Otters

This book focuses on the European otter., describing its life history, including new information and providing details of survey methods and the state of populations throughout the range. Otters have decreased substantially in numbers and range during the present century through a combination of pollution, habitat destruction and direct persecution. The otter, at the top of the food chain, is a vulnerable animal in a vulnerable environment - the river. It can be seen as an indicator of a healthy environment - a good otter population indicates a properly functioning river ecosystem. The research of the authors highlights the fact that successful conservation of this familiar though elusive animal depends as much as upon public education and sympathy as upon detailed ecological, knowledge. This book also places what is happening to the European otter in the context of changes occurring to otter populations worldwide.Mason, C. F. is the author of 'Otters', published 1986 under ISBN 9780521307161 and ISBN 0521307163.