N O T E F R O M T H E E D I T O R - Otter Specialist Group

IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 25(1) 2008C A L L SF O R I N F O R M A T I O NDear ColleaguesDNA OF ASIAN OTTERSA student at Exeter University has been looking at the genetics of otters from an area of Britain wherethe population has been substantially augmented from captive breeding stock. It appears that theirmitochondrial DNA includes a sequence which is not recorded elsewhere in Britain and that this mayhelp determine the origin of some of these animals. There is a widespread belief that some of thefounders may have come from Asia (in particularly the subspecies Lutra lutra barang) and we would begrateful for help in testing this hypothesis.a) Does anyone know of studies which have been carried out on the mitochondrial DNA of Asian ottersin general or L lutra barang in particular. Reference to any published studies or a contact name wouldbe helpful.b) Can anyone provide tissues from such otters? A hair sample (pulled not cut) is all that is needed.Replies to me at mammals@chaninweb.co.uk would be very much appreciated.Thank you very muchPaul*****************************Paul Chanin, Mammal EcologistNorth View Cottage, Union Road, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3ALTel: 01363 774072, Fax: not availablehttp://www.chaninweb.co.uk/mammals/- 74 -