Product Description

Evidence pointing to a decline in the European Otter population (Lutra lutra) is causing concern among ecologists and conservationists. This important new book written from direct observation of otter populations in Scotland, is the first attempt at a scientific description of populations and behaviour of this species. This essential research offers a fascinating insight into the ecology of mammals living in a hostile environment and provides a much needed basis for active conservation management.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #853251 in Books
• Published on: 1995-02-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

Customer Reviews

An absolutely marvellous book for the serious otter-lover
This book is packed with Gosh! Wow! facts, as well as the detailed enquiries that one would expect. For example, Kruuk not only describes the diet of otters on particular parts of the cost over a period of time and charts the results, but adds the anecdotal evidence that makes the difference between a dry textbook and a can't-put-it-down, such as the mother otter who caught a huge conger eel, fed it to her cubs, and left enough for the researcher to steal for his dinner! I read it twice in succession because it is so fascinating! The reed-ball natal nests also caught my fancy. The actual facts (embellished with charming line drawings of otters) and arguments are consequently so easy to digest, one finds oneself remembering them without effort, and wanting to follow up the references in the bibliography. Kruuk admits that he fell in love with otters as soon as he started working on them, and one can see it in every line of the text.