Taiwan’s Kinmen reports increase in Eurasian otter cubs
台灣金門報告稱歐亞水獺幼鼠數量增加
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Community patrol teams in Kinmen have recorded more sightings of Eurasian otter cubs this year, raising hopes for a strengthening population of the near-threatened species, per CNA.
One community patrol group used infrared motion sensor wildlife cameras to monitor otter activity. This year’s footage captured more scenes of otter mothers interacting with their young, according to Chen Guang-yao (陳光耀), director of the Kinmen Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Association. He said the cameras cannot precisely determine population size, but “seeing more otter cubs is a good thing; it gives us hope that Kinmen’s otter population will grow stronger.” The Ministry of Agriculture has designated Kinmen as a key habitat for Eurasian otters and encourages residents to implement eco-friendly practices. It also offers payments for ecological services that support conservation. Kinmen’s otters face pressures from development projects and water infrastructure construction. The species depends on dense vegetation for raising young and on open waterways for movement between habitats. Even small disturbances can significantly affect the territorial and solitary animals. Current estimates suggest 60–150 Eurasian otters live in Kinmen, many restricted by fencing and other barriers around waterways. A recent recognition event honored local groups contributing to otter conservation. Videos shown during the event included infrared camera footage of otter families in multiple locations, along with instances of stray cats chasing otters. Chen said many threatened species share environments with human communities, making local involvement essential. Conservation strategies must be adapted to the needs of different species and habitats, he added. For otters, community patrols can remove discarded fishing nets, clean up waterways, and maintain monitoring equipment, efforts he described as valuable ecological work that also fosters public pride. The Xinyi Community Development Association and the Xiaojing Community Development Association tied for first place this year for their contributions to otter conservation, while the Guanao Community placed third. Kinmen County Government said it continues to encourage community participation in ecological programs, providing financial compensation for approved conservation projects. |
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| Sean Scanlan Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-11-16 |
