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7 January 2010
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You are here: BBC > Science & Nature > Animals > Sea Life > Blue Planet Challenge
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Otter Links

There are 13 species of otter (see below). They are found on every continent apart from Antarctica and Australia and in habitats ranging from freshwater streams to the coastal waters of western America. Worldwide, at least six species of otters are listed on the IUCN Red List.

Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis)
Asian small-clawed otter ( Aonyx cinerea )
Congo otter ( Aonyx congica )
River otter ( Lutra canadensia )
Neotropical otter (Lutra longicaudis )
Eurasian otter ( Lutra lutra )
Spotted necked otter ( Lutra maculicollis )
Smooth coated otter ( Lutra persicillata )
Southern river otter (Lutra provocax )
Sumatran otter ( Lutra sumatrana )
Giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis )
Sea otter ( Enhydra lutris )
Sea cat (Lutra felina )

If you want to find out more about otters or get involved in otter conservation, here are a few links to get you started.

Otter Trust
www.ottertrust.org.uk/home.htm
Established in 1971, the Otter Trust’s main aim is to encourage the conservation of otters throughout the world, with emphasis on British otters. Their collection of otters is the largest in the world and they also help to manage five wildlife wetland reserves.

International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF)
www.otter.org
The IOSF works to help all 13 species of the world's otters. This is an excellent site with comprehensive information not only on different species but on how you can help.

Friends of the Sea Otter
www.seaotters.org
Founded in the late 1960s, Friends of the Sea Otter is a non-profit science, information and advocacy organisation.

The Peruvian Giant Otter Research and Conservation Project
www.giantotters.com
An extremely interesting site with detailed information on research projects in Peru and on giant otters.

The Otter Project - Promoting the Recovery of the Californian Sea Otter.
www.otterproject.org
Through research and education, the Otter Project’s aim is to promote the rapid recovery of the Californian sea otter.

Otternet
www.otternet.com/index.htm
If it’s information on otters you want then this is the site to go to. Learn more about their habitats and lifecycle and discover ways in which you can help save them.

World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)
www.wwf.org
This long-running and experienced conservation organisation has information on otters, specifically the European otter. To find out more visit The WWF Campaign for Europe's Carnivores.



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