Changes in age composition in populations of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in Scotland

Abstract

We describe changes in age composition and body condition of a sample of 310 otter carcasses collected between 1982 and 1994 in Scotland. There was a decline of mean age and death in NE Scotland, which was absent in some other areas. The decline was present especially in females, and due to an increase in numbers of immature otters. However, mean age of adult animals changed in body condition.