OTTER TRAINING ON SKYE

 Introduction                   

Otters are semi-aquatic members of the family Mustelidae and they are a fine illustration of why species conservation is so important:  they are sensitive to degradation of water quality, the breakdown of aquatic food chains, and the loss of terrestrial habitats adjacent to water.  As they use both land and aquatic habitats they are very important biological and environmental indicators. 

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is the only otter species found in Europe and its range formerly extended from the Arctic to the Mediterranean and from Ireland in the west to the eastern edge of Asia.  It is now classed as vulnerable in the Red Data Book with European populations declining since the 1950's, and in the last few years we have seen the disappearance of this animal from Switzerland, Belgium and Holland. 

Skye is one of the best places to study otters not only in Britain, but in Europe.  The island has miles of relatively undisturbed coastline, which provides the main habitat for the otter in our area.  For several years the otters on Skye have been studied and the population estimate is 300-350 otters.  Our otters are also diurnal which means that it is obviously easier to see them and study behaviour. 

There are no special qualifications or skills needed for this project.  However, you must be fit and able to walk some distance over rough terrain.  You should also be observant, have an interest in survey work and be patient as some time may also be spent sitting and observing. 

Objectives 

The objectives of the training are to: 

1.         Introduce you to the field signs of otters in the wild - spraint, tracks, etc - and how to map out home ranges.   

2.        Investigate the factors which limit the distribution of otters on Skye. 

3.        Give practice at analysing diet by identifying fish and other remains in spraint and look at the limitations of this analysis. 

4.         Provide an opportunity to study behaviour of otters in the wild.  Sightings can never be guaranteed but given patience, good weather conditions (i.e. calm) and a bit of luck we are hopeful - we have a good track record! 

5.         Look at the various methods of obtaining population estimates. 

6.         Look at the various threats to otters, not only on Skye but throughout their home range. 

Project Leaders: 

Paul and Grace Yoxon are Honours Graduates from Keele University and in 1984 they set up the Skye Environmental Centre which works in environmental education and runs a wildlife hospital, specialising in otters and seals. 

They are particularly interested in mammals and have been studying the otters on Skye since 1988.  In 1993 they set up the International Otter Survival Fund which works to conserve otters, not just in the UK, but all 13 species of otter worldwide. 

In 1999 Paul obtained his PhD following eight years' detailed research into the use of the coastal zone by the otters on Skye. 

Rendezvous 

International Otter Survival Fund headquarters, Broadford - time to be notified. 

Accommodation and Food 

You will be staying in local bed and breakfast/guest houses but this will be on a bed and breakfast basis only.  There are restaurants and pubs for evening meals and these are therefore not included in the price.  It will be necessary to provide your own packed lunch, and time will be allowed for you to buy this. 

Vegetarian meals and any special diets can be provided - please tell us when booking. 

If you want to see footage of our last trip

Medical Advice 

There is a doctor and hospital in Broadford but no real chemist.  You should bring any medication you may need with you. 

Field Communication 

You may be contacted via the IOSF phone/FAX/email as shown but will be given a notice of your accommodation address and phone number before travelling. 

Field Supplies 

You MUST bring the following items: 

* Waterproof Jacket and Trousers

* Wellington Boots or Walking Boots (Wellies are probably better than walking boots but if you are   more comfortable in walking boots bring these)

* Binoculars

* Small Rucksack for day use only

* Insect Repellent (may be needed even in May and September)

* Personal medication and First Aid Kit

* Flask or drinking bottle

Clothing:  In spite of its reputation, it is not always raining on the West Coast of Scotland but the weather can change very quickly.  So even in summer you may need warm clothes as well as

t-shirts/shorts, etc.  Fleeces are very useful but you also have to be ready for a heatwave! 

Price:  £315.00

Price includes: 

*  5 nights' bed and breakfast only (based on two people sharing a room - please see "Questions" for details of Single Room Supplement)

*  All training and transport from the time the party assembles at the rendezvous until the end of the  course.

*  All equipment necessary (except as indicated in "Field Supplies" - please do remember your personal  binoculars) 

Dates 

Monday  2 - 7 June 2008

Monday  15 - 20 September 2008

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME 

Day 1:             Arrival at your accommodation at your convenience 

Day 2:             Assemble at IOSF - time to be notified 

                                    Introduction to otters and their ecology

                                    Discuss plans for the course

                                    Field work  

Day 3:             Field work 

Day 4:             Field work 

Day 5:             Field work 

                        Evening:  final get-together 

Day 6:             Depart after breakfast               

Spraint analysis will be carried out during the course but the actual timing will be dependent on the weather - if the weather is good we want to get out and do as much field work as possible as this also increases our opportunities to watch otters in the wild!  So the timetable is flexible.

READING LIST

If you would like to get a little background before you join us you may find the following books helpful:

             Otters in Britain – IOSF publication                                                                        £3.75

             Guide to identification of prey remains in otter spraint - Mammal Society         £3.50

             Wildlife of Skye & Raasay - Skye Environmental Centre publication                 £3.50

              Natural History of Skye – Skye Environmental Centre publication                     £3.00

              Prehistoric Skye – Skye Environmental Centre publication                                £3.00

              Geology of Skye – Skye Environmental Centre publication

                     (updated and in colour)                                                                                    £4.50

              Botanist in Skye & Adjacent Islands – Murray  & Birks                                        £10.00

              Skye Birds – McMillan                                                                                              £11.95

              Highland Bumblebees Atlas – Highland Biological Recording Group                £3.50

These prices do not include postage and packing. 

All these books and many more are available on our online shop at www.ottershop.co.uk

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