Otter Mug – Wildlife on the Canal

Description

The beautiful watercolour illustration of the otter, on this white ceramic mug, is printed in high resolution on both sides.

The image and text can withstand up to 3000 dishwasher cycles, and the mug is microwave safe.

The perfect mug to enjoy your cuppa in. A fantastic gift for any nature lover or fan of the UK canals.

A few facts about the wonderful otter

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a semiaquatic mammal that inhabits a variety of waterways, including rivers, streams, marshes, and coastal areas across Europe and Asia.

Once widespread in the UK, otter populations declined sharply in the 1950s-70s due to pesticide pollution and habitat loss.

However, with improving water quality and concerted conservation efforts, otters have now recolonized much of their former range.

UK canals provide ideal habitat for otters, with plentiful food sources, secure holt sites for breeding, and connectivity facilitating dispersal along networks.

Otters are now frequently sighted across English and Welsh canals and waterways, with popular hotspots including the Grand Union Canal and Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Known for their playful behaviour, otters delight watchers with their antics as they swim and hunt for fish and frogs.

While a conservation success story, otters sometimes come into conflict with anglers and other canal users. Public education and sustainable cohabitation measures are important so that the otter remains an integral and valued part of the UK’s canal ecosystems.