PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, used to be widespread throughout Europe. It is an umbrella species for freshwater ecosystems and, with its charismatic image, plays an important role as a flagship species in protection of other freshwater species. However, today, its distribution is scarce as a result of pollution and habitat loss.
The most continuous and viable population of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Slovenia is in the recently established Goričko Nature Park, which extends over 51 000 ha of hills, rivers, forests and traditional agricultural landscape. According to past surveys this is the core area of the last viable Lutra lutra population in Slovenia, containing over 50% of the national population.
A first initiative to protect the otter in the park was a Phare project to identify the main threats to the survival of a viable population of the species. It found them to be: river pollution; past interventions to regulate and canalise rivers; and the construction of a new railway, which has created barriers along the migration corridor.
Lack of information and low public awareness of the ecological needs of Lutra lutra does not facilitate initiatives undertaken to protect the species and its habitat.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the project was the conservation of a viable population of Lutra lutra in the Goričko Nature Park. It aimed to achieve this by maintaining and restoring its habitats in a favourable conservation status in the area of future Nature Park Goričko and preserving, improving and safeguarding the connectivity of the main habitats and movement corridors over common territory in Austria, Slovenia and Hungary.
The project planned to carry out a detailed survey of the current otter population, with qualitative analysis of its habitats and mapping of critical points on its main corridor. On the basis of the survey, a number of conservation measures were to be carried out to maintain and enhance the biological diversity of freshwater habitats in the target area and reduce road kill of otters.
The project aimed to raise public awareness of the otter and urge local and regional authorities to implement the conservation measures for the otter in all necessary levels of regional development plans. It sought to use Lutra lutra as a flagship species for raising public awareness on the importance and ecological role of the otter for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and to contribute to environmental education on a wider scale.
RESULTS
The AQUALUTRA project improved knowledge of the otter population and transboundary connections through demonstrating an innovative combination of survey methods. It also showed the potential of eco-remediation actions for improving watercourses and improving the conservation status of several target species, particularly the otter.
The project monitored otter tracks and used infra-red cameras and photo traps to gather information on the local population. It collected fresh spraints - otter dung - for genetic analysis. The animals’ corridors were mapped and inventories conducted of the water quality and associated flora and fauna of the watercourses.
The research identified 30 individual otters and some family relationships between them. Analysis of the spraints revealed that crayfish is a favourite prey, but also that roaming dogs at night pose a particular threat to otters. Further investigation of crayfish and other prey led to distribution reports for individual species.
Ten eco-remediation measures were carried out in different critical points in the otters’ corridor of activity. Wicker works were used to strengthen stream banks and banks were replanted with vegetation where this had been damaged by railway construction. Several cleaning actions were carried out, mainly on streams. Willows and alder trees took root and other species prospered in the restored areas, including those of fish, toad, frog, mussel and dragonfly. The main impact, however, was demonstrative, showing what could be done with more work.
The project set up a mobile observation post and ‘black spots’ for otters on nearby roads were identified. Sadly two otter cubs were found run over in the first year of the project. Bridges or underpasses were created to eliminate some dangerous points. Newly created shelves under bridges were immediately marked by otters as well as other species.
The project has worked to improve understanding between the otter and the local population. It erected six pairs of traffic signs to warn drivers of the otters’ presence. The beneficiary co-operated with two local fishpond owners to erect electric fences to keep the otters away. An otter hotline was set up for people encountering the animal.
The project constructed an Otter Visitors Centre in Goričko and an education path in the valley of the Mala Krka stream. A successful European Otter Workshop was conducted with over 60 participants from 19 European countries. Additional information materials included an exhibition, web-site, leaflets, booklets and posters.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).