THE NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF OTTER RESTING SITES ON PART OF THE RIVER BLACKWATER CATCHMENT, SOUTHERN IRELAND

A survey of otter holts was carried out along 47km of watercourse with in the River Blackwater catchment. In general, there were three types of holts and the majority (76%) were constructed in tree root systems. Holts were also located in limestone cliff faces and earthen banks. D ifferences in the types of holt found between the habitats were highly significant. The number of holts close to human traffic were signific antly lower than those not subjected to human interference.