IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Otter Specialist Group

This study is focused on four otter species in Asia; the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, the Hairy-nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana, the Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus and the Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata. The illegal wildlife trade poses a direct threat to all four species as they are popular for their fur and increasingly for their supposed qualities as pets. This study is an analysis of otter seizure data during the period 1980 to July 2015 inclusive.

This Action Plan gives an overview of otter biology and the conservation issues that affect all 13 species, and also practical guidelines and cautions to those intending to pursue conservation projects on otters. The final chapter summarises the actions that need to be taken to conserve all species of otters worldwide for the long-term future.