River Otter Monitoring Project Yields Footage in County

A system of cameras has documented the presence of otters inhabiting the waterways of a specific county. The Suffolk Otter Group deployed 15 cameras across the River Deben and the River Alde. Multiple otter families have been identified through this initiative, and the group now plans to install additional cameras to enable the identification of individual otters. Penny Hemphill, an ecologist and a member of the group, stated that the otters’ presence indicates the rivers’ robust health. Ms. Hemphill explained that the project was initiated due to the significant number of otter enthusiasts residing near both rivers. “With the really enthusiastic volunteers looking after the cameras, getting the memory cards out, taking it to their laptops, seeing what footage they got – and that’s where the exciting bit starts,” she said. “Through the cameras we can tell where [the otters have] been; for example, here at Bruisyard, and when they might be upstream, perhaps, at Dennington.” She added, “We can begin to establish the patterns of their behaviour.” The group collaborates closely with water quality organizations to ensure the rivers provide a suitable habitat for the otters. “If there were no fish in our rivers there would be no otters,” Ms Hemphill further commented. “It’s a combination of things which make it possible for an otter to do so well.” The recorded footage features otter families engaged in play and feeding activities. Some otters have also been observed hissing at the cameras. “They’re just wonderful animals and we must look after what we have,” she remarked. “In other areas of Britain, other otter groups have noticed a slight decline in otters and that’s why I wanted to get these projects up and running.” Judy Powell is one of 12 individuals who conduct surveys of the River Alde and inspect its cameras. “We knew there were otters here, at least we hoped, but actually to be able to see them on film is brilliant,” she stated. “We found signs, we surveyed it just looking for tracks and spraints [otter dung], but to get this footage is absolutely fantastic.” She continued, “We have a family of three cubs here and a family down river of three cubs.” Powell added, “We think they are the same, but it would be lovely to see them travelling if we had more cameras and [see} how they are going about their lives.” She concluded, “It just makes us realise that this is a good healthy river.” Information regarding Suffolk news is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites and provides details on its approach to external linking.