Skye charity International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) has released an impact report outlining its current programmes on the Scottish island and overseas, including success stories from its 30 years of conservation work.
The report notes this year IOSF cared for 13 otters – two adults and 11 cubs – on Skye, with six since returned to the wild and two more due to be released in spring. Four of the otters brought to the sanctuary died, while older cub Bealltainn is likely to stay at the sanctuary because of a dislike of the water. Bats, hedgehogs and various birds were also cared for.
As well as rescue and care, the charity completed its tenth year of monitoring otter populations in Skye and issued a second grant to train students in Benbecula. It also organised the annual World Otter Day and IOSF Oscars, the latter due to take place on December 4.
Away from its Scottish roots, the international work of the charity continues to grow. Reports on otter populations are being conducted in countries including Algeria, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia, while grants were given to projects in India, Ireland, Nepal, and Rwanda.
Two otters that had previously been pets were taken into the charity’s care in South-East Asia, adding to 21 already being looked after in the region. IOSF is also helping an animal in Baghdad Zoo.
Further ‘team otter’ programmes are being run in a variety of nations and November will see a training workshop held in Mexico.
Meanwhile, IOSF continues to campaign against the otter fur and pet trades, including trying to counter a trend in social media users displaying otters as pets.
Currently 12 out of the world’s 13 otter species are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature ‘red list’.
Writing in the report, IOSF c0-founder Paul Yoxon wrote: “This November, IOSF celebrates 30 years with approximately 160,000 supporters from 39 countries. It has supported projects in 98 countries. Our otter hospital has helped care for 245 otters and worldwide we have helped 175 cubs.
“We thank everyone who has been involved with IOSF since it was set up.”