Otters have recovered significantly in UK rivers following pollution controls, but continue to face threats from habitat degradation and road traffic.
Otter welfare is directly linked to river quality and connectivity. Road mortality at culverts causes significant deaths of breeding adults, disrupting territories and orphaning cubs. Installing otter ledges or tunnels at road crossings dramatically reduces road mortality. Maintaining pollution-free, fish-rich rivers with undisturbed bankside habitat supports healthy populations with good individual welfare.