Training course: Otter Ecology and Survey

Start date and time

Friday 24 November 2023

Location

Venue Abbey Row Community Centre Abbey Row Centre Abbey Row Kelso TD5 7BJ

Summary
This newly updated course focuses on interpreting survey data more effectively in context with current research. Sessions will explore relevant aspects of otter ecology and legislation, how to identify otter field evidence, how to undertake endoscope surveys and use of resting sites.

Description

Spraint and field evidence of otter confirms species presence, but does spraint, bedding or other field evidence at a structure indicate that it is a resting site? This course focusses on interpretation of surveys more effectively in context with current research.

Sessions will explore relevant aspects of otter ecology, legislation and how to apply it to surveys for development proposals. The presentations will include examples of resting, breeding and natal structures and the local habitat that supports them as well as how they were used.

We will visit sites to look at how to cover the ground and how to find spraint. We will cover how to carry out endoscope surveys and what to look for to scope in/out structures as potential resting sites. This session will include avoidance of disturbance, equipment and licensing requirements to use endoscopes in your surveys.

People