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Dr Dan Forman and his crew have featured again in the TV media (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00h6x96), giving accounts of the 'return' of the European otter (Lutra lutra) to the rivers in and around the Gower, This formerly much persecuted mammal has now made of welcome return to river systems in South Wales. One interesting thing about these animals is their flexibility in terms of food source utilisation. Otters, far from being restricted to a diet of fish, eat birds, other mammals, amphibia, crustacea and insects when the mood takes them. Humans, in terms of sheer disturbance and killing otters crossing roads by running them down in their cars, still seem to be this secretive mammal's most dangerous foe.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Gower Otters
Dr Dan Forman and his crew have featured again in the TV media (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00h6x96), giving accounts of the 'return' of the European otter (Lutra lutra) to the rivers in and around the Gower, This formerly much persecuted mammal has now made of welcome return to river systems in South Wales. One interesting thing about these animals is their flexibility in terms of food source utilisation. Otters, far from being restricted to a diet of fish, eat birds, other mammals, amphibia, crustacea and insects when the mood takes them. Humans, in terms of sheer disturbance and killing otters crossing roads by running them down in their cars, still seem to be this secretive mammal's most dangerous foe.
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2 comments:
I blogged about the otter at Aberglasney a couple of weeks ago ... They are evidently on the increase. Lovely news.
That is very interesting. Dan Forman and his group have also found that, in addition to otters, Water vole and Polecat are doing well in this neck of the woods. It is comforting that a range of mammals seem to be 'bouncing back'!
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