Cardiff University Otter Project
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otterproject.bsky.social
Cardiff University Otter Project
@otterproject.bsky.social
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National monitoring and research project. If you find a dead otter please call England: 03708 506 506, Wales: 0300 065 3000, Scotland: 01471 822 487
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otterproject.bsky.social
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · Nov 28
We post mortem otters found dead in Wales, England, and Scotland. If you have found a dead otter please contact the relevant organisation below:
• Wales: Natural Resources Wales 0300 0653000
• England: Environment Agency 03708 506506
• Scotland: International Otter Survival Fund 01471 822487
Infographic on "Why is it important to report dead otters?": By reporting, you are contributing to vital scientific research on otters to investigate contaminants, disease, and population population across the UK. Have you found a dead otter? Please report it as soon as possible so that, with your help, we can continue our research. Please note the time, date, and National Grid Reference or what3words. Do not touch the otter. Infographic on "What happens are you report the otter?": The agency in your area will arrange to collect the otter. The otter will then be sent to Cardiff University Otter Project for post-mortem examination. Spatial, temportal, and biotic data is recorded in our database. This is why the information you provide is so important. We are able to ask questions about patterns across the UK, change over time, and differences between groups, such as sex, age, and reproductive status. We still need otters, no matter the cause of death! Although we aim to establish the cause of death (which is vehicle collisions in >80% of cases), this is not our main purpose of a post mortem. During the examination we collect data and samples which can provide information about ecological patterns and processes in wild populations. It is important that the otter is reported as soon as it is found. The freshness of the carcass allows the Otter Project to gain fundamental information and archive more samples for future research. Infographic explaining: "What otter samples do the otter project archive and why?" Since the beginning of the project in 1994, we have archived samples to retrospectively analyse when new questions arise, new methods are developed, and when funding becomes available. These are just a few examples of the tissue samples we retain and analyse for our research: Muscle samples are used for genetic analysis including research into landscape genetics and population genetics. Recent research from the project has revealed that although otter populations have grown, genetic recovery is lagging behind, and diversity remains low. Bones are used for morphometric analysis and heavy metal analysis. A recent collaborative study was published on the plasticity of the skulls which found morphometric variation between 3 distinct genetic clusters, coinciding to different diets and climates. Liver is analysed for chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, PBDEs, PFASs, PCBs, and OCs. PFASs are a large family of persistent synthetic "forever chemicals" and sample analysis revealed that otters are effective sentinels of PFAS pollution in the environment. Furthermore, we have found that chemical contaminants such as PCBs still exceeded toxic thresholds despite legislative controls being introduced decades earlier. Samples of gut content are taken near the rectum and retained for research associated with scent analysis, diet, and parasite screening. We have evaluated the effectiveness of metabarcoding methods as a tool for analysis of prey remains from faeces. Thank you for your continued support (featuring a picture of a eurasian otter on a river bank). For any further questions or if you'd like to read the research we have published, please visit our website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/otter-project
otterproject.bsky.social
Sophie and Jacob ran a "Murder Mystery" activity, which allowed the families to conduct their own cause of death investigation from the resources provided. This ran alongside an overview of The Otter Project and our research, and an otter anatomy demonstration.
February 2, 2026 at 5:03 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Last weekend, The Otter Project was invited to run a session for the "Parent Power" event at Cardiff University. The event aimed to introduce students and their parents to higher education and support widening participation.
February 2, 2026 at 5:03 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
On otters, Otter Project lead Dr Liz Chadwick talked to Fiona about what we have learned from post mortems. The podcast is an hour long and can be found here if you would like to listen to it www.tonal-uk.com/podcast/liz-....
What Otters Teach Us About Rivers with Dr Liz Chadwick | Tonal
A visit to the globally important Cardiff Otter Project
www.tonal-uk.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Last year we participated in a project, 'Tonal' www.tonal-uk.com - which focuses on issues linked to water. Artist Fiona MacDonald (@feralpractice) has created a series of podcasts, each of which is a conversation with someone who has either a professional or personal interest in water and rivers.
Home | Tonal
Tonal, by artist Feral Practice, explores the River Tone in Somerset and watery issues nationally.
www.tonal-uk.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
❄️🎁⛄MERRY CHRISTMAS from CUOP🦦🎄🔔
December 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
otterproject.bsky.social
NOTICE:
The CUOP will be closed from 24th December until 5th January.
❄️🎄🔔Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!🎁⛄🦦
December 23, 2025 at 12:01 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Read the full article here:
www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Our paper on effective population size can be found here:
doi.org/10.1111/eva....
Hightailing along city streets and raiding ponds: otters’ revival in Britain
Still rare only 20 years ago, the charismatic animals are in almost every UK river and a conservation success story
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:54 AM
otterproject.bsky.social
We are happy to be featured in this article on the revival of otters in Britain, including the link to our paper on 'effective population size’. Our research suggests that optimism about recovery should be tempered with caution - low genetic diversity may limit future population resilience.
December 22, 2025 at 9:54 AM
otterproject.bsky.social
⚠️This post includes graphic images of unborn otter kits⚠️

Recently we post mortemed a pregnant otter and found two kits. Despite being upsetting, this finding is very valuable for research including genetic analysis and chemical contaminant studies.
December 16, 2025 at 3:02 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Thanks to the IOSF & Colchester Zoo for hosting this wonderful workshop and inviting us 🦦 😆
#otter #conservation #wildlife #eurasianotter #teamotter
December 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
This increase is likely driven by the remobilisation of PCBs from sediment sinks, and raises concerns that safety standards designed to protect top predators are not effective.

For more information see www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/29...
doi.org/10.1016/j.en...
Rising levels of banned toxic chemicals in otters from Wales
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in every otter tested by the Cardiff University Otter Project.
www.cardiff.ac.uk
December 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
While all otters analysed from Wales contained PCBs, the highest concentrations were found in otters from coastal, low-altitude areas.
Rising levels of banned toxic chemicals in otters from Wales
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in every otter tested by the Cardiff University Otter Project.
www.cardiff.ac.uk
December 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
We have a new paper out! Research has found that PCB concentrations increased in otters between 2010 and 2019. This contrasts with the declines seen in previous studies since their UK regulation in 1982.
December 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Applications close on December 1st for our 2026-27 Professional Training Year Placements!

Looking for an undergraduate placement in conservation with a focus on lab work, data analysis, and anatomy?

Apply now to join the Otter Project as a research assistant and help with this important work!
November 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
A few weeks ago The Otter Project was a part of Exploring Bioscience at Cardiff University. We have enjoyed showing the students some of what we do. We went on a walk along the Taff to survey otter spraint and our lead Dr Elizabeth Chadwick performed a post mortem in person for the students.
November 13, 2025 at 1:02 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Cyfle i ymgymryd â lleoliad gwaith yn 2026–27!

Ydych chi’n chwilio am leoliad gwaith i israddedigion ym maes cadwraeth sy’n canolbwyntio ar waith labordy, dadansoddi data ac anatomeg?

Gwnewch gais nawr i ymuno â’r Prosiect Dyfrgwn fel cynorthwyydd ymchwil a helpu gyda'r gwaith pwysig hwn!
November 12, 2025 at 5:48 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
It's time for a return to our #anatomy series, starting with the scent glands!

Photo credit: Elizabeth Chadwick
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
We have had the pleasure of welcoming many fantastic placement students to The Cardiff University Otter Project. They are always eager to offer their help! To all our former students: thank you so much for your hard work! We would love to catch up and hear what you're up to now.
November 6, 2025 at 11:01 AM
otterproject.bsky.social
Looking for an undergraduate placement in conservation with a focus on lab work, data analysis, and anatomy?

Our data and samples are used in a wide range of research and help guide conservation.

Apply now to join the Otter Project as a research assistant!
November 4, 2025 at 1:31 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
We are honoured to have our most recent Otter Survey Wales work featured in the Esri UK ThinkGIS magazine! (resource.esriuk.com/publications...)
October 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
After being unable to perform post-mortems since February we are finally back in the lab! The placement students have enjoyed being able to begin their lab training and we have even found some abnormalities already. Otter #4715 had a very enlarged gall bladder and gallstones.
October 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Welcome to our final placement student Sorrel, completing our team for this year!
October 3, 2025 at 2:01 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
We would like to welcome our second placement student for this year. Sandy Huang
October 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
otterproject.bsky.social
Otter📸: Freddie Montague
September 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM
otterproject.bsky.social
Today in celebration of #WorldRiversDay we wanted to recognise our river here in Cardiff - The River Taff, which has a supports a wide range of species including our beloved otters. World Rivers Day aims to spread awareness for rivers around the world, ensuring they continue to improve and thrive.
September 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM