Pilot study for health investigations on Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Schleswig-Holstein

Project description

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) has almost been exterminated in Schleswig-Holstein as well as major parts of the rest of Germany in the past century. Since the 1990s, the species is increasing again in this area due to official protection and habitat improvement. Human interests oppose the expansion of the Eurasian otter population. Water quality, habitat use or fisheries are potential points of conflict. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate all parameters, which impact a resettlement on a long-term basis. A comprehensive basic knowledge about the population is the foundation for a long-term and scientifically sound Eurasian otter management. This especially includes health investigations like the prevalence of infectious diseases, the assessment of causes of death, potential exposure to pollutants and pharmaceutical substances, reproduction biology, genetics and preferred prey spectrum. A profound investigation protocol for Eurasian otters shall be established within the framework of this project. It will be developed in the context of a strategic dead animal monitoring in cooperation with project partners and contains the most important parameters regarding causes of death, health status and biological basic data.
Samples shall be stored for pollutant, pharmaceutical substance and prey spectrum analyses in order to investigate them in subsequent projects.