We are exploring next steps to investigate the potential cause, which is most likely to be a genetic abnormality, but could potentially be teratogenic chemicals. If there have been any other sightings of mammals with no hind limbs in the UK, we would love it if you could get in contact with us!
Otter #4801 is a juvenile found dead near Oxford. The otter was estimated to be approximately 2 months old, but lacked any development of hind limbs or pelvis.
Welcome our new placement student for April -- Tim Trautner!!🎉🦦
On the 16th February Cardiff University Otter Project held a stall at the 'Be A Scientist' event in Sbarc|Spark. It was wonderful to meet some young aspiring scientists and introduce them to the Otter Project! 🦦
The original research paper that the press report is based on can be found here: doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
Our new paper on mitogenome sequences from otter spraint, with Sarah and Jenny as joint first authors, has been featured in an article by phys.org!
Read the article here:
phys.org/news/2026-03...
Introducing our newest member Solveig! She is a vet student from France here to learn about what we do and conduct a research project. 🦦
🚨New paper out
Recovering whole mitogenome sequences from Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraint samples: a metagenomic approach doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
@sduplessis.bsky.social
@otterproject.bsky.social
@molecol-cardiffuni.bsky.social
It was great to host Dave Groves, from the Cornwall Mammal Group, here at Cardiff University Otter Project. Dave was here to talk about otter diet, and identification of prey remains from spraint.
Featured in the post project lead Elizabeth Chadwick, project officer and PhD student Chloe Hawthorn, PhD students Holly Hulme, Gu Jiaying and Sandra Simoes and placement students Sophie and Sandy. Thank you!! 🦦🎉
In honour of International Women and Girls in Science Day we wanted to celebrate the brilliant women in our team who help make our work possible.
Sophie and Jacob ran a "Murder Mystery" activity, which allowed the families to conduct their own cause of death investigation from the resources provided. This ran alongside an overview of The Otter Project and our research, and an otter anatomy demonstration.
Last weekend, The Otter Project was invited to run a session for the "Parent Power" event at Cardiff University. The event aimed to introduce students and their parents to higher education and support widening participation.
On otters, Otter Project lead Dr Liz Chadwick talked to Fiona about what we have learned from post mortems. The podcast is an hour long and can be found here if you would like to listen to it www.tonal-uk.com/podcast/liz-....
Last year we participated in a project, 'Tonal' www.tonal-uk.com - which focuses on issues linked to water. Artist Fiona MacDonald (@feralpractice) has created a series of podcasts, each of which is a conversation with someone who has either a professional or personal interest in water and rivers.
❄️🎁⛄MERRY CHRISTMAS from CUOP🦦🎄🔔
NOTICE:
The CUOP will be closed from 24th December until 5th January.
❄️🎄🔔Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!🎁⛄🦦
Read the full article here:
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Our paper on effective population size can be found here:
doi.org/10.1111/eva....
We are happy to be featured in this article on the revival of otters in Britain, including the link to our paper on 'effective population size’. Our research suggests that optimism about recovery should be tempered with caution - low genetic diversity may limit future population resilience.
⚠️This post includes graphic images of unborn otter kits⚠️
Recently we post mortemed a pregnant otter and found two kits. Despite being upsetting, this finding is very valuable for research including genetic analysis and chemical contaminant studies.
Thanks to the IOSF & Colchester Zoo for hosting this wonderful workshop and inviting us 🦦 😆
#otter #conservation #wildlife #eurasianotter #teamotter
This increase is likely driven by the remobilisation of PCBs from sediment sinks, and raises concerns that safety standards designed to protect top predators are not effective.
For more information see www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/29...
doi.org/10.1016/j.en...
While all otters analysed from Wales contained PCBs, the highest concentrations were found in otters from coastal, low-altitude areas.
We have a new paper out! Research has found that PCB concentrations increased in otters between 2010 and 2019. This contrasts with the declines seen in previous studies since their UK regulation in 1982.
Applications close on December 1st for our 2026-27 Professional Training Year Placements!
Looking for an undergraduate placement in conservation with a focus on lab work, data analysis, and anatomy?
Apply now to join the Otter Project as a research assistant and help with this important work!
A few weeks ago The Otter Project was a part of Exploring Bioscience at Cardiff University. We have enjoyed showing the students some of what we do. We went on a walk along the Taff to survey otter spraint and our lead Dr Elizabeth Chadwick performed a post mortem in person for the students.
Cyfle i ymgymryd â lleoliad gwaith yn 2026–27!
Ydych chi’n chwilio am leoliad gwaith i israddedigion ym maes cadwraeth sy’n canolbwyntio ar waith labordy, dadansoddi data ac anatomeg?
Gwnewch gais nawr i ymuno â’r Prosiect Dyfrgwn fel cynorthwyydd ymchwil a helpu gyda'r gwaith pwysig hwn!
It's time for a return to our #anatomy series, starting with the scent glands!
Photo credit: Elizabeth Chadwick
We have had the pleasure of welcoming many fantastic placement students to The Cardiff University Otter Project. They are always eager to offer their help! To all our former students: thank you so much for your hard work! We would love to catch up and hear what you're up to now.
Looking for an undergraduate placement in conservation with a focus on lab work, data analysis, and anatomy?
Our data and samples are used in a wide range of research and help guide conservation.
Apply now to join the Otter Project as a research assistant!