Learning all about IOSF’s current and past projects.
The map shows all the countries in which we have helped since 1993.
*Correct as of August 1st 2023
IOSF Projects
Current Projects
Europe
Read all about our current, and recent, projects from around Europe.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective project.
©Stewart Dawber - skyehighwildlife.com
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In 2014 we began monitoring 15 coastal sections on the Isle of Skye in order to review the otter population research we undertook in 1999. There is a correlation between active otter holts and otter numbers and so each section is visited once to count the number of active holts. Although holt numbers increased in 2015 there was no significant difference from 2016 to 2019, suggesting that numbers have remained constant.
Camera trap monitoring at a site in south Skye has been ongoing since 2007 and has provided excellent photos and video footage. Such long-term research is useful not just for monitoring but also for other behavioural information, such as breeding patterns and changes in diet.
Analysis of the diet using spraint analysis also reveals that this has remained more or less the same although there does appear to be an increase in crab predation.
Funding needed: £600 for extra camera traps and travel to visit the sites
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OTTER is the annual scientific publication of IOSF. The publication aims to cover a broad spectrum of papers, reports and short contributions concerning all aspects of otter biology, behaviour, ecology and conservation. It also contains information on the work of IOSF and reports on our activities.
The Journal is available to download free on our website and a limited number of copies are printed for distribution to libraries, etc.
Funding is needed to cover preparation, design and printing: £740
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On Skye, IOSF has specialist facilities for otters and to date we have cared for over 240 animals. These are mostly cubs which have somehow become separated from their mothers but we also treat injured juveniles and adults. Our aim is always to release back to the wild. On rare occasions this is not possible and so a permanent home in as natural an environment as possible will be provided for the rest of the animal’s life.
Our hospital treats 12-14 otters a year and the biggest cost is fish. Cubs stay with their mothers for 12-15 months so we have to release them at about the same age or they will not survive. This is why food bills are so high.
IOSF’s reputation in otter care has grown considerably and we are now regarded as world experts. We receive frequent requests for help and have helped with over 130 otters in 43 countries, including Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, Canada, Iraq, Belize, Chile, Vietnam, Thailand, The Philippines, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria. We have also been asked to speak at conferences in Ireland, Holland, Indonesia and Taiwan.
We are currently upgrading our indoor facilities, and building a new enclosure, as well as ongoing maintenance, and care costs.
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Dissertations involving field survey techniques for otters are clearly not covered in normal university courses and so IOSF intends to provide sponsorship to help and encourage young students into field research on otters and their ecology.
The IOSF Student Research Grant will help two students carry out an otter field survey under the guidance of a trained ecological surveyor. Andrew Rothwell has carried out many ecological surveys, especially for otters, including the National Otter Surveys of England. He is willing to give his time for free and will undertake a field survey to provide training in the various techniques involved, including post-survey work such as diet analysis. This would form the basis of the dissertation for the students’ degree and would hopefully lead to more ecological work in the future.
The first two projects were to the islands of Barra (2022) and Benbecula (2023), which were a great success and the students gained valuable experience. So a third project will take place on the Isle of North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides, in September 2024.
Future surveys could compare coastal and freshwater areas in terms of habitat use and diet, and comparison of rivers in England, Scotland and Wales.
The grant will cover the accommodation and travel expenses for the students while on the island but they will be asked to cover their own travel to the island.
IOSF will also need to cover the living and travel expenses of the instructor.
The impact of this project is long-lasting and two-fold:
On the Student: By helping to train the students in otter ecology so that they can carry out the survey, they will produce a meaningful piece of research for their dissertation. This experience will equip them to further a career in ecology, especially otter ecology in any area.
For otters in the islands: This project will provide valuable up to date base-line data.
Funding is still needed to cover the instructor’s expenses: £500
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The biggest problem facing otters in the UK and worldwide, is LACK OF AWARENESS. We must engage with the public to show the importance of otters – otter conservation is not a sentimental luxury as a healthy otter population indicates a healthy environment for all species, including man. We need to dispel myths that are causing otters to be intentionally disturbed, persecuted and killed. Otters are not the cause of declining fish populations and by conserving otters we protect all wetland biodiversity.
TEAM OTTER is IOSF’s education programme focused on children. The programme is aimed at reconnecting children with nature, wildlife and the environment and igniting a passion that will last their whole life. A recent study found that people who have access to nature act in a more sustainable and environmental way than those who are not, or are less, exposed to it. A lack of knowledge leads to a lack of interest.
The programme uses otters as a mascot and an ambassador to a healthy environment but also teaches children about other species, wetland habitats and environmental conservation. The children can join Team Otter clubs and meet regularly to continue learning and also network with other clubs from around the world. This allows them to feel part of a growing number of children and young people that want to make a difference. Association with the club will ensure a passion and a sense of duty to helping the natural world in the future and ensure that our future decision makers have the right knowledge to help the environment moving forward.
Currently there are two clubs in Scotland, seven in Montenegro and also clubs in Asia and South America and some are planned in various parts of Africa.
We need more education material, particularly for young people. Children learn most easily when they are having fun and the use of games is a great educational tool. IOSF produced a children’s education pack “Let’s talk about otters” which includes information with indoor and outdoor games, puzzles, etc. However, nowadays children use interactive material on computers to learn many subjects in school and in the home.
Our website designer has produced many educational interactive games on various subjects and is very keen to help us develop new up-to-date material to educate, inform and encourage the protection and conservation of otters and our environment.
We also have an online game called “Otter Madness” which shows the children how difficult it is to be an otter and the various threats.
We have also been developing a programme of visits to schools in rural parts of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, where educational visits are rare. Schools we have visited so far include the Small Isles (Eigg, Muck and Rum) Arisaig and Gairloch,
Funding needed: £15,000 for new material, visits and support for Team Otter Clubs
Read all about our current, and recent, projects from around the Americas.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective project.
©Jon Nelson
The Americas
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Marine otters, also called Seacats (left) are found in the cold temperate regions along the Pacific coast from Peru to Tierra del Fuego and the largest population is along the coast of Chile, where they are known as Chungungo.
They are classed as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List and are on CITES Appendix I.
These otters live almost exclusively in the marine environment, preferably along rocky coasts where they use crevices and caves as holts.
Fundación Lontra is an organisation in Chile, which works to conserve the marine otters and their habitat. They carry out research and education/public awareness and work with local communities and the government to ensure that both the people and environment are taken into consideration when looking at new legislation. Fundación Lontra brings together interdisciplinary professionals with a love of nature and people to address environmental conflicts.
They also have a rehabilitation centre for otter cubs, preparing them for a return to the wild once old enough. It is important to have sufficient suitable habitat for the otters and they are therefore active in habitat restoration so that otters can return to their former ranges.
Total amount required: £1,200 to feed an otter cub for release
Please add ‘Chile’ to your order notes
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In 2019 IOSF joined with NGO Save The Giants to hold an otter training work in the remote Amerindian village of Yupukari in central Guyana. In Guyana Giant Otters in particular are recognised as an important umbrella species and environmental ambassadors. However, otter numbers are decreasing across their range due to habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade, lack of law enforcement and climate change.
The workshop had two main aims: to train local villagers in survey techniques so they can continue the research and monitor otter populations; and also to develop education/public awareness programmes run by the community, including a Wildlife Club for the children.
Unfortunately, the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020 put a halt on the work but since restrictions have been released they are now able to continue:
Otter Monitoring: There is now a team of seven people (including four women) involved in field surveys and the team also watch for signs of illegal activity including illegal extraction, fishing and poaching. This is providing important data on population dynamics in correlation with ecosystem changes, such as changing water levels and anthropogenic disturbances.
Total amount required: £13,700 / US$17,800 / €16,400 per year
Please add ‘Guyana Research’ to your order notes
Education/Public Awareness: In Guyana, education resources are applied disproportionately to coastal urban communities and inland rural village schools function with few teaching aids or even basic supplies (paper, pens, etc). Teachers are not trained in nature-based learning and it is not considered a priority. This project provides informal outdoor environmental education focussed on otters and other local wildlife. Following the workshop there are two women working on the education/public awareness programme including a Wildlife Festival to be held on IOSF’s World Otter Day.
Total amount required: £5,200 / US$6,700 / €6,200 per year
Please add ‘Guyana Education’ to your order notes
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Otters in Central America are threatened by changes in water regimes, climate change and degradation of rivers due to pollution and overfishing, plus conflict with fishermen who view them as a problem. However, in Central America there are very few people working on otters and their wetland habitats. The aim of the 2023 training workshop was to create the next generation of researchers to obtain vital data to enable realistic conservation programmes to be developed and encourage cross-border co-operation. It is essential to engage with communities so education/public awareness is vital.
The United Nations geoscheme for the Americas defines Central America as all states of mainland North America south of the United States, hence grouping Mexico as part of Central America. This is also practical for this project as they all share Spanish as a common language. Participants were invited from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago and from throughout Mexico.
The workshop was based in Jalcomulco, Mexico, but attendees were invited from across Central America and all nations that have native wild otter populations (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago). They included scientists, university lecturers, forest rangers responsible for conservation, members of NGOs, and other similar stakeholders and by funding their expenses it ensured it was a regional event. In total 47 people took part, either in person or virtually through our Zoom sessions.
IOSF has held many similar workshops with a mix of classroom studies and discussion, and practical field work. In the classroom, participants learn about otter ecology and their role in the ecosystem, species identification and threats. In the field they practice identifying field signs, data recording, using camera traps, etc.
The training has encouraged participants to set up their own practical research and conservation projects. A regional network was formed to enable easy exchange of information and educational material and to prioritise actions needed for otter conservation throughout the region.
It is hard to quantify changes in attitude but local field workers liaise with their own communities and can see the change. Without such co-operation between communities and trained project workers this would not happen.
There are now plans for further work across the region, and we look forward to working with the area to increase otter knowledge and conservation.
Africa
Read all about our current, and recent, projects from around Africa.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective project.
©Glen and Rita Chapman
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Research alone is not conservation, but for any conservation programme to be successful it must be founded on recent sound scientific data obtained by trained professional researchers. Conservation programmes are far more effective when organised by local people but in Africa there are very few scientists working on otters and their habitats. Until the IOSF workshop in 2015 many people were unaware that otters even existed in Africa. Now we have people working in The Gambia, Benin, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Tanzania so the effects of the workshop have been far-reaching and are ongoing.
IOSF is now planning to work in North Africa where the Eurasian otter is found. So little is known about these populations that we are establishing a North Africa Otter Network to co-ordinate research in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
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PUBLIC AWARENESS
It is important to involve communities in any conservation work as it will only work with the support of the people. In areas where there is conflict between otters and fishermen it is vital to meet personally in order to understand the extent of the problem. By working with the community it is possible to find solutions to problems together. Information on otters and their distribution may also be obtained from the community.
Tanzania
William Mgomo of Tanzania has visited many schools and spoken to literally thousands of schoolchildren in the area of the Liparamaba Reserve. He also works with local fishing communities to make them aware that otters are not an enemy and that they can survive together. He has created a video in Swahili for the local community and even managed to persuade some fishermen to remove lethal otter traps from beside their fish ponds. These areas are very remote and so William can only access them by motorcycle.
We first met William back in 2015 when he attended our African Otter Training Workshop in Mweka, Tanzania, and were so impressed by his enthusiasm and dedication to wildlife conservation. Since then we have been supporting him in his community work and his education. William has also encouraged several other people to join him in his otter conservation and education work.
William has now been transferred to the Lake Zone in Bunda district near to Lake Victoria. His family remain in Mbinga but he will obviously continue with his community work as he is totally dedicated to it.
Gambia
Karanta Camara, who worked with IOSF for World Otter Day 2019, is going to continue his work in raising awareness of otters amongst local fishermen and communities in an area that is known to have otter populations. His focus is on raising the profile of the species and help the people to understand the importance of having otter populations nearby.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
IOSF has supported various educational projects in Africa and in 2015 we held the first ever training workshop in Tanzania with participants from 10 sub- Saharan countries. Since then, various small-scale education projects have sprung up.
TEAM OTTER is IOSF’s education programme focused on children. The programme is aimed at reconnecting children with nature, wildlife and the environment and igniting a passion that will last their whole life. A recent study found that people who have access to nature act in a more sustainable and environmental way than those who are not, or are less, exposed to it. A lack of knowledge leads to a lack of interest.
The programme uses otters as a mascot and an ambassador to a healthy environment but also teaches children about other species, wetland habitats and environmental conservation. The children can join Team Otter clubs which makes them feel part of a growing number of young people that want to make a difference. Currently there are clubs in Europe, Asia and South America and there are now plans for clubs in Africa too:
Zimbabwe
Save our Environment Trust in Zimbabwe run an environmental education programme across much the country. Not much is known about otter populations in Zimbabwe but they will start to increase awareness among local communities and especially children. They already have a number of environmental education clubs that concentrate on reducing human impact and saving wildlife but as yet this has not included otters. They will use IOSF’s education material to spread the word on otters in the area and the clubs can become affiliated to Team Otter.
Kenya
KISTOC (Kisumu Science Teachers Otter Club) have an education programme to increase awareness and conservation of otters on Lake Victoria. They take parties of schoolchildren on field trips so that they can see for themselves the importance of conservation and train more teachers to help with this work.
Read all about our current, and recent, projects from around Asia.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective project.
©Manik Das
Asia
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When otters are confiscated from the pet trade in SE Asia they are taken to five main centres: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife received 15 cubs at the end of 2019; Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand rescued 17 cubs; Cikananga Rescue Centre in Java has 7 new otters plus some still awaiting release; Phnom Tamao in Cambodia is the only facility which has cared for several hairy-nosed otters and it also has Asian small-clawed, and smooth-coated.
All these centres aim to release the animals in their care if at all possible. If this cannot be done safely then the animals will remain there for the rest of their lives.
Clearly with this number of otters and more coming in regularly it is very expensive in terms of food and vet care. In addition Phnom Tamao also have to bring freshwater daily from Phnom Penh as the hairy-nosed otter is very vulnerable to any form of contamination in the water.
Total amount requested: £5,500 to be distributed amongst the centres
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It is important to involve communities in any conservation work as it will only work with the support of the people. In areas where there is conflict between otters and fishermen it is vital to meet personally in order to understand the extent of the problem. By working with the community it is possible to find solutions to problems together.
TEAM OTTER is IOSF’s education programme focused on children. The programme is aimed at reconnecting children with nature, wildlife and the environment and igniting a passion that will last their whole life.
The programme uses otters as a mascot and an ambassador to a healthy environment but also teaches children about other species, wetland habitats and environmental conservation. The Team Otter network allows children from all over the world to feel part of a group of young people who want to make a difference.
Currently there is a club in Bangladesh and more are planned in Nepal, Laos and Indonesia. There are clubs in Scotland, Montenegro and also in parts of South America and Africa.
Funding needed: £1,500 for material and expenses of the clubs
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ILLEGAL TRADE - FUR
Throughout Asia otters receive very little attention in terms of conservation as most effort is directed towards larger, high-profile species, such as tigers, elephants and rhinos. This is despite the fact that otters are excellent environmental indicators as they use both the land and aquatic habitats and both need to be in pristine condition.
Otters are one of the most overlooked, small to medium-sized mammals in Asia. But they are at the forefront of the wildlife trade, with tigers and leopards. Indeed, for every tiger skin found there are at least 10 otter skins and one haul in Tibet had 778 otter skins, including some from the hairy-nosed otter.
ILLEGAL TRADE – PETS
This is a rapidly increasing problem.
In Indonesia there are many otter pet owners – in Jakarta alone there are at least 800 people with pet otters. These animals are almost all taken from the wild and the mother is killed to get the cubs. There have been various photos and videos shared through social media showing otters on sale openly in markets. They are kept in tiny cages and the videos show the frantic behaviour of the young otters. Even when they are bought the new owner may not know how to care for them and so they die and a replacement is simply bought.
The market has been driven by the appearance of otters in zoos and circuses and in Japan there has been a dramatic increase in the number of otter cafes, where customers can play with the otters (right). The animals are often kept in atrocious conditions when out of sight of the public but when “performing” they are “cute”, so people want their own pet.
The recent Covid 19 virus has clearly demonstrated the huge problem of health and disease in wildlife markets in addition to the obvious animal welfare issues. China and parts of southeast Asia have imposed a ban on these markets and it is hoped that these will be permanent. This will have a considerable effect on trade in otters and other wildlife and will help conserve populations. However, there will still be those who continue to trade illegally and it is vital that we maintain vigilance to prevent this.
Otter pets are mostly Asian small-clawed although smooth-coated, hairy-nosed and Eurasian otters have also been found. At the time of the workshop in 2013 only Eurasian and hairy-nosed otters were legally protected in Indonesia. IOSF was asked by the government to provide priorities for otter conservation and full protection for the other two species was highlighted. In 2018 the government brought in legal protection for smooth-coated otters but unfortunately, Asian small-clawed otters, are still not protected by law. IOSF continues to work for this.
IOSF will continue to support the great work being done at the various rescue centres. However, we need to do more to stop them coming in in the first place. We have therefore contacted the centres to join forces in a combined education programme through a poster campaign, social media and physical outreach.
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Myanmar is located in mainland southeast Asia and is bordered by Bangladesh and India, the People's Republic of China, Lao PDR, and Thailand. Myanmar is believed to have all four species in southeast Asia, smooth-coated otter, hairy-nosed otter, Asian small-clawed otter, and Eurasian otter. However, the evidence is not clear and the Eurasian otter was only identified in the country from a single museum specimen.
Despite the lack of data it is generally accepted that otter populations are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and human-otter conflicts with fisheries. The illicit wildlife trade makes this situation worse and otter skins and carcasses are sold in wildlife markets and sex organs and bones are sold illegally online.
In April 2022 Myint Myint Seo from the Nature Conservation Society of Myanmar, attended the IOSF training workshop in Malaysia. Due to travel logistics she was unable to attend in person joined on Zoom and gave a presentation on the “Distribution of Otters in Protected Areas, Myanmar”. She then followed it up with a paper in the IOSF OTTER Journal Issue 8 (2022) on “Otter records in Myanmar” in which she reported on records from 13 localities.
There is still no systematic database of the otter status in Myanmar and this study is the first to collect reliable field data and it will be carried out in the Rakhine Yoma Elephant Sanctuary in south east Myanmar.
Field surveys will look for secondary signs (such as tracks, footprints and spraint) and camera traps will be used to investigate the distribution of the different species. In addition, interviews will be held with communities to see the perception of the local people with regard to otter status, current situation, past, major threats, and wildlife trade etc. Their knowledge will identify the best locations for camera traps and detailed field investigation.
This project will fill basic knowledge gaps in our understanding of the status and ecology of otters in Myanmar, giving quantitative data on the abundance, habitat associations, diet, and foraging behaviours. This information is vital if a realistic conservation plan is to be constructed.
Cost of Travel & Accommodation: £8795
Payments for village helpers and research team: £16,380
*Please add “Myanmar” to order notes
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Malaysia has four species of otter – smooth-coat, Asian small-clawed, Eurasian and the hairy-nosed, which is one of the rarest otters on the planet. The Malaysian Nature Society Otter Project are planning a survey across Kuala Selangor Nature Park, using new technology to identify the species found from their footprints.
This will give more information on distribution and numbers and enable the creation of a realistic conservation programme for the species and habitats. They will also engage with the community by raising awareness and looking at potential problems with fishing communities. They will train local people to act as otter guardians by monitoring and reporting of illegal hunting activities.
*Please add “Malaysia” to order note
Past Projects
Europe
Read all about some of our past projects from around Europe.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective area.
*Each region is determined as UN sub-region geoscheme and countries listed are only those that are believed to have wild otter populations.
©Jim Manthorpe
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United Kingdom
England
2017 - World Otter Day grant to Amy Corcoran for a children’s education event.
Scotland
1995 – Otter survey of the Isle of Skye
1995 - Set up Otter Watch UK, a co-ordinated approach to monitoring otters in the UK.
1996 - Otter survey of the Isle of Canna and Sanday
1999 - Otter survey of the Isle of South Uist
2000 - Otter survey of the Isle of Pabay
2000 - Otter survey of the Isle of Barra
2000 – IOSF Otter Toxicology Conference with invitees from across Europe.
2001 - Otter survey of the Isle of Eigg
2001 - Installed wildlife warning reflectors on all danger areas on Skye roads after initial trial reduced otter road deaths by 75%. This has been followed by further work into reducing road deaths.
2002 - Otter survey of the Isle of Coll
2003 - Otter survey of the Isle of Tiree
2003 – European Conference entitled “Return of the Otter in Europe... Where and How”
2012 – Conference on Otters and Fisheries
Wales
2013 - Present - Work with Cardiff University Otter Project on their post-mortem project.
2018 - World Otter Day Grant to Cardiff University Otter Project to perform a live otter post mortem to showcase the work they are doing, and the process to do so.
2019 - Present - IOSF co-ordinates dead otters found in Scotland which are sent to SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) in Edinburgh for post mortem.
Ireland
2000 – Worked with the Irish Council Against Bloodsports on otter hunting which was still continuing despite no licences since 1990
2006 – Advised ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) on new otter facilities
2008 – Otter survey and education visit to Keenagh Primary School in Longford
2008 – Worked with Bernie Murphy on the care and release of two otters in County Longford
2010 – Spoke at rehab conference organised by Irish Wildlife Matters
2023 - World Otter Day Grant to Cork Nature Network to host an online awareness campaign of Eurasian otters.
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Denmark
2020 - supported concerns of relocation/reintroduction protocols proposed in Denmark, threatening Jutland otters.
Finland
2016 – Support for Sara Randström in her care of a Eurasian Otter cub
2019 – Support for the animal sanctuary Pääkaupunkiseudun Eläinsuojeluyhdistys RY in their care of two Eurasian Otter cubs
2023 - Support for the care of a Eurasian otter to be rehabilitated back to the wild in Åland.
2024 - Support for the care of one Eurasian otter on Åland.
Lithuania
1995 – Support for Dr Baranauskas and Dr Mickevicius in their study of Eurasian Otters in protected areas and fish farms
Norway
1998 – Campaigned to prevent the use of Rotenone to kill a salmon parasite *Gyrodactylus salaris” in Norway’s rivers. This chemical would kill all life in the river catchment and its use is no longer recommended.
2021 - Advice on the care of rescued otter back to the wild.
Sweden
2023 - Support and analysis of camera trap footage for Sofia Hedman, of Hushållningssällskapet, during the study of constructed wetlands in the agricultural landscape in south of Sweden
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Belarus
2000-2005 – Support for Vadim Sidorovich in his study of Eurasian Otters in north-east Belarus
Bulgaria
2012 - Support for Dilian Georgiev and the Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in the care of a Eurasian Otter cub
2024 - Support for the care of three Eurasian otters in Burgas, Bulgaria. Two cubs, one of which died, and one which died shortly after coming in to care after a road accident. The remaining otter continues to thrive.
Hungary
2000 – Support for Pal Gera following a spill of cyanide effecting the rivers Szamos and Tisza
2008 – Presented at the Mustelid Colloquium in Budapest and visited Petasmalom otter centre
2013 – Support for Eurasian Otters in care at Petesmalom and volunteer programme for centre development
Poland
2020 - present - support with materials for World Otter Day events.
Romania
2022 - Support of an otter cub rescued from being a pet.
Russia
1995-1996 – Support for Vladimir Katchanovsky in a study of Eurasian Otters in the Central Forest Biosphere Reserve
2001-2003 – Support for Sea Otter research on the Commander Islands Research, Education.
2020 – Took part in World Otter Day webinar
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Albania
2022 - Working alongside Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania in their otter research work on Prespa Lake, a lake that covers Albania, as well as neighbouring Greece and North Macedonia.
Croatia
2014 - supported Split Zoo in the rescue and care of otter cub.
Greece
2016 – Support for Penelope Karagianni and Action for Wildlife in the care of a Eurasian Otter cub
2023 - Funded the further study of otters, by Graham Roberts, on the Greek Islands
Italy
2007 – Support for local people in Serre Persano to prevent re-opening of huge rubbish dump near the protected area of Oasi di Persano
2018 - Support for Giovanni Roviello and the protection of crucial otter habitats through reduction of proposed constructions.
Montenegro
2018 – World Otter Day grant to Ninoslav Đurović for raising awareness through a television broadcast to show camera trapping and identifying otter signs
2018 to present – Support for Ninoslav Đurović for further education work with fishermen and children and formation of Team Otter Club
Portugal
1998 - care of otter cub.
Spain
2005 – Collaborated with Jordi Ruiz-Olmo of the Catalonia Reintroduction Otter Project
Turkey
1994 – Support for a public awareness leaflet on otter conservation in southern Turkey
1996-1998 – Support for Nuray Guven’s survey work in the Sultan Marshes and follow up education and public awareness work
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Austria
2017 – Worked with various other NGOs to prevent an otter cull.
France
2008, 2014 – Support for Oceanopolis in their care of Eurasian Otter cubs
2017 – Support for Manon, Centre de Sauvegarde, in the care of a Eurasian Otter cub
2020 – Support for Marie-Pierre Puech, Hopital Faune Sauvage, in the care of a Eurasian Otter cub
Germany
2010 to present – Support for Geranda Olsthoorn and KeesVegelin in their care for Eurasian Otter cubs in their centre at Quilow.
Netherlands
2007 – Invited to workshop as part of consultancy for proposed reintroduction programme
Read all about some of past projects from around the Americas.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective region.
©Charlie Hamilton James
The Americas
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Canada
2004 - Support for Shellane Bulford at WildARC, Victoria, BC, in her care of four orphaned North American River Otter cubs
2021 - Support for more otters taken in to care at WildARC, Victoria, BC
2023 - Help in establishing a Team Otter club at Seaside Elementary School, St John’s, New Brunswick. The club has taken part in World Otter Day, beach cleans, field trips and other fun activities.
United States of America
1995 onwards - campaign to stop/reduce the trapping of North American river otters across the USA and Canada. This includes various reports, conversations and contact with authorities.
2016 to present - providing materials for various World Otter Day events across the country.
2020 - Presentation to Akron Zoo, Ohio for World Otter Day
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Belize
2011 – Support for Isabelle Paquet-Durand, Wildlife Conservation Network in the care of a Neotropical Otter cub
2012 – Support for Nikki van der Koore for the care of a Neotropical Otter cub
2013 – Support for Hugo Palejowski, Wildtracks, for the care of a Neotropical Otter cub
2023 - Support for individuals, Reynold Cal and Wilber Martinez, to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This includes providing equipment to further gain more information.
Costa Rica
2015 – Support for Zara Palmer, Toucan Rescue Ranch, for the care of a Neotropical Otter cub
2023 - Support for individuals, Alexia Pereira Casal, Mariela Garcia and Josmari Rachel Medrano Lozano to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. Andrea Porres Camacho also attended online. This includes providing equipment to further gain more information.
2024 - Support for the care of a Neotropical otter in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, the otter died.
El Salvador
2023 - Support for Guillermo Funes, Josué Isaías Chávez Lima, Xochilt Pocasangre-Orellana, Melissa Oviedo and Francisco Samuel Álvarez Calderón to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This individual attended the workshop online.
Guatemala
2013 – Support for Meagan Ephraim in her care of a very young Neotropical Otter cub
2023 - Support for Mildred Fabiola Corona Figueroa to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This includes providing equipment to further gain more information.
Mexico
2006 – Support for Jimena Guerrero of the Unisversidad Autonomo Del Estudo de Mexico in her study of Neotropical Otters in Temascaltepec
2020 – Support for COBEA in their care of two Neotropical Otters, including the building of 2 enclosures.
2021 - World Otter Day grant to Miguel Angel Torres Maldonado, Okapia conservación A.C., following up on the concerns of the local community regarding the status of their river, which is also habitat for the Neotropical otter. The otter was used as ‘a flagship species’ to bring people together and learn of the ecological importance of the otter. Also, to become involved in the conservation project, starting with workshops and awareness talks.
2023 - Organisation of a otter training workshop in Jalcomulco, Veracruz with attendees from across central America. Also, support for a number of individuals to attend the Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This includes providing equipment to further gain more information.
Nicaragua
2023 - Support for individuals to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This includes providing equipment to further gain more information.
Panama
2023 - Support for Marlon Sotelo Reyes to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This individual attended the workshop online.
Trinidad and Tobago
2023 - Support for Luke Rostant to attend a Central American otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This individual attended the workshop online.
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Argentina
2000 – Support for Claudio Chehebar in his survey of Southern River Otters in Naheuel Huapi National Park
2019 - World Otter Day Grant to Adriana Belen Vallejos of Estación Biológica Corrientes for a public engagement event in Corrientes. The event included visiting schools, working with children and communities with a focus on Neotropical otters.
Brazil
1994 – Campaigned with Geraldo de Assis Guimaraes in Belem, about the threat to otters from mercury poisoning in association with gold mining
2019 – World Otter Day grant to Grupo Travesías S.A.S. for an education programme on Giant and Neotropical Otters at “La Comunidad de Paumarí” in the Javari Basin
2021 - Support to FIAA on the rehabilitation of a Neotropical otter cub. Unfortunately, the otter didn’t make it.
Chile
1994 – Support for Carlos Olavarrio’s study of the Marine Otter
2000 – Support for Claudio Delgado Rodrigues’ study of the Marine Otter in Curinanoco
2005 – Support for Claudio Delgado Rodrigues’tudy of population status and threats to the Marine Otter
2005 – Support for Ricardo Correa of Chinchimen in his care of a Marine Otter cub
2006 – Support for Gonzalo Medina-Vogel’s study of the populations and habitat use by Marine Otters
2017 – Support for Chinchimen in their care of a Marine Otter cub
2023 - Support and help in the establishment of Fondation Lontra, by renowned otter expert, Javier Trivelli
2024 - Financial support to help Fondation Lontra in the new production of a nursery pens for otters as well as other important aspects in their rehab.
Colombia
1997 – Support for Ricardo Valbuena’s study of Giant Otters in the Bita River, Vichada.
Ecuador
2010 – Support for Proyecto Cuyabeno, in the care of a Neotropical Otter cub
2011 – Support for Jennifer Martin in the care of a Neotropical Otter cub
Guyana
1998 – Support for Adrian Barnett in his study of the Giant Otters on the Potaro Plateau
2019 – Training workshop with Save The Giants at Yupukari. Report here
2019 to present – Ongoing research and education work on Giant and Neotropical Otters at Yupukari.
Peru
2021 to present - Support and advice on the care of a albino Neotropical otter near Iquitos, Peru. Furthermore, another otter (normal colour), was taken in to care in the area.
Venezuela
1999 – Support for Ildemaro Gonzalez for research into the Neotropical Otter in the Andean foothills
Africa
Read all about our past projects from around Africa.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective country.
*Each region is determined as UN sub-regions and countries listed are only those that are believed to have wild otter populations.
©Frank Steenhuisen
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Morocco
2020 - World Otter Day grant to Nature Solutions for an online webinar for people to learn more about otters, conservation and wetland habitats
2020 – Webinar presentation for World Otter Day
Tunisia
2020 – Webinar presentation on World Otter Day
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Ethiopia
2015 – Support for Engedasew Andarge Ergete’s study of African Clawless and Spotted-necked
Otters
2015 – Support for the attendance of Engedasew Andarge Ergete at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
Kenya
2005 – Support for Mordy Ogada in his work on African Clawless Otters in the Laikipia District in the Kenyan rift valley
2008 – Support for Mordy Ogada in a project to help otters and people by improving habitat and creating sustainable community fishfarms
2008 to present – working with KISTOC (Kisumu Science Teachers Otter Conservation Group) in their education programme and habitat improvement on Lake Victoria. KISTOC was started in 2004 as a non-profit organisation and works with the local community, tour guides, NGOs and a number of schools
2015 – Support for the attendance of Peter Nyamenya and Risper Ondiek at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
2017 – Support for KISTOC in their education programme to train more teachers
2018 – Support for Peter Nyamenya in his survey of attitudes to otters in local communities
Malawi
2014 – Support for Sophie Bosch, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, in the care of an African Clawless Otter cub
2015 – Support for the attendance of Hetherwick Msiska at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
2016 – Support for Hetherwisk Msiska in a survey of the Phoka Drainage of the Eastern Rumphi District and looking into trade for fur
Rwanda
2015 – Support for the attendance of Janviere Tuyisenge at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
2023 - World Otter Day Grant to Placide Nkusi who ran a multi-disciplinary education and outreach programme for World Otter Day. This involved a number of different stakeholders, groups and raising awareness for otters across Rwanda and the threats they face. The programme had three educational elements to it: an awareness meeting with a variety of stakeholders such as local authorities, lake transport units, and communities; outreach activities visiting communities, with a particular focus on those involved in fishing activities and aquaculture; and an online seminar, with students and university individuals, at which IOSF’s Dr Paul Yoxon gave a presentation. The awareness meeting covered a number of topics including species globally, and in Rwanda specifically, the role of otters in the ecosystem, threats they are facing, why otters are declining, and what we can do to help. Each event allowed time for discussions, questions, suggestions and recommendations. Furthermore, Placide created banners, leaflets and t-shirts to be offered to various individuals which will help keep otters in people’s minds. He also translated IOSF’s video into their local language, Kinyarwanda - https://youtu.be/MfzWu46Hmks It was concluded that the World Otter Day celebration in Rwanda met its goal of spreading awareness of otters among various groups. At least 100 people attended the event and as a result are more excited about otters. Placide and his team are highly motivated to continue awareness, research and education to help to reduce otter’s decline in the long-term.
Tanzania
2015 – First ever African training workshop at College of Wildlife Management, Mweka. Report at https://otter.org/documents/InternationalWorkshops/InternationalWorkshop_Tanzania.pdf
2015 to present – Support for William Mgomo in his extensive educational work in schools and fishing communities
2022 - William Mgomo is part of a project that sees a documentation of the African Clawless otter in Tanzania.
2022 to present - William has inspired a number of people to help spread the word of otters across Tanzania. Including Mrisho Mohamedi and Ashura Talagimbudzah who have reached out to thousands of children.
2022 to present - IOSF hires its first ever African Community Education Officer, William Mgomo. William visits schools and fishing communities across otter ‘hotspots"‘
2024 - IOSF supports Mrisho Mohamedi to visit schools to teach on otter conservation and the importance of it. During his outreach programme he also visited fish farms to discover any conflicts.
2024 - IOSF supports William Mgomo to survey Spotted-necked otters and perceptions of fishing communities towards them on Lake Nyasa.
Uganda
2018 - World Otter Day grant to Godfrey Lubanga for a survey on the Nile involving local communities and discussions with fishermen
2020 – Working with Mutanda Community Conservation Organization on otter conservation in Lake Mutanda
2022 - Supporting Mutanda Community Conservation Organization in their works, including working with children, setting up designated fish spawning areas and updating their website.
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Cameroon
2020 – Support for Jo Gaweda, Tamara de Juana, Ape Action Africa, in the care of a Congo Clawless Otter cub
Central African Republic
2017 - Support for Leane Turk in the care of a Spotted-necked Otter cub
Democratic Republic of Congo
2010 to present – Support for Rita and Glen Chapman when they received a tiny Congo Clawless cub called Mazu. This eventually led to the formation of the Kikongo Otter Sanctuary which continues today
2015 – Support for the attendance of members of the Kikongo Otter Sanctuary at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
2019 – Support for Kikongo Otter Sanctuary to improve facilities and care for cubs
2020 – Support for Kikongo Otter Sanctuary in their care of a Spotted-necked Otter cub, Mbu.
Republic of Congo
2010 – Support for Brandon Mills in his care of an orphaned Spotted-necked Otter
2012 – Support for the Harvey family caring for an orphaned Congo Clawless Otter, Kamiya, which was subsequently transferred to the Kikongo Otter Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo
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Lesotho
2020 – World Otter Day grant to the Human Nature Projects Organization – Lesotho for an event at the Memorial Hall in Maseru with local communities, youth representatives, Environmental Ministry officials and the United Nations Development Programme
Namibia
2013 – Support for Johan Griffioen, Kalizo River Lodge, in the care of a Spotted-necked Otter cub
South Africa
1994 – Support for Leon Durbin’s survey of the Western Cape and setting up a conservation programme with local scientists
2014 – Support for Marc Jones, Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, in the care of an African Clawless Otter cub
2015 – Support for the attendance of Nicola Oakes at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
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Benin
2015 – Support for the attendance of Hugues Akpona and Patrice Bada at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
2017 – World Otter Day grant to Patrice Bada for creating awareness in fishing communities
2017 – World Otter Day grant to Aina Fataï for education programme for 21 teachers and over 300 children
2021 - World Otter Day grant to Coffi Dossou Donald, of Human Nature Projects, to raise awareness of otters, wetland and their conservation in the Ouémé Valley in Benin, an area that is known to have otter populations and raising the profile of these, as well as their benefits, will help with their long-term survival. Threats to both otters and wetland habitats will also be highlighted in order to help reduce these helping both otters and local communities too.
Gambia, The
2015 – Support for the attendance of Mawdo Jallow and Abdoulie Sawo at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
2019 – World Otter Day grant to Karanta Camara for a programme with local fishermen and the communities in rural areas in the Boabolong Wetland.
Ghana
2015 – Support for the attendance of Frederick Jonah at the IOSF African training workshop in Tanzania
Nigeria
2009 – Support for CERCOPAN in the care of an African Clawless Otter cub
2022 - World Otter Day grant to Salami Olalekan Michael, Netlink Environmental Conservation Organization. A one day sensitisation programme is to be organised in the Ilaje coastal community with the theme “Otter Awareness Campaign and Conservation Education Programme”. Members of the Netlink Environmental Conservation Organisation and volunteers held this programme to raise awareness and increase stakeholder involvement, developing strategies and guidelines to improve the relationship between people and otters in this fishing community. Information on alternative livelihood initiatives such as ecotourism and aquaponics will also be presented.
Togo
2022 - World Otter Day grant to Patrice Delagnon Assou, University of Lome, Togo to highlight otters, build up the scientific research and produce the first rigorous data on their distribution and conservation status in Togo.
Read all about our current, and recent, projects from around Asia.
Just use the drop downs to read more in each respective country.
*Countries listed are only those that are believed to have wild otter populations.
©Ayim Mushahril
Asia
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Georgia
2004 – Support for research by Giorgi Gorgadze to investigate Eurasian Otter populations. Camera traps given by IOSF helped discover a Leopard in Georgia for the first time in many years.
Iraq
2017 to present – Support for Omar Al-Sheikhly’s work on conservation of “Maxwell’s otters”, a sub-species of Smooth-coated Otter
2020 – Webinar presentation to support Iraqi efforts to sustain UNESCO nomination of the marshes
Israel
2000 - Supported individual to attend the UK Otter Conference.
Kyrgyzstan
2023 - Support for otter research work to be conducted in the Chong-Alay district, a known area of Eurasian otters. IOSF worked with individuals to help conduct a questionnaire to be distributed to local individuals in the region to help gain more information.
Lebanon
2022 - Working with Lebanon Reforestation Initiative in analysis spraint for their research work in the country.
Uzbekistan
2021 - Online training workshop in survey techniques for Eurasian otter to aid in research work to be completed in a region of Uzbekistan. This formed the basis for a paper that is published in IOSF: Otter Journal Volume 8 (2022)
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Bangladesh
2006 – Support for Mohammed Feeroz in his care for two Smooth-coated Otters at the Wildlife Rescue Centre at Jahangirnagar University
2014 – Training workshop with Mohammed Feeroz of Jahangirnagar University. Report here
2018 – Support for Delip Bisharga Das for education work and formation of a Team Otter Club
2022 - World Otter Day grant to Md Arafat Rahaman , Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation to address the pressures on such an area regionally and nationally including government agencies, the Forest Department and local policy makers. It raised awareness and helped to educate people about the otters in their area and encourage coexistence.
India
1999 – Support for a Smooth-coated Otter being cared for by CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action)
2012 – Support for Apoorva Kulkarni working with fishing communities in Karnataka
2013 – Support for Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in their care of three Smooth-coated Otters
2020 – Support for Shaheen Shaik’s study of Smooth-coated Otters in Hyderabad and Medak of Telangana
2020 - World Otter Day grant to Eswar Narayana, of Janya Foundation, with a focus on children and environmental education.
2023 - World Otter Day grant to ECO – Earth Crusaders Organisation, who ran an educational event focussing on highlighting otters among students in the Odisha region
2024 - Support for RESQ Charitable Trust in the rescue and care of a Eurasian otter in Maharashtra. The first of the species to be found in the area.
Nepal
2002 – Support for Tej Bbahadur Thapa’s study of Smooth-coated Otters in Bardia National Park
2006 – Support for a training workshop at the Royal Chitwan National Park
2010 – Support for Gandhiv Kafle’s study of the otters in the Pokhara Valley
2012 – Support for Paras Acharya’s study of Smooth-coated Otters in the Babai Valley of Bardia National Park
2016 – Support for the attendance of Mohan Bikram Shrestha and Purna Man Shrestha at the IOSF training workshop in China
2017 – World Otter Day grant to Balram Awasthi for an otter conservation rally
2018 – Support for Rohit Jha’s study into factors affecting abundance and distribution of Smooth-coated Otters in the Karnali corridor
2019 – World Otter Day grant to Aarati Basnet and a group of otter conservationists for a webinar for 200 people to raise awareness of otters and the delicate ecosystem of which they are a vital part.
2020 – Support for Jyoti Bhandari for her education and public awareness programme
2020 - World Otter Day grant to Sujita Dhakal to work with fishing communities and mitigation to reduce conflict.
2020 - Funded and supported Mohan Bikram Shrestha in his work entitled “Gathering Substantial evidences of Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Presence in West Rukum, Nepal”
2022 - Funded and supported Purna Man Shrestha in his work entitled “Otter survey in Karnali and Mugu Karnali rivers”
2023 - Help by funding and supported Purna Man Shrestha in his work entitled “Status and distribution of Eurasian Otter, Lutra lutra, in Myagdi River of Myagdi District, Nepal”
2023 - World Otter Day grant to Subarna Ghimire who held an event in Kathmandu with a number of otter enthusiasts, involving 35 individuals, including 25 students. The main objective of their event was to educate university students about otters, their importance, habitats and challenges faced by the species, and encourage more work to be done across Nepal.
2024 - Supporting Balram Awasthi’s project researching Smooth-coated otters.
Pakistan
2010 – Support for Waseem Khan in his attendance at the Cambodian training workshop. He went on to carry out survey work and establish the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation
2014 – Support for education work by Waseem Khan, including the creation of identification cards to help in the field.
2020 – Support for Zafeer Ahmed Shaikh’s study of Smooth-coated Otters in selected wetlands of Thatta district, Sindh Province
Sri Lanka
2016 – Support for the attendance of Wasana de Silva at the IOSF training workshop in China
2018 to present – Support for Chaminda Jayasekara at Jetwing Vil Uyana for his education and research work
2015 to present - Prof Padma de Silva conducting outreach work.
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China
2016 – Training workshop at Zhuhai. Report Here
Japan
2014 – Invited to Japan as part of consultancy for proposed reintroduction programme on Hokkaido
2015 – Hosted Takahiro Murakami in his visit to UK to see otters in the wild and see IOSF education programme
2019 – IOSF represented by Mine Okamura at the Asian Otter Conservation Society of Japan meeting
South Korea
2007 – IOSF presented at the Otter Specialists Group colloquium
2007 – Support for Eurasian Otter cub in care of South Korea Otter Centre
2020 – Online presentation for Samsung on otters and the need for conservation
Taiwan
2016 – Support for the attendance of Ling-Ling Lee at the IOSF training workshop in China
2018 – Invited to International Conference on Eurasian Otter Conservation and Re-introduction
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Cambodia
2008 – Support for Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre in construction of a new enclosure for Dara, the only Hairy-nosed Otter in captivity in the world
2009 – Worked with Annette Olssen of Conservation International on a training workshop and subsequent research and education/public awareness programmes
2014 to present - Supporting otters in care at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre and a new enclosure for Smooth-coated Otters
Indonesia
2009 – Support for Ruth Davidson in her care for Nessie, an orphaned Asian Small-clawed Otter in Jakarta
2012 – Support for Reza Lubis in his care of a Hairy-nosed Otter cub
2013 – Training workshop with Wetlands International Indonesia. Report Here
2018 – Support for Godit Adit in Jakarta, in his care for Poker the Asian Small-clawed Otter
2019 – Support for Scorpion for a survey of trade in otters
2019 - Support for Cikananga Wildlife Rescue for their care of Asian Small-clawed Otters
2020 – Support for SUMECO for the care of Asian Small-clawed Otters and one Eurasian Otter
2020 to present – Support for Cikananga Wildlife Rescue for their care of Asian Small-clawed Otters
2021 - Further support for SUMECO who received a rare Hairy-nosed otter
Lao PDR
2018 – Training workshop at the Nakai Nam Theun National Protected Area. Report Here
2019 – World Otter Day grant for an outreach meeting at Paksan Forestry College
2020 – Support for Kiengkai Khoonsrivong for the formation of a Team Otter Club
Malaysia
2017 – Support for Farid in his care of an Asian Small-clawed Otter cub
2019 – World Otter Day grant to Leona Wai for a human-otter conflict workshop with fishermen in Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan, Sabah, Borneo
2020 - World Otter Day grant to Malaysian Nature Society for an event themed “Born to be WILD; Not caged; Live WILDLY”. IOSF was involved in the online webinar part of the event.
2022 - Otter training workshop, partnering with Malaysian Nature Society and Malaysia Otter Network. The workshop was held for attendees across the region, including Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore.
Myanmar
2017 – Support for Ye Myint Lwin in his care of a Smooth-coated Otter cub
2022 - Support for Myint Myint Soe to attend a Malaysian otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This individual attended the workshop online.
Philippines
2014 to present – Support for Diana Limjoco in her care of orphaned Asian Small-clawed Otters and a new enclosure
2017 to present – Support for Diana Limjoco in her campaign to protect the environment of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays on the island of Palawan
Thailand
2000-2017 - Support for Budsabong Kanchanasaka in her research into the Hairy-nosed Otter
2016 – Support for the attendance of Budsabong Kanchanasaka at the IOSF training workshop in China
2019 to present – Support for Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand for new facilities for confiscated Asian Small-clawed Otters, Smooth-coated otters and Hairy-nosed otter and their care.
2022 - Support for individuals to attend a Malaysian otter training workshop to learn more about various conservation and research techniques. This individual attended the workshop online.
Vietnam
2000 – Support for Nguyen Xuan Dang’s study of the Hairy-nosed Otter in U Minh Thuoung Nature Reserve
2002-2003 – Support for Nguyen Xuan Dang’s study of the Hairy-nosed Otter in U Minh Ho Nature Reserve
2019 to present – Support for Save Vietnam’s Wildlife care of otters rescued form the pet trade