The team’s unending dedication towards wildlife extends even further to protect SA’s two native otter species from vanishing.
Hartbeespoort, South Africa (26 October 2025) – Known for rescuing owls and all manner of other non-feathered friends across all corners of South Africa, the compassionate husband and wife team, Brendan and Danelle Murray, from the Owl Rescue Centre, are on a mission to bring back two otter species that are quietly vanishing from South Africa’s rivers.
Based in Harties, their organisation, along with its clever working dogs, have become absolute heroes in wildlife rescue. Not only do they work tirelessly to protect SA’s owl populations, they’ve showed up for all kinds of wildlife – bokkies, hippos, tortoises, baboons, mongoose and so many more.
Now they’re taking on a new strategic focus with project otter – a critical conservation initiative that’s tackling a crisis most South Africans don’t even know is happening. Our otters are disappearing, and the team is determined to understand why and do something about it.
Led by Brendan and Danelle, who are members of the prestigious IUCN Otter Specialist Group and Species Survival Commission, the project aims to research and restore populations of South Africa’s two native otter species – the African Clawless Otter and the Spotted-necked Otter.
Both are facing significant population declines and are now listed as threatened on a regional scale. In rivers and wetlands where these playful creatures once thrived, they’ve vanished, and that’s a warning sign we can’t ignore.
The organisation is conducting focused fieldwork to pinpoint exactly why otters are disappearing from these areas. Their investigation is zeroing in on habitat fragmentation and loss, deteriorating water quality, and human-wildlife conflict – all very real factors pushing these species toward the brink.
The team is deploying camera traps across areas where otters were historically found, as well as in suitable habitats where they should naturally be living. This non-invasive approach will help establish baseline data on population sizes, distribution patterns, and activity levels for both species.
They’re also using specialised survey techniques – analysing otter droppings (called spraint) and tracks – to map out current ranges and identify subpopulations that need urgent protection.
Why does this matter so much? Otters are what conservationists call ‘indicator species.’ Their presence signals healthy rivers and thriving ecosystems. When otters disappear, it’s telling us that something has gone wrong with our waterways.
The Owl Rescue Centre needs your eyes on the ground. If you spot an otter, otter tracks, or droppings while you’re out exploring, they want to hear from you.
Here’s what to do:
- Note the exact GPS coordinates of your sighting
- Take a photo if it’s safe to do so (from a distance, of course)
- Send your information via WhatsApp to 082 579 3017 or email danelle@owlrescuecentre.org.za
Every sighting counts. Your observations could provide crucial info that helps protect otters and
the river systems they depend on. It’s conservation work like this (methodical, science-based, and community-driven) that gives SA’s threatened species a real chance.
If you’d like to support the organisation or find out more, visit their website.
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