Eurasian Otter Conservation in Lebanon

The Global Otter Conservation Strategy report developed by the IUCN otter specialist group (2018) has listed this species as Critically Endangered in Lebanon. To this day, there are no applied research specifically on the conservation of Eurasian otters. LRI is seeking on broadening its research on thoroughly studying the remaining otter populations for conservation, as they are keystone species for riparian ecosystem. This project is funded by the Disney Conservation Fund, U. S. Forest Service International Programs (USFS IP), and Idea Wild. LRI used cost-effective and advanced techniques to study remaining otter populations in the country (i.e. eDNA, non-invasive spraint collection, & camera trapping). We will be confirming variation between populations to identify and conserve key populations and be able to detect population density, diet, spatial organization, and population structure. Moreover, LRI will be developing a framework for prioritizing restoration and conservation areas. Based on the generated data, LRI will develop a robust conservation plan, that will be supported by drafting a national decree for the conservation of the species.