, but the trend suggests otherwise.

Gwent Wildlife Trust Evidence Officer Lowri Watkins said: "The reasons for the decline are unclear, but likely to be multifactorial; prey availability, water quality, contaminants, road traffic casualties, climate change, human conflicts and disturbance are all discussed in the report. The report puts forward a number of recommendations that we can take on board, particularly in terms of protecting and enhancing sites for otters. And we will continue to look out for other opportunities to help reverse the trend."  

You can read NRW's press release on the report here:: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-events/news/the-welsh-national-survey-for-otters-shows-partial-decline-of-otter-populations-in-wales/?lang=en

And the full report can be found here: http://ow.ly/mH9O50HcoZy