In the OTTER SPOTTER app, evidence of the Eurasian otter can be reported across Europe, as a chance find or during an active search for traces.
The Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V. has been running a database for almost 20 years in which evidence of otters from all over Europe has been collected. For this purpose, an extensive network of voluntary trackers was set up, who are regularly trained in seminars and thus make a significant contribution to the success of the data collection. In 2016 the system was supplemented by the online portal OTTER SPOTTER. The Fischotterschutz e. V. checks the data and passes it on to authorities or institutions that are committed to nature conservation and the protection of the otter.
Participation in the OTTER SPOTTER basic course is required to carry out the systematic mapping (further information at
www.otterspotter.de). Chance finds can be entered without prior training, but appropriate proof must be provided. Dead finds in particular play an important role for the association in order to be able to identify possible danger spots for otters and, if possible, to remedy them. Finds can also be recorded offline with the app. Maps can be downloaded beforehand for this purpose.
This app does not stand alone, but represents an addition to the previous offer of the website and database OTTER SPOTTER. A detailed description of the app, as well as further information about the association and the OTTER SPOTTER can be found on the pages:
www.aktion-fischotterschutz.de and
www.otterspotter.de .
The project was funded by the Lower Saxony State Office for Water, Coastal and Nature Conservation (
NLWKN) as part of the European Land¬ economic fund for the development of rural areas (
ELER< /a>), from the county of Grafschaft Bentheim, the
Nature Conservation Foundation of the District of Emsland and by the
Dr. Joachim and Hanna Schmidt Foundation for Environment and Transport funded.