Dozens of otters killed by poachers every year

Dozens of otters living in the Czech Republic are killed by poachers every year, according to a survey carried out by ALKA Wildlife organisation. The organisation has warned that if the negative trend continues, the otter population in the Czech Republic would be seriously threatened.

The 32 cases of otter illegal killing recorded in years 1992-2014. However, only a small number of cases is revealed and investigated, real numbers are much higher – estimations are that dozens of otters are illegally killed every year.

Last case of otter illegal killing comes from December 2015. Seriously wounded (shot) otter has been found near Mníšek in PLA Třeboňsko at the end of December. The otter was immediately taken to a rescue station, even so died of massive internal bleeding. It was probably shot several days before and suffered for a long time.

A number of other protected species, such as birds of prey, also fall victim to poachers. Killing a protected animal is a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison. However, only a small percentage of the cases are successfully investigated.

See more information in the Radio Prague interview with Tereza Mináriková from ALKA Wildlife at http://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/environment-ministry-joins-forces-with-ngos-to-combat-wildlife-poaching.