Published Article/Report
- Brooks, R. P., T. L. Serfass, M. Triska, L. M. Rebelo. 2011. Ramsar protected wetlands of international importance as habitats for otters. IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin 28(B):47-62.
Wetlands of International Importance, as listed by the Ramsar Convention, can provide valuable opportunities to conserve otter species worldwide. Adopted in 1971, the Convention originally focused on protecting habitats for waterfowl. Since then the convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity and for the well-being of human communities. By the end of 2011, there were 1,971 wetland sites designated globally covering over 191 million ha. As an intergovernmental treaty the Ramsar Convention provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Under Ramsar, wetlands are broadly defined, encompassing the wide range of habitats on which all 13 species of otters depend. Lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, mangroves, and estuaries are included as listed sites. Many sites consist of a mixture of wetland types, and some include significant human activities, such as fishing, agriculture, and ecotourism. Of obvious interest is IUCN's commitment to conserving biodiversity, through efforts such as maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species, where selected otter species are listed. Here, we show with maps the number of Ramsar sites located within the range distributions of each otter species. Yet, more can be done to promote awareness of otters' reliance on wetland habitats with high ecological integrity. A stronger alliance between IUCN's Otter Specialist Group and the Ramsar Convention should be forged to enhance existing efforts to conserve this flagship species and its habitats.