Nature Features

Conservationists believe that signs of otters along the River Dart in South Devon is further evidence that the species is mounting a revival in the county.

Staff from the Devon Wildlife Trust, together with a team of volunteers, went otter spotting on the Dart as part of Operation Otter.

And they came across plenty of evidence that otters are alive and well on the river, while mink numbers are going down.

Otters were once on the brink of extinction in the UK as a result of pollution, hunting, and busy roads.

The River Dart near Totnes

However, there are signs that the creatures are making a comeback along Devon's waterways.

On the River Dart, some 39 volunteers took part in a survey of 34 sites from Dartmouth to Dartmoor.

Volunteers often have to use their noses to track otter activity - as the first sign of the very shy animals is their uniquely fragranced droppings.

The results of the survey were promising, according to the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Sian Rees from the trust said: "The presence of otters indicates a healthy river system, but otters are very shy creatures.

"Almost all our knowledge of otter distribution is gleaned from people carefully examining stretches of river, searching for the distinctive-smelling otter spraint and footprints."

The apparent reduction in mink numbers will help, as they are predators which have hit the otter population in recent decades.

Conservationists will use the information to improve habitat where there are signs of otters. The evidence can also be used to provide extra protection for those areas.