I you're going quote me at least have the decency to include all the relevant parts and not just the bits that suit your argument.
The whole post:
(you'll notice I've edited the last line to make more sense)
After talking with one the contributors of this:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/Otters_the_facts.pdf
It was very evident to me that much wasn't known about otters behaviour, to the point where it was pure speculation or was poorly researched old info on a species in major decline.
It's widely accepted when a species is in serious decline, their behaviour alters. I guess it triggers an innate survival response.
Added to me talking to an 'expert' myself and others that I know and trust have seen first hand many otters displaying behavioural traits that are totally contrary to the perceived norm.
Did I misquote you in anyway in regards to you condemnation and derogatory comment about experts?
No you wrote it and I quoted you verbatim!
Edited the last line since, tut tut. I won't remind you of what you accused me of a short while ago.
The bit not used in the quote I have little quibble with. Broadly true.
Now you say you talked to one of the contributors to the Fact sheet and who is that then? Name please?
Again you said you spoke to an expert, who was that expert? Again name please?
It's pertinent to point out to you here I was part of the team (SACG/SAA Conservation Officer at the time) that first brought the whole issue of otter predation to the EA's attention back in the early 90s, so it's likely I know most of the people involved with that factsheet.
You have also stated this in this post
"It was very evident to me that much wasn't known about otters behaviour, to the point where it was pure speculation or was poorly researched old info on a species in major decline."
So how was it evident to you?
You have read the 100+ papers and several books written since the 1940s to the present day on otter biology and ecology from across the range of the Eurasian otter
Lutra lutra?
So far all we can establish is you've read the factsheet and said you've talked to two people and some friends you know. Is that correct?
Does the thought not occur to you that that is at best cursory research and at worse poor research?
Remind us again of what you are saying about poor research above from those that you condemn?
Again in light of your claims above, it is pertinant here to ask what your qulifications are in this field to make such claims?
You also state this
"It's widely accepted when a species is in serious decline, their behaviour alters."
Widely accepted by whom? To help us understand it would be helpful here if you state which "expert(s)" and where they've said it. References again would be helpful.
You'll fully accept I would assum that sweeping statements like that are far more complex when you get into the detail of the reasons for behaivoural change.