Duurzame otterpopulaties (t2) (BO-11-011.01-034)

In 2002 a reintroduction program was started to bring the otter back in the Netherlands. A recent evaluation study of Alterra revealed that the population is steadily growing, but that it is still highly vulnerable. In particular the decrease in genetic variation, the increase in inbreeding within the population and a strong increase in mortality due to traffic collision are of major concern.  Inbreeding may have a negative impact on fertility of adults and on the survival of juveniles. It is important to continue the monitoring program to get insight in net population growth, in the dispersal of individuals to new habitats, in locations where there is a high risk of traffic victims and in the change of the genetic status of the population.