The Otter (Lutra lutra) is an extremely endangered semiaquatic species in Europe. It needs an intact stream network with unpolluted water, sufficient food and well-structured river banks. The construction of roads and settlements, river regulation and pollution have divided the European population into two parts isolated from each other. In the gap (from Denmark to Italy) you can find small fragmented populations in danger of extinction.
The aim of the project is the development of a distribution corridor for the Otter through Upper Franconia with an ecological stream network. The Otter population in the border region Czech Republic - Upper Franconia should be enabled to move westwards through Franconia by the development of a habitat system with stepping stones. On a long-term basis the aim is to reconnect the two big Otter populations.Objectives
An additional target is to promote a cooperation between the governmental and nongovernmental organisations of the Czech Republic and Franconia responsible for stream networking and nature conservation. One objective of the project is to show instruments for this network like the establishment of a workgroup, conferences, a bilingual exhibition, a leaflet and a newsletter.
The Franconian parts of the Green Belt and Czech parts of the Green Belt overlap with the project region. So the Otter platform can be a regional part of the Green Belt network, integrating East and West as well as North and South.
Contact: Ökologische Bildungsstätte Oberfranken, Naturschutzzentrum Wasserschloss Mitwitz e.V.
Dr. Katrin Ruff
Unteres Schloss, D - 96268 Mitwitz
00499266 – 6886
> katrin.ruff@oekologische-bildungsstaette.de, > www.oekologische-bildungsstaette.de