Otter Survey Data 1991-2010

The European otter (Lutra lutra) is widely recognised as an emblem for nature conservation in the UK because it is a top predator and an important biological indicator of the health of our rivers and wetlands. Monitoring the status of the otter therefore gives us a valuable measure of the state of our water and wetland ecosystems. In Wales as in much of the UK, it is a largely nocturnal animal and is rarely observed in the wild. It is however possible to detect its presence by searching for its distinctive droppings (spraints) and footprints. As part of a scheme to monitor the distribution of otters throughout the UK, five Welsh otter survey were carried out as follows: - 1st survey: 1977-78 run and funded by NCC. - 2nd survey: 1984-85 run and funded by Vincent Wildlife Trust - 3rd survey: 1991 run and funded by Vincent Wildlife Trust - 4th survey: 2002 run by EAW and the Wildlife Trusts and funded by EAW, CCW and Welsh Water. - 5th survey: 2009-2010 run by EAW and the Wildlife Trusts, IBAP officers and the Snowdonia Mammal Group. The aim of these surveys was to monitor the distribution of otters throughout Wales. Sites were selected by accessibility and likelihood of finding signs of otter activity, typically road bridges and the confluences of watercourses. The number of sites visited per hydrometric region varied. No attempt was made to randomise the sampling effort, but there was some site variability due different issues when the surveys were undertaken. This dataset is made up of two parts; the 3rd and 4th surveys (1991 and 2002), and the 5th survey 2009-2010 .The full welsh for the 1st and 2nd surveys, for 1997-78, 1984-85 is not currently available. The 1991 and 2002 data are currently available on the NBN Gateway (published by JNCC) as redacted open data. This raw data is currently not available, however more detailed information about each surveying year can be found in the reports available through the library (see related titles). the 2009-2010 otter surveys are available thought NRW but will be issued under licence.

Identification

Identifier
NRW_DS116334
Alternative Title
  • Wales Otter Survey Database
  • Data Arolwg Dyfrgwn 1991-2010
  • AfA224 Otter Survey Data 1977-2010
Metadata Language
English
Lineage

1018 sites have been consistently monitored over the four surveys. Two field survey techniques are used – full surveys for sites investigated in previous national surveys and spot-checks for all the alternate 50 km squares not covered in previous surveys. Spot checks are made for up to 10 locations within the survey square. Sites were survey for otter spraints (droppings) and footprints, if found these were classed as a positive record / signs. The survey protocol was to search up to 600 m of one bank of a waterbody from a starting point (grid referenced), either all in one direction or split between two directions. Searching stopped as soon as signs of activity were noted. The number of spraints was recorded. No otter holts were recorded specifically, however, if present within the dataset these have been removed from the public version and will only be issued under licence. The presence of mink is also recorded but this is only included as part of the more detailed otter survey.
Dataset Reference Date (Publication)
2020-10-27
Owner
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
Originator
  Vincent Wildlife Trust
3 and 4 Bronsil Courtyard, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1EP
www.vwt.org.uk
Originator
  Various including volunteer recorders
c/o Natural Resources Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/
Originator
  Environment Agency Wales (EA Wales)
Cambria House, 29 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0TP, Wales
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
 

Extent

Extent

Geographic Extent
Wales (WLS)
N
W
E
S
Map representing the geographic extent of the dataset


 
 

Distribution

Format Type and Description
  • Documents ()

    Specification

    [A] The dataset is made up of two spreadsheets - 1991 and 2002 data - 2009-2010 data [B] The 1991 and 2002 data is also available on the NBN Gateway (See Resources Locator) https://registry.nbnatlas.org/public/show/dr928

 

Quality

Data quality

Quality Scope
Dataset
Conformity
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1089/2010 of 23 November 2010 implementing Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards interoperability of spatial data sets and services
Explanation
Degree
false
Lineage

1018 sites have been consistently monitored over the four surveys. Two field survey techniques are used – full surveys for sites investigated in previous national surveys and spot-checks for all the alternate 50 km squares not covered in previous surveys. Spot checks are made for up to 10 locations within the survey square. Sites were survey for otter spraints (droppings) and footprints, if found these were classed as a positive record / signs. The survey protocol was to search up to 600 m of one bank of a waterbody from a starting point (grid referenced), either all in one direction or split between two directions. Searching stopped as soon as signs of activity were noted. The number of spraints was recorded. No otter holts were recorded specifically, however, if present within the dataset these have been removed from the public version and will only be issued under licence. The presence of mink is also recorded but this is only included as part of the more detailed otter survey.
 

Keywords

Keywords

GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0
Type
Theme

Citation

Date (Publication)
2008-06-01
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.external.theme.httpinspireeceuropaeutheme-theme

Keywords

NRW Thesaurus
  • otters
  • lutra lutra (lutrinae)
  • otter spraints
  • otter surveys
Type
Theme

Citation

Date (Publication)
2023-12-31
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.local.theme.converted_nrw-keywords

Keywords

NRW SMNR Vocabulary
  • Animals, Plants and Other Organisms (SMNR)
  • Natural Resources (incl. Features and Processes) (SMNR)
  • Ecosystem (SMNR)
  • Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR)
  • Water Quality (SMNR)
  • Management Areas (SMNR)
  • Freshwater and Wetlands (SMNR)
Type
Theme

Citation

Date (Revision)
2023-12-27
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.local.theme.converted_nrw-smnr-keywords
 

Spatial Reference System

Code
British National Grid (EPSG::27700)
 

Content

Content Information

NRW Profile

Custom Elements

NRW Related Title

Otter survey of Wales 1977-78
NRW Related Title

Otter survey of Wales 1984-85
NRW Related Title

Otter survey of Wales 1991 = Arolwg ar ddyfrgwn yng Nghymru 1991
NRW Related Title

Otter survey of Wales 2002 =arolwy dyfrgwn Cymru 2002
NRW Related Title

Otter survey of Wales 2009 - 2010 - Arolwg Dyfrgwn yng Nghymru
 

Constraints

Constraints

Limitations on Public Access and Use

Restriction type
Other restrictions
 

Access Constraints Directive

Limitations
no limitations
 

Access Constraints Text

Other constraints

Part of this dataset is sensitive and restricted as it contains data exempt from general release under EIR. Sensitive data must be kept confidential; general release is not permitted due to risk of harm to the environment or third parties. [See NRW guidance on Ecological data and information exempt from general release]
 

Use Constraints

Use constraints type
Other restrictions
Other constraints

© CNC/NRW, 2015. Data may be re-used under provision and in line with the terms of a NRW licence and NRWs guidance on Ecological data exempt from general release.
 

Attribution Statement

Other constraints

NRW Conditional
 
 
 

Metadata

Metadata

File Identifier
4f4c4942-4343-5764-6473-313136333334 XML
Metadata Language
English
Resource type
Dataset
Metadata Date
2024-05-31T09:43:00.981Z
Metadata Standard Name
NRW
Metadata Standard Version

1.0

pointOfContact
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
 
 

Publishing Body

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