Sign in

Cardiff University Otter Project

@otterproject.bsky.social
62 followers 13 following 75 posts

National monitoring and research project. If you find a dead otter please call England: 03708 506 506, Wales: 0300 065 3000, Scotland: 01471 822 487

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Cardiff University Otter Project
Frank Hailer @o-o-frank.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Lead supervisor: Elizabeth Chadwick, co-supervisors besides myself: Glória Pereira, Lee Walker, Helen Thompson @otterproject.bsky.social @one-cardiffuni.bsky.social @cardiffuni.bsky.social
011
Reposted by Cardiff University Otter Project
Frank Hailer @o-o-frank.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Congratulations to our newly fledged #PhD, Dr Holly Hulme, who just successfully defended her PhD thesis on biomonitoring of chemicals in two sentinel species, common buzzards and Eurasian otters!
131
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Introducing Louise, one of our new placement students for this year! #otter #otters #placement #biology #eurasianotter #otterproject #cardiff #cardiffuniversity #cardiffuniversityotterproject #ukwildlife #cardiffbiosciences
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Introducing Keira, our new placement student for this year! #otters #otterproject #cardiffuniversity #cardiffuniversityotterproject #eurasianotter #Lutralutra
022
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We are so grateful to all our volunteers and partner organisations for taking the time and effort to contribute to our archives; a project on this scale would not be possible without all of you! 🦦 The 5000th otter was delivered by the Somerset Otter Group 🦦
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
While the death of our wildlife can be upsetting to hear about, this also means that we have samples and data from 5000 individuals that can be used to support conservation efforts as well as otter, wildlife, and environmental research!
100
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
📣 We’ve surpassed 5000 otters in our records 📣 #lutralutra #otter #otters #otterproject #cardiffuni #biology #eurasianotter #cardiff #wales #ecology #roadecology #cardiffuniversityotterproject #anatomy #conservation #ukwildlife #nature #cardiffbiosciences #biosciences
120
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Introducing one of our new placement students! #otter #otters #placement #biology #eurasianotter #otterproject #cardiff #wales #cardiffuniversityotterproject #ukwildlife #nature #cardiffbiosciences #biosciences #ecology
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Introducing one of our new placement students!! #lutralutra #otter #otters #placement #biology #eurasianotter #otterproject #cardiff #wales #cardiffuniversityotterproject #ukwildlife #nature #conservation #cardiffbiosciences #biosciences
020
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
🚨NEW PAPER🚨 doi.org/10.1007/s103... In this new paper, led by researchers at Edinburgh Napier University in collaboration with the Cardiff University Otter Project, the authors present a novel method that estimates cub size relative to their mother using pixel measurements from camera-trap footage.
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
We would like to give a huge thank you to our 2025-26 placement year students, Sorrel, Sophie, and Sandy. Since September, they have helped lead several local engagement events and assisted in performing 194 postmortems. They have played a crucial role, and we wish them all the very best!
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Another engagement event😀!
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
We are proud to announce that we have received our Bronze LEAF certification. This reflects the project’s commitment to laboratory sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment as part of the laboratory efficiency assessment framework (LEAF). Thank you to the LEAF team for your support!
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Introducing our second volunteer, Tom, who will help us over the summer!
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Introducing our new volunteer, Iestyn, who will be joining us for the summer!
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
🌎️5TH JUNE 2026 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY🌱 🍀🌸Contaminants disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to direct harm to aquatic organisms and significant effects throughout the food web. 🦦🌊Apex predators such as otters are most vulnerable to the impacts of water pollution.
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Happy World Otter Day! We want to say a huge thank you to our collection network who make what we do possible. In particular the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales who do equally amazing work in England and Wales. We received 157 otters thanks to the brilliant people supporting us.
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
🦦🦔🐿️🦫🦨🦇 Celebrate National Mammal Week with CUOP for all the incredible wild mammals in UK!🎉
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
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!
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
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.
100
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Welcome our new placement student for April -- Tim Trautner!!🎉🦦
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
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! 🦦
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The original research paper that the press report is based on can be found here: doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
doi.org
Recovering whole mitogenome sequences from Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraint samples: a metagenomic approach
Abstract. Non-invasive genetic monitoring of endangered species and populations is a crucial component of conservation biology, especially for elusive spec
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
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...
132
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Introducing our newest member Solveig! She is a vet student from France here to learn about what we do and conduct a research project. 🦦
011
Reposted by Cardiff University Otter Project
Frank Hailer @o-o-frank.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
🚨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
doi.org
Recovering whole mitogenome sequences from Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraint samples: a metagenomic approach
Abstract. Non-invasive genetic monitoring of endangered species and populations is a crucial component of conservation biology, especially for elusive spec
162
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
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.
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
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!! 🦦🎉
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
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.
100
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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.
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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.
111
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
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-....
tonal-uk.com
What Otters Teach Us About Rivers with Dr Liz Chadwick | Tonal
A visit to the globally important Cardiff Otter Project
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
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.
tonal-uk.com
Home | Tonal
Tonal, by artist Feral Practice, explores the River Tone in Somerset and watery issues nationally.
120
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
❄️🎁⛄MERRY CHRISTMAS from CUOP🦦🎄🔔
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
NOTICE: The CUOP will be closed from 24th December until 5th January. ❄️🎄🔔Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!🎁⛄🦦
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Read the full article here: www.theguardian.com/environment/... Our paper on effective population size can be found here: doi.org/10.1111/eva....
theguardian.com
Hightailing along city streets and raiding ponds: otters’ revival in Britain
Still rare only 20 years ago, the charismatic animals are in almost every UK river and a conservation success story
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
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.
101
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
⚠️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.
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Thanks to the IOSF & Colchester Zoo for hosting this wonderful workshop and inviting us 🦦 😆 #otter #conservation #wildlife #eurasianotter #teamotter
020
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
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...
cardiff.ac.uk
Rising levels of banned toxic chemicals in otters from Wales
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in every otter tested by the Cardiff University Otter Project.
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
While all otters analysed from Wales contained PCBs, the highest concentrations were found in otters from coastal, low-altitude areas.
cardiff.ac.uk
Rising levels of banned toxic chemicals in otters from Wales
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in every otter tested by the Cardiff University Otter Project.
110
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
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.
110
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
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!
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
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.
011
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
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!
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
It's time for a return to our #anatomy series, starting with the scent glands! Photo credit: Elizabeth Chadwick
000
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
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.
011
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
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!
021
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
We are honoured to have our most recent Otter Survey Wales work featured in the Esri UK ThinkGIS magazine! (resource.esriuk.com/publications...)
010
Cardiff University Otter Project @otterproject.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
After being unable to perform post-mortems since February we are finally back in the lab! The placement students have enjoyed being able to begin their lab training and we have even found some abnormalities already. Otter #4715 had a very enlarged gall bladder and gallstones.
010