International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF)

About us

The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities. In the UK IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on over 20 years of scientific research in the UK and around the world.

Mission and Vision
• We want to protect otters so that future generations to come can enjoy one of the world’s most charming, elusive and enjoyable mammals.
• The IOSF aims to work with local communities throughout the world to educate, inform and encourage the protection and conservation of otters.
• Through a programme of research, the IOSF will become the world’s foremost authority on otter behaviour, habitat, persecution and conservation.
• We want people throughout the world to be as appalled by Otter persecution and hunting as we are towards Tiger and Rhino hunting.
• We would like to educate people to the benefits of Otters, what healthy populations mean for the environment and dispel myths that are causing Otters to be intentionally disturbed, persecuted and hunted.

Our work
• The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) was inspired by observing otters in their natural habitat. Because the otter lives, feeds and plays on land and in the water and is at the peak of the food chain it is an ambassador species to a first class environment. IOSF was set up to protect and help the 13 species of otter worldwide through a combination of compassion and science. We support projects to protect otters, which will also ensure that we have a healthy environment for all species, including our own.
• Otter numbers in the UK have increased slightly in recent years but the Eurasian otter is still classed as “Vulnerable” in the Red Data List.
• Through education, research, influencing policy and partner working the IOSF is making progress but there is still much to be done here in the UK and other countries where otters are at risk.
• IOSF works closely with other organisations to protect otters in the wild and in captivity.

We are currently involved in the following projects:
• Helping Otters in Africa: Kikongo Otter Sanctuary, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Helping Otters in Asia: IOSF have been providing a series of workshops to train students from throughout south-east Asia in otter field techniques, public awareness programmes, law enforcement and general conservation issues. Local government personnel are invited to attend to encourage better law enforcement and otter protection; IOSF has been campaigning against the fur trade in South-East Asia and working to provide an otter-friendly alternative to hunting. Most hunters there are poor fishermen who are trying to earn a living.
• Helping Otters in Europe: Otter hospital and rehabilitation centre in Scotland; Otters and fisheries conference
• Post Mortems: Otter post mortem work in Scotland
• America and Canada: In America and Canada a minimum of 40,000 otters are killed EACH YEAR and largely for "sport". IOSF cannot stand by and accept these double standards.


Paul Yoxon is the Head of Operations at the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.