Deutschland wieder Otterland

The nationwide reconnection of aquatic landscapes for the FFH species otter (Lutra lutra)

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Project description

The otter was once a common inhabitant of our waters, but the fragmentation and destruction of natural watercourses, hunting and pollution have led to a sharp decline in the population. In many German states, it was even considered extinct. Although populations are slowly recovering regionally, the otter is still categorised as ‘endangered’ in Germany. This is why Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), the Helmholtz Environmental Research Centre Leipzig (UFZ) and six other nature conservation organisations have joined forces for the project ‘Germany Otterland again - The nationwide networking of water landscapes for the otter’. The project aims to accompany the south-westward spread of the otter in Germany and support the otter population by reconnecting water landscapes. Measures are being taken in nine model regions to improve the habitats of animals and plants and to reduce danger spots, problems and conflicts in these regions. From this, we are developing planning tools to better assess the impact and costs of measures and analysing social and economic influences. The results are intended to promote otter protection and biotope networking throughout Germany. The UFZ is responsible for the accompanying scientific research and project evaluation. Among other methods, we also deploy our wildlife detection dogs.

Ecological Project Support

The accompanying ecological research focuses on the topics of otter protection, biotope connectivity and conflict management, taking into account the measures implemented in the various model regions. We specifically evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in order to make well-founded statements about their success, identify potential for optimisation and make recommendations. In addition, existing scientific, planning and legal principles are supplemented by modern methodological approaches in order to develop targeted planning tools such as maps and a comprehensive database. Conclusions about the current and potential future dispersal behaviour of the otter from genetic studies in three selected model regions will also be taken into account. In future, the planning tools will support the concrete implementation of measures, make it easier to evaluate progress and serve as a basis for efficiency analyses and comparative studies.

Social Scientific Project Support

The accompanying social science research analyses the social aspects of the otter's recovery and the planned measures for the renaturation of aquatic landscapes. To this end, we use surveys, expert interviews and participatory exchange formats to survey the attitudes of local stakeholders towards otter conservation, analyse areas of conflict and their backgrounds and identify potential for human behavioural change in line with the project objectives. Based on this, we develop instruments and interventions to counter conflicts and support the protection of otters and the biotope network (e.g. through otter counselling, funding instruments, management plans).

Project Evaluation

The progress of the project is evaluated in collaboration with the UFZ departments NSF, UPOL and the lead partner Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. (German Environmental Aid). In terms of formative project evaluation, measurable indicators are used to continuously check whether the previously defined sub-goals within the various work packages are being achieved over the course of the project.

Further Information

The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with funds from the Federal Environment Ministry as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Programme.