Welcome to the Otter Research Project!

Effectiveness of Cost‑Efficient Preventive Measures Against Otter Damage in Pond Landscapes

The return of the Eurasian otter is a success for nature conservation – but it presents major challenges for pond and fisheries management. Increasing damage to pond facilities leads to economic burdens and intensifies conflicts between conservation and use. At the same time, there is still no robust, scientifically grounded basis for developing effective and practical solutions. This is exactly where our project comes in. The goal is to provide solid knowledge that helps reduce damage effectively while ensuring the protection of the otter. The focus lies on developing practical measures that work under real‑world conditions and are economically feasible for pond operators.

To achieve this, we combine scientific methods with hands‑on practice. A camera‑based monitoring system will provide insights into otter behaviour and activity patterns around pond systems. This will be complemented by genetic analyses of scat samples, offering information on individuals and populations. Building on this, we aim to investigate various protective measures. The main focus is on cost‑efficient fence types, which will first be tested under controlled conditions and then evaluated in the field. In addition, we will examine alternative, non‑lethal methods such as deterrence to determine whether – and under which circumstances – they can be used effectively. The aim is to develop practical solutions that are both effective and economically viable for pond operators. The project area comprises the pond landscapes of eastern Bavaria, particularly in the administrative districts of Upper Palatinate, Upper Franconia, and Lower Bavaria.

In the long term, the project seeks to contribute to a sustainable balance between otter conservation and the interests of pond management. Such coexistence can only succeed if measures are not only ecologically meaningful but also practically feasible and socially accepted.

The project is funded by the Bavarian Environment Agency.

If you are interested in the topic or in cooperating within the framework of the project, please feel free to contact us.