This selection of Irish animals, native or introduced, is taken from the Appletree Press title Animals of Ireland. There will be a number of extracts from the book in coming months. The book contains highly detailed full colour illustrations to complement the detailed explanatory text.

Otter
Lutra lutra
Dobhrán

An alternative Irish name for this fine animal is Madra uisce or 'water dog' – a name somewhat suggestive of its appearance and playful character. The Otter spends most of its life in and around water – both fresh and salt – though it is probably best known as a river or lake dweller. In the west of Ireland it is found aquite commonly along undisturbed rocky shores and on inshore islands.

Ireland has a special responsibility for the survival of the Otter. It is decreasing over most of its range and is completely absent from most of Britain – in Ireland it is still widespread and abundant. The Irish Otter is an endemic race, having been distinguished over 150 years ago.

Evidence of its pedigree goes back much further, though, having featured in the illuminations and poetry of the early Christians in Ireland. Despite this, not many people are familiar with Otters. Their nocturnal habits and extreme shyness render them elusive to all but the most patient. Those who have been lucky to catch a glimpse of this mammal may have been struck by its size – up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) including tail – and its strange long-bodied, short-legged appearance. The tail is an extension of the elongated body and the long head is curiously flattened on top.

On the river bank or shore the Otter shuffles along steadily, a humpbacked brown beast with whitish face and underbody. In the water, however, it is transformed into a sleek streamlined creature which performs marvellous underwater gyrations in pursuit of its main quarry – fish. In freshwater, eels and frogs are especially favoured and along the shore any available fish or crustacean is eaten. Young mammals and waterbirds supplement their diet.

Otters' homes are called 'holts', tunnelled holes in the ground, often under large boulders. Holts are used in daytime as resting places but also for breeding. The two or three Otter cubs are born usually in the spring and stay in the security of the holt for about two months, after which time they are able to fend for themselves. There are few more charming sights in nature than that of an Otter family having fun at the water's edge. Otters are extremely playful and they frolic about uttering their cheerful chittering calls when circumstances afford them sufficient security.

In the past Otters have been subjected to persecution for a variety of reasons including their alleged threat to fish stocks, their valuable pelts, or simply for 'sport'. Thankfully, most of this persecution has now ceased.

Other Medium Mammals from Animals of Ireland include:
Badger |
Fox |
Irish Hare |
Irish Stoat |
Mink |
Pine Marten |
Rabbit