Otters thrive on the River Meon
April 23, 2019
This incredible footage of two playful otters is further proof that the elusive species is thriving on the River Meon – and their favourite food, the eel, is playing its part in the revival.
Otters were thought to be locally extinct in Hampshire until recent years when reductions in river pollution due and to less intensive farming methods and river restoration through the Meon Valley Partnership have seen populations bounce back.
Rangers at the South Downs National Park now believe there are three breeding females on the River Meon, a chalkstream flowing from the South Downs near East Meon and into the Solent.
The two otters were captured by the team’s wildlife camera climbing on to a raft – used to monitor river-dwelling species – under the cover of the darkness.
“Seeing an otter, let alone two, is quite special so we were all really inspired when we saw this footage,” said Elaina Whittaker-Slark, who works from the SDNPA’s base in Droxford, near Fareham, and is Lead Ranger for the Western Downs.
“It’s been an incredible turnaround for this charismatic creature when you consider no otters had been noted on the River Meon, even 10 years ago. The return of the species is an indicator that water quality has significantly improved in the region, due to river restoration and declining use of pesticides.”
Elaina added: “It’s fair to say otters love eels – it’s their favourite meal!
“Good river bank management, including helping to create a diverse range of vegetation, has helped to support healthy eel populations, and in turn, helped the otters.”
The SDNPA and its partners have interacted with 56 landowners along the River Meon to help improve the water quality.
Rangers now plan to install a wildlife camera on the River Rother, which rises north of Petersfield and flows towards Pulborough in West Sussex, this summer. Four years ago a young male otter was captured on camera – the first sighting for 14 years – and it is hoped more otters will be recorded. It comes as efforts continue to improve water quality on the Rother, including reducing pollution running off surrounding land.