6.
drawing by-
Gordon King.
The decline in England coincided with
that of owls and kestrels in the 1950's due
to organo-chlorine pesticides. The birds of
prey recovered but unfortunately not the
otter, for meanwhile they have lost their
habitat and have almost nowhere to return to
as they like clean quiet rivers.
The situation in Britain is serious and
the Mammal Society is pressing for otters to
be placed on Schedule 1 of the Wild Creatures
and Wild Plants Act of 1975 so that it can
enjoy total protection along with other en-
dangered species.
In Essex we have very few records and
they have been considered extinct in the
County. Odd records do come in however
although whether enough to make a viable
breeding population is doubtful.
Should any member see an otter in the
County would they please pass the information
on to Ron Allen or the mammal recorder,
Stephen Harris.
Ron Allen