UK otter populations have recovered significantly since the 1970s nadir, but maintaining and restoring riverine habitat is essential for continued welfare and conservation success.
Individual otter welfare is closely linked to habitat quality. Road casualties cause traumatic death and are preventable through otter ledges and passages at road crossings. Pollution events cause acute toxicity that manifests as neurological symptoms and death. Habitat degradation that reduces fish prey availability causes chronic malnutrition. Conservation actions that improve water quality and create habitat corridors directly improve individual otter welfare.