The Vjosa River in Albania is one of Europe?s last living wild rivers. Along its entire course of over 270 kilometers it is untamed and free flowing and characterized by beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands, oxbows and meandering stretches. The area is at heart of an international campaign for saving its pristine environment that is threatened by plans to build several hydropower stations. The river basin hosts a population of European otters (Lutra lutra). There are no detailed studies regarding the health and/or diversity of the otter population in this river basin. This information is crucial in setting up a management plan for this species. This study will try to gather information on diversity and structure of the population through evaluation of genetic diversity.