1 m2 protected natural paradise for otters in Germany

A home for otters A home for otters

Together against the destruction of natural habitats

The otter is one of the best swimmers among the predators that actually live on land. But to swim and survive, it needs spacious, clean and fish-rich waters with intact banks. A habitat that is becoming increasingly rare. In recent decades, the otter was threatened with extinction in Germany. Recently, populations have recovered thanks to targeted measures to protect the otter. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg and Saxony in particular, it is increasingly finding a suitable habitat again: it feels particularly comfortable in shallow rivers with overgrown banks, where it can hide well and dig its burrow. Clean and fish-rich waters are also important so that the otters stay healthy and find enough food for their young. In Germany, otters are still listed as an endangered species on the Red List, despite previous protection efforts.

need

Natural banks and fish-rich waters to protect otters.

activity

The NABU Foundation purchases areas in the Biesenthal Basin for endangered species and places them under permanent nature protection.

Measurable performance

Number of square meters purchased and placed under nature protection in the Biesenthal Basin.

Result

The nature reserve is better connected and the number of observed animal species and animal populations is increasing.

Systemically relevant impact

The Biesenthal Basin and its ecosystems are protected in the long term and contribute to the preservation of biological diversity.

background

Urban sprawl and intensive agriculture with artificial fertilizers and pesticides are two of the main causes of the massive decline in animal and plant species in Germany in recent decades. Intensive agriculture, forestry and fishing are also permitted in nature reserves - with their negative consequences for biodiversity.

The otter was threatened with extinction due to a lack of unbroken habitats, as well as road traffic and fishing. Massive protection measures, particularly in the eastern German states, have led to the otters settling there again in increasing numbers. The Biesenthal Basin is one of these natural habitats of the otter and, as part of the Barnim Nature Park, makes an important contribution to the preservation of this endangered species and many other animal species. The long-term nature conservation of the Biesenthal Basin is therefore of great importance for the protection of the otter.

The good deed

With today's good deed, you are making it possible to buy areas in the Biesenthal Basin that will be placed under permanent nature conservation. This will create a large, protected and connected natural area for endangered species such as the otter. The otters will particularly benefit from the measures implemented near the water: the banks of the waters will remain undeveloped and unused. This will allow trees to grow and their roots will provide solid banks and a natural home for otters. In addition, still waters, streams and moors will be preserved and, if necessary, renaturalized and connected. In this way, wet meadows, waters and moors in the area will also be protected and larger connected areas will be created, giving the otter a larger habitat.

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