Otter : Lutra lutra

The last traces of indigenous Dutch otters were recorded in Friesland in 1992. Sarting in 2002, reintrodction programmes were launched in Overijssel en Friesland using otters from Central and Eastern Europe. Since then, the otter has continued to expand its range in the north of the Netherlands. It has also spread locally to the centre of the country. Otters inhabit a range of aquatic environments. Dense cover in raparian zones is required to provide safe shelter for females and juveniles. Road traffic is a major mortality cause.