A TALK by Crediton mammal expert Paul Chanin on the subject of “The Otter: Past, Present and Future”will take place at the Boniface Centre in the town on Wednesday, October 30.
Otters have been persecuted, poisoned and protected; populations have declined and recovered. But is their future secure?
Dr Paul Chanin is an ecologist specialising in mammals, with a wealth of experience on otters.
He is the author of two books on otters, including one in the popular Whittet Books series. He has published numerous reports on this subject including some of the early results of the national otter surveys.
Paul will give an historical overview of why otter populations declined dramatically from the1960s, becoming very scarce in the following decades.
He will then explain how they recovered, bringing his audience up to the present when, once more, water quality is a significant issue. He will also cover the latest research on otter genetics.
The talk, which will start at 7.30pm, is being organised by Devon Mammal Group and a short AGM of the group will precede the talk.
The cost is £2.50 for Devon Mammal Group members, £4 non-members.
Please book via: http://devonmammalgroup.org .