Otter Ecology & Research Methods

Understand Smooth-coated otter ecology

Exploring the mangrove forests in search of Smooth-coated otters

Insight into Smooth-coated otter behavior and adaptation capabilities

Understand habitat parameters essential for Smooth-coated otter survival

Understand threats faced by Smooth-coated otters

Identifying signs of Smooth-coated otters (grooming, latrine sites, tracks, dens) and where you can find them

GPS usage and digital mapping of otter signs, habitat and threats

Importance of GPS devices in wildlife research and conservation

Participants will learn how to use a GPS device effectively in their research project, mark otter signs and threat locations

Import the field data from a GPS device into Google Earth and GIS software for data interpretation

Represent the threats faced by otters digitally to strengthen otter conservation projects

Map otter habitats with conservation priority in your area of work

Camera Trapping Otters

To select the camera trap model based on project requirement and available funding

Effectively using camera traps to record otter images and videos

Camera trap setting, using video mode, analyzing audio-visual data

Best practices to produce good camera trapping results

Using camera traps to study otter behavior, family size and group composition

Participate in ongoing projects at WILD OTTERS

Join the researchers at WILD OTTERS during their ongoing project work

Hands on training on field work, using GPS device, data sheets

Importing the data collected during field work into the computer and interpreting results

Hands on training in camera trapping; checking the camera traps set in the field by WILD OTTERS

Analyzing some camera trap data recorded by WILD OTTERS for hands on learning

Insights into the community work to ensure long-term conservation success.

Why conservation research is important

Otter Conservation in Action

Participants will be empowered to identify otter habitats and conduct surveys to establish otter presence.

You will learn to create simple projects with conservation benefit.

Individual/team projects on otters executed with funding from grants

Doing pilot surveys to determine presence and conservation status - simple surveys producing good results

Participants will also learn about community work with tips on how to engage with fishermen to ensure long term conservation success

Good reporting practices