Lack of Genetic Diversity in Otters Might be Hindering Conservation Efforts in UK

Despite conservation efforts, the current genetic health, or lack of genetic diversity, of otters in the UK may be endangering the species, according to a lengthy study by Cardiff University's The Otter Project.

The team has charted the evolving pattern of otter genetics for the first time by analyzing data spanning two decades.

Lack of Genetic Diversity

They discovered a genetic recovery lag even though otter population numbers had recovered across the UK after a decline in numbers during the middle of the 20th century.

It was anticipated that the genetic diversity of the mammals would rise as the population increased and previously dispersed groups reconnected.

Despite movement between otter nesting sites, the latest research reveals that the UK population lacks genetic diversity, making it susceptible to disease and jeopardizing conservation efforts.

Dr. Nia Thomas, the lead author of the study from the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University, said that in the UK, otters have long been praised as a success in conservation.

However, their study emphasized that it is crucial to avoid becoming complacent regarding otter recovery because the genetic results paint a different picture.

Otters in the UK have not yet genetically reconnected.

Noticeable Decrease in Otter Populations

Thomas further said that it is essential to comprehend what caused this and how genetic mixing may be constrained.

To determine whether this lack of genetic diversity in the otter population will change, more study is required.

Recent surveys, such as population declines of otters, have been detected by the National Otter Survey Wales.

Dr. Elizabeth Chadwick, the lead of the Otter Project at Cardiff University, said that this is a cause for concern because, in addition to being one of Britain's most beloved mammals, otters also serve as a warning about the condition of the freshwater systems that humans and other wildlife also rely on.

The study's findings present a concerning picture and draw attention to a crucial element of population recovery.

According to Chadwick, the co-author of the study, it also demonstrated how genetic information is crucial to conservation monitoring so that populations' potential vulnerability can be assessed.

The Otter Project at Cardiff University

The Otter Project is an environmental surveillance research project held over a long-term period at Cardiff University.

To assess the disease, contaminants, and population biology of otters throughout the UK, the research depends on the general public and also the authorities to report any otters that were found dead, Phys Org reported.

The study, by Thomas, Chadwick, and their colleagues, was recently published in the journal Evolutionary Applications.

Otters in Britain

According to the Mammal Society, previously common in Britain, otters are a reclusive semi-aquatic species.

By the 1970s, otters were mostly limited to Scotland, especially the northwest coast and the islands, western Wales, the West Country, and some areas of East Anglia, though they were still widespread and common in Ireland.

Pesticides with organochlorines are to blame for this decline.

Otters have been re-entering many areas since the use of these chemicals was discontinued, particularly in western and northern England.