Otters Make a Dramatic Comeback in France: A Conservation Success Story!

The territory in France inhabited by otters has expanded by 40% from 2009 to 2023, according to a study by the National Center for Scientific Research published in a scientific journal. This semi-aquatic mammal was on the brink of extinction at the start of the 20th century due to hunting, water pollution, and the loss of wetland habitats. However, otters became a protected species in the 1980s, and hunting them was subsequently banned.

At that time, only a few isolated groups remained, primarily along the Atlantic coast and in the Central Massif. These groups have merged over recent years, according to scientific studies. Otters can now be found in Burgundy, in mountainous regions, and even in rivers near the Mediterranean.

Traditionally, otters live away from human settlements in areas rich in resources. This recolonization demonstrates the otter’s remarkable ability to adapt to diverse habitats. This is encouraging news, suggesting “a sustainable establishment of the species, provided their habitats remain protected and connected,” the study emphasizes.