The lifespan of otters in Scotland to be investigated

The work of the IOSF includes rescuing orphaned otter cubs

A conservation charity has started a project to investigate the lifespan of otters in Scotland.

The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) said research suggests animals in England and Wales die younger than in other parts of Europe.

It said water pollution was a factor behind the shorter lifespan.

The Skye-based IOSF, whose work includes rescuing orphaned cubs, said information on what age otters in Scotland were living to was lacking.

The charity's Grace Yoxon said: "It seems that otters in England and Wales are dying much younger than those in Germany and Czech Republic.

"Out of 110 otters analysed only 10 were over four years of age and the oldest was eight.

"In Germany and Czech Republic they have been as old as 15, so clearly something is seriously wrong."

She added: "Otters from Scotland have not been analysed since the 1990s so who knows what is going on."