River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Detailed Final Report_0.pdf · The project 'River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)' was a pilot phase of more

'River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’

project №15.07.07

KHARKOV - 2009

report

Project: River Otter in Kharkov regionRef №: 15.07.07

Project-leader: Eugene Skorobogatov

Organization-executor:Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Centre ‘OZONE’

Address: App. 24, Geroev Truda St. – 33 'D’Kharkov, 61136Ukrainee-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

1. BACKGROUND

All other otter surveys in Ukraine undertaken since that time were fragmentary and non-comprehensive. At the same time mass media and officials report about the increase of otter numbers in Ukraine making a background for the inclusion of the species in legal hunting list though.

We have noticed repeatedly that local people know little about native nature and don't realize the necessity to protect the environment. We evidenced a lot of unlikely tales about damage by Beaver and Otter produced by local children and adults. Local mass media may get reliable environmental information only rarely and they have no ideas about the sources of such information.

Kharkov region is one of 25 regions in Ukraine. It is situated in north-eastern part of the country and has an area of 31,500 sq. km (Fig.1).

Figure 1. Kharkov region is one of 25 regions in Ukraine. It is situated in north-eastern part of the country and has an area of 31,500 sq. km.

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Eurasian Otter. The wildlife preserve ‘Sochinskiy’ (www.ruschnola.ru)

Our research team has been involved in studies and protection of semi-aquatic mammals (Eurasian Beaver, Russian Desman) and aquatic birds within Kharkov region (North-eastern Ukraine) since 1990. In our routine work we encountered River Otter tracks and signs quite rarely.

River Otter (Lutra lutra L., 1758) is listed in IUCN Red List (NT), European Red List (V) and Ukrainian Red List (II). Nevertheless, the true status of otter population in Ukraine is completely unknown as the last otter survey was made in 1959.

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According to physiographic demarcation Kharkov region is situated at the boundary between southern part of forest-steppe zone and northern steppe zone. Forest-steppe part comprises 46,8% (14,500 sq.km), while steppe part is slightly more than a half of the total region area (53,2% or 17,000 sq.km.).

The population is distributed almost uniformly on the territory of the region irrespective of physiographic demarcation. Thus, all water bodies (and their biota) are under the impact of significant anthropogenic pressure regardless of their location. The negative impact of human activities is exacerbated by the low level of environmental consciousness in local people.

Taking into account this situation we have developed a project 'River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)'. This project was focused on revealing the status of River Otter (distribution pattern, numbers' estimates) in Kharkov region (Ukraine) and on attracting the attention of general public to the problem of otter protection.

As a result of the project implementation we had expected getting reliable information about the distribution pattern (sites with low and high density) and the numbers of otter population in Kharkov region for the first time for 50 years. We had planned to elaborate the Action Plan for Conservation of River Otter in Kharkov region. The Action Plan should be passed to Kharkov regional office of the Ministry for Environmental Protection to develop further conservation actions.

The project 'River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)' was a pilot phase of more ambitious undertaking. In the future, we intend to organize monitoring of otter population in Kharkov region and to undertake similar surveys and conservation actions in adjacent regions to cover a half of Ukrainian territory.

Figure 2.

The distribution of River Otter (Eurasian Otter) within Kharkov region in mid 1950 (according to Korneev, 1959)

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2. MAIN PART

The project aim was to reveal the status of River Otter in Kharkov region (North-eastern Ukraine) and to attract public attention to the species protection.

The following objectives were set for the implementation of the project:

1. To estimate the distribution pattern and numbers of otter population within Kharkov region;

2. To attract the attention of local environmental activists and mass media to the problem of inclusion of otter in legal hunting list and to prolonged exhaustion of food resources for the species;

3. To create a network of local observers and activists for lasting monitoring;

4. To develop an Action Plan for conservation of River Otter in Kharkov region.

2.1. Estimation of the distribution and population size of River Otter in Kharkov region

2.1.1. Methods

Preparatory part

Only having solid data on the size of local otter population and on distribution of otters in Kharkov region it's possible to approach officials (the Ministry for Environmental Protection), scientists and hunters in a well-reasoned manner with an idea on the necessity to protect this animal. Therefore our first task was to undertake the survey and answer the above-mentioned questions.

The method of sampling points (Shanin, 2000; Breaux et al., 2002) was applied when undertaking the survey. The territory of Kharkov region was divided into 21 sub-regions (40 x 40 km). 7 control sub-regions were chosen in different parts of the region (Fig.3).

Figure. 3 The territory of Kharkov region was divided into 21 sub-regions (40 x 40 km).

7 control sub-regions were chosen in different parts of the region.

Forest-steppe part comprises 46,8% (14,500 sq.km) of the region.

steppe part is slightly more than a half of the total region area (53,2% or 17,000 sq.km.)

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In each control sub-region sampling points (SP) were established on every water body classified as otter habitat. According to the protocol it's recommended to survey approximately 50 SP per sub-region. We were able to survey approximately 30 SP per sub-region. It was related to the rarity of places which meet main requirements set by the protocol e.g. the presence of a bridge and access motor road, possibility to approach to water and to check a bank line along the required distance (100-300 meters upstream and 100-300 meters downstream of the bridge sample unit of the SP). The distance between adjacent SPs was 3-15 km.

A bridge near the Dybovie Griady village (Orel’ river, Kharkov region, Ukraine).

It’s typical sample point

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which meet main requirements set by the protocol e.g. the presence of a bridge and access motor road, possibility to approach to water and to check a bank line along the required distance (100-300 meters ups t ream and 100 -300 me te rs downstream of the bridge sample unit of the SP)

Table 1. Distribution of water bodies in Kharkov region by physiographic zones.

Before planning field surveys we have divided all watercourses in Kharkov region into two categories 'middle rivers' (MR) and 'small rivers' (SR). Map analysis showed that hydrographic network within forest-steppe zone is 1,3 times more dense as compared to steppe zone. E.g. the mean length of watercourses related to an area unit (flood-plain coefficient) was 0,076 km/sq.km in forest-steppe and 0,059 km/sq.km in steppe zone (table 1).

Physio-graphic

zone

Area in Kharkov region (S,

sq.km)

Small rivers. Total length

(L, km)

Middle rivers. Total length

(L, km)

The length of surveyed

watercourses to the total length of

watercourses within the zone (%)

Flood-plain coefficient (km/sq.km)

Forest-steppe

14500,0 794,0 306,0 17,0 0,076

Steppe 17000,0 907,0 90,0 17,7 0,059 Total 31500,0 1701,0 396,0 17,3 0,067

The total of 162 km of SR watercourses and 25 km of MR watercourses were surveyed in forest-steppe zone part, while in steppe zone part 176 km of SR watercourses were checked (there were no MR categories in this zone). The total of 205 SP were monitored within 7 sub-regions.

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Field part

Jeep UAZ-469 was rented for transportation of project participants and equipment to travel between SP.

Each SP was surveyed by one of two crews of 2 persons per crew. All SP were divided into 4 sites. Each site was then surveyed by one of crew member (one site upstream and downstream and along right and left banks, accordingly).

All otter signs (tracks, droppings etc.) were recorded. A sampling protocol 'Record ing form for preliminary survey of potential spraint monitoring sites' was filled out at each SP. In a protocol the data on a water body (current velocity, river-bed width, presence and size of ice-holes in a winter time), on riverside features (percent of forest cover, stand composition etc.), and on bank features (gentle/steep, height above water level, soil composition), and also GPS-co-ordinates and a scheme of SP were recorded.

F i n d i n g o f t h e O t t e r signs(Merla river, Kharkov region, Ukraine)

Under the stream crossing. Otter signs can be found here. (Berestovaiya river, Kharkov region, Ukraine)

All these data were then used in the subsequent analysis to check if there is a relation between the otter presence and habitat features at certain flood-plain sites.

Main signs of otter presence were spraints and tracks at river banks. The

footprints of otters were found only on 2 9 , 9 % o f a l l surveyed SP while s p r a i n t s w e r e r e c o r d e d o n 67,5% SP. Both types of signs were found on 18,2% SP. It was very important to discern between tracks and signs of River Otter and American Mink (Mustela vison).

The project participants and researchers of the National Park 'Gomo l ' shansky L i sy ' (Na t iona l Park 'Gomol'shansky Lisy', Kharkov region, Ukraine)

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The spraints of the River Otter have very distinct features which are typical for this mustelid: 1) whitish colour, often with greenish-blue tint; 2) specific strong smell of 'fresh fish' in fresh spraint

Otter spraint (overhead picture) and American Mink spraint (picture on the left)

Most interesting but rare f ind ings were mark ing s i tes (hummocks of the ground or crushed stone) with small pieces of mucous, semi-fluid substance. These findings point to starvation state of the animal who established such marking site.

The spraint (small pieces of mucous, semi-fluid substance) of strongly starving otter (below picture)

The majority of detected otter spraints were found directly at or under a bridgework or 40-70 m upstream/downstream from a

bridge. As the length of surveyed bank sites at each SP was far greater it guaranteed the detection of otter signs if the site was within a home range of certain otter family. These results approve the reliability and efficiency of the applied method.

2.1.2. Survey results

Filed surveys were a source of rough data which then were used to compile a map of the distribution of home ranges of certain otter families on water bodies of 7 control sub-regions.

с All otter signs (tracks, droppings etc.) were recorded. A sampling protocol 'Recording form for preliminary survey of potential spraint monitoring sites' was filled out at each SP.

The most complicated task was to detect the boundaries of otter individual home ranges. The size of different individual home ranges varied greatly. We suppose that the cause is in different food supply (small fish stock in natural water bodies e.g. rivers, flood-plain lakes and greater stock in artificial ponds).

For example, the shortest home range site (№47; Efremovka village, Pervomayskoye district, Kharkov region) was 3,2 km in length and included 2 fishponds and a connection between them by a section of Orel' river (Fig.4).

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Distribution of otter individual home ranges along Orelka river (Kharkov region, Ukraine)

The longest home range site (№33; Rizdvyanka village, Lozovaya district, Kharkov region) was 28 km in length and was situated on Britay river ('small rivers' category) which is not very rich in fish.

Otter signs (old and fresh spraints, footprints) were found at 87,3% of SP. But afterwards the preliminary analysis of the gathered data showed that the numbers are rather low in all control sub-regions. This was evidenced by low rate of the records of otter tracks (29.9% of SP) and fresh spraints. Probably, just low density of the local otter population is a cause for the absense of clear boundaries between individual home ranges. Most probably, in such conditions animals tend to mark feeding and shelter sites first of all not the boundaries of home range itself.

However, the p rob lem o f identification of the boundaries of individual home ranges in otters remains questionable issue for the majority of surveys done in different countries. The protocol offers to use a set of indicators and signs including genetic analysis to detect the boundaries of home range and to identify individuals. But to use any of these indicators long-term monitoring on a certain territory is needed. We have decided that given SP should be treated as a boundary of otter individual hone range if the following criteria are met:

?If otter signs were recorded on SP in question as well as on preceding SPs;

?If the sites between SP in question and the following SP are suitable for otter presence;

?If there are no signs of otter presence on the following Sps.

Figure 4

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Table 2. The distribution of River Otter in Kharkov region according to the data of the survey in 2007-2008 years.

Physiographic zone

Number of Individual home

ranges (IHR)

Mean length of IHR sites, km

Density (ind./10 km) Total numbers (ind.)

MR SR MR SR MR SR

Forest-steppe 2 7 7,5±0,5 15,5±2,3 0,8 0,4 56

Steppe 0 10 - 13,9±3,1 0,6 62

Total 2 17 7,5±0,5 14,5±2,3 0,8 0,5 100-120

According to the results of the analysis of field data gathered within the project we have delineated the boundaries of all otter individual home ranges found within the surveyed territory. The length of individual home range sites was 7-8 km at watercourses of 'middle rivers' category (n=2, M=7,5±0,5), while for 'small rivers' category the same figure was 3,2-28 km (n=17, M=14,5±2,3) (see Table 2). The mean size of otter individual home ranges on small rivers in forest-steppe (n=7, M=15,5±2,3) and steppe zones (n=10, M=13,9±3,1) were similar. But the density of otters on small rivers was 1,5 times higher in steppe zone according to our data (see Table 2).

1- Small rivers in forest-steppe zone; 2 - Middle rivers in forest-steppe zone; 3 – Small rivers in steppe zone; 4 – Middle rivers in steppe zone.

Figure 5. The distribution of River Otter population by watercourses in forest-steppe and steppe zone in Kharkov region (North-eastern Ukraine)

According to our survey 73,1% of the population of River Otter in Kharkov region is concentrated along watercourses of 'small rivers' category. (Fig. 5). Despite potentially favourable habitat conditions at rivers in forest-steppe zone (higher forest cover along river banks hence better shelter conditions) only 27% of local otter population inhabits small rivers within this zone. 46,1% of individuals in the population inhabit small rivers in steppe zone. Taking into account the total

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Every marking site of River Otter was photographed. Eu. Skorobogatov takes a photo of such a marking site (Bereka river, Kharkov region, Ukraine)

Drain-pipe is a suitable place for marking by River Otter (river, Kharkov region, Ukraine).

Berestovaya

Searches for River Otter signs were done using a boat on Seversky Donets river (Seversky Donets river, Kharkov region, Ukraine)

length of small rivers within the surveyed territory mean otter density along water courses of 'small rivers' category in forest-steppe and steppe zone was 0,4 and 0,6 ind./10 km, accordingly.

We may propose the following assumption to explain the above-described pattern. According to our surveys the extent by which river bed of small rivers in forest-steppe zone becomes overgrown by emergent vegetation rarely exceeds 30-50% (Mzha, Gomilsha, Merla rivers). At the same time river bed of small rivers in steppe zone (Bereka, Britay, Orelka, Orel' rivers) is usually overgrown by 80-90% mainly by reeds. High extent of overgrowing of river beds in steppe zone in North-eastern Ukraine often hinders access to water. As a result, the level of anthropogenic pressure on these watercourses decreases (illegal net fishing, hunting, recreation). We have no own data to make our opinion more sound (certainly special research is needed) but probably all these factors contributes to higher fish stock in steppe rivers as compared to forest-steppe rivers. Probably, the otter is more abundant in small rivers of steppe zone because of higher fish stock, lower disturbance risk and better shelter conditions provided by dense riverside reeds.

We estimated the total numbers of River Otters in Kharkov region at 100-120 individuals (though this figure should be treated as very rough). Middle rivers are among favourable habitats of this species. Here the density is 0,8 ind./ 10 km. Small rivers were less attractive as evidenced by 1,5-2 times lower density (Table 2).

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2.2.media to the problem of inclusion of otter in legal hunting list and to prolonged exhaustion of food resources for the species

Attraction of the attention of local environmental activists and mass

2.2.1. Background

After the breakdown of USSR in 1991 year the economic situation in Ukraine which was formerly a part of the USSR changed dramatically. On the one hand, many factories and plants stopped their work (or reduced the intensity of work), the overwhelming majority of large cattle-breeding farms crashed, vast areas of fallow lands appeared instead of croplands. These events contributed to the creation of favourable conditions for the existence and even spreading of small-sized non-game animals e.g. various rodents, small mustelid carnivores etc.

On the other hand, the human population was rapidly differentiated by social status and means. Investments in land lease became very popular. The sites situated at river or pond banks or comparatively untouched, 'wild' sites were much in demand. Poaching (illegal fishing and hunting with use of prohibited tools or means of capture) became widespread, routine and unconcealed.

All these changes took place (and are taking place till now) in conditions of weakening of poorly developed and ineffective system of the state environmental protection service and were coupled with further fall of environmental consciousness of Ukrainian citizens. As a result, the numbers of the populations of big game species and fish stock declined sharply.

The survey of the state of River Otter population in Kharkov region done within the framework of this project has permitted to find out that despite wide distribution over the territory of Kharkov region the numbers of the species are probably rather low (about 120 individuals). Poor state of fish stock in natural water bodies (rivers, flood-plain lakes) impels otters to search food in adjacent commercial fishponds. As many local people are the owners of such fishponds this may be the reason for the creation of unfavourable attitude to otters. Besides, such negative attitude is aggravated by the lack of knowledge on otter ecology e.g. on real demands in food supply and by the absence of any attempts to estimate real losses of commercial fishery from otter predation.

Therefore, the main threat for the existence of River Otter in Kharkov region (as well as in Ukraine as a whole) is the negative attitude of local people to this animal which is the resul t of envi ronmental ignorance in local people.

One of few fishponds within Gomil’sha river plan in the neighborhood of Bol’shaya Gomil’sha village (Kharkov region, Ukraine)

flood-

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2.2.2. Awareness raising work with local people

We consider environmental education and awareness raising activity in local people as main actions in improving attitude towards otters and in stopping persecution of these animals. We think that main efforts should be put into the work with local children who will form a next generation of local people. Why children? Not only this is the most sensitive social group of the population but just these people will be in the focus of decision making in economy and politics in the nearest future. They will formulate new laws and repeal old ones, they will solve environmental problems.

1. Organising special actions at local schools:

2. Spreading the results of the project among representatives of environmental organisations (nature conservation society, state inspectors on environmental protection) and hunters as well as reporting on the results of the project to general public via mass media (regional TV, papers in periodic press).

Actions in local schools

Environmental education actions were organised in local schools in 7 large villages in Kharkov region (1 per 7 sub-regions) which are situated near water bodies where otters certainly live. Not only schoolchildren and teachers were invited but also parents and relatives of schoolchildren.

We hope that this project will stimulate them to put more attention to the problems of environmental protection. Within the framework of this project we have developed a programme to work with local people with the following planned activities:

Environmenta l educat ion act ion in Volchanskyie Khutora village (Kharkov region, Ukraine)

Each action includes a lecture part with a presentation aimed at illustrating main features of otter ecology and otter role in ecosystems in accessible manner. Also the attempts to save otters in di fferent

countries were described. All participants of the action were familiarised with the “River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)” project, the results of the project research, and conclusions made on the base of these results.

Adult otters and their cubs are very funny (www.yaplakal.com)

The special stickers with an image of otter were used for pupil's mark books was carried out within the project.

Title of the sticker: 'We are of one blood, you and I'

Spreading project results

The results of the project surveys were reported at XIV All-Ukrainian mammalogical conference which was held in October 2008 in Kanev nature reserve. On this conference Anatoly Nikolaevich Volokh and Alfred Izraelevich

Dulitsky, key persons in editorial board of the Red Data Book of Ukraine, were present.

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The results of the project attracted much attention from many zoologists and representatives of e n v i r o n m e n t a l

Renown Ukrainian mammalogists (on the left to the right): A.I.Volokh, N . R o z h e n k o , A . I . D u l i t s k y, I.Zagorodnyuk

(conference, October 2008, Kanev, Ukraine)

XIV All-Ukranian mammalogical

The results of the project surveys were reported by Ievgen Skorobogatov (project-leader) at XIV All-Ukrainian mammalogical conference which was held in October 2008 in Kanev nature reserve (Kanev, Ukraine).

organisations who participated in the conference work. These people stressed that it was for the first time for last 50 years to organise a survey for otter distribution and numbers with reliable results. A decision was made to recommend to spread the experience of the project in other regions of Ukraine.

The results of the project were reported to the staff of Kharkov branch of Ukrainian society of hunters and fishers (USHF), to Kharkov office of the Ministry for Environmental Protection and to representatives of Kharkov union of fish farmers. Information on the project results appeared in local newspapers an in regional TV.

Significant success of the project reflected also in abeyance of the decision to open hunting on otters initiated by the state administration of Kharkov region.

The results of the project were reported to the staff of Kharkov branch of Ukrainian society of hunters and fishers (USHF)

Otter is well known as merry, playful and lively animal which is much liked by children. We have focused just on this features of otters when organising actions in local schools. Thus, a distribution of special stickers with an image of merry otter to be used for pupil's mark books was planned within the project.

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We have done a lot of elucidation work with local people, managers and workers at fishponds when implementing field surveys under the project. We discussed the stimuli to develop such a project and the necessity to study and protect otters. Just these talks with local people resulted in gathering many interesting facts on the history of otter spreading in local water bodies and information on sites where this species was observed in different seasons.

All local people show more or less interest to the project in such talks. But only 11 individuals (game-keepers, fishpond managers and schoolchildren) decided to participate in a monitoring network to trace the state of local otter population. Nevertheless, taking into account that the project itself is only a pilot undertaking even such small group of volunteers may be considered as a success.

2.3. Creating a network of local observers for lasting monitoring

We are planning to spread the experience gained in implementing the project to other regions of Ukraine. Highly attractive regions are a forest zone in Ukraine (including Chernobyl accident zone) and a mountain belt of Ukrainian Carpathians. On the one hand, these regions are unique pieces of Ukrainian territory that experienced only negligible anthropogenic load but now becoming attractive for numerous tourist agencies (mountain resorts in Carpathians and safari tours in Chernobyl forests). On the other hand, these regions remained lesser known while Chernobyl zone is a true blank spot for biologists and environmental activists.

3. PROEPECT

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

We are extremely grateful to the Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation Scheme (RSG) for financial help in implementing the project without which it couldn't have been done. It is a great pleasure to express sincere gratitude to Alexey Korshunov, researcher at the Research Institute of Biology, Kharkov university for technical help in expedition trips. We are grateful to the staff of Guty forest enterprise, to owners of fishponds in Zmiev district, Kharkov region, to Roman Pashinyuk, game-keeper in the same region, to local administration and residents countrymen of Orelka village, to villagers of Kreidyanka village of Balakleya district, Kharkov region, and to all those countrymen in other 62 villages in Kharkov with whom we have met when implementing the project. All project participants deserve our sincere thanks.

Environmental Center “Ozone”

ap. 24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d,

Kharkov, 61136,

Ukraine.

Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone”

Action Plan for the protection of Eurasian Otter

(Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region

Compiled by Eugeny Skorobogatov

with the collaboration of Mikhail Banik

Kharkov - 2009

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1. Introduction Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is listed in IUCN Red List (NT), European Red List (V) and

Ukrainian Red List (II). Nevertheless, the true status of Otter population in Ukraine is completely unknown as the last Otter survey was made in 1959.

There were no special surveys of the state of otter populations in Ukraine in following years. Periodically some data were provided by hunters though scanty and of low reliability. However, the process of slow natural dispersion has been continued and it was evident that the species colonised a lot of water bodies in Ukraine to 2007 year. Nevertheless, there were virtually no solid data to estimate the status of the species in Ukraine even roughly. In 2007-2008 years a project “River Otter in Kharkov region” was implemented (owing to the financial support from Rufford Small Grants Scheme) which enables to estimate the status of Eurasian Otter in Kharkov region, Ukraine.

2. Background information

Distribution and population Only own data were used to estimate the state of Eurasian Otter population in Kharkov

region because the latest previous review was dated 1959 year. The current numbers of Eurasian Otter population in Kharkov region are estimated at approximately 120 individuals. Though the numbers are low, Eurasian Otter inhabits almost any river or reservoir in the region but the distribution is rather irregular. The highest numbers were recorded for Seversky Donets river e.g. 0,8 ind. per 10 km of bank line. In small rivers in steppe zone (Britay, Orel’ka, Orel’ rivers) the numbers were about 0,6 ind./ 10 km. The lowest numbers were recorded in small rivers in forest-steppe zone e.g. 0,4 ind./ 10 km (Merla, Gomilsha, Mzha rivers).

Life history

Description Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra L., 1758) are medium-sized (5-13 kg) semi-aquatic territorial

carnivores which feed mainly on aquatic prey and whose habitat is usually linked to the existence of relatively clean freshwater, available shelter (riparian vegetation, rocky structures and others) and abundant prey. The Eurasian Otter has a slender body covered in dense fur, which is mostly brown, paler on the belly and cream-coloured on the chin and throat.

Otters live and forage alongside wetland habitats such as rivers, ponds. They are mainly nocturnal and feed on fish, amphibians, shellfish and occasionally birds and small mammals. Otters live in underground dens called holts, which are often situated amongst the roots of bankside trees, within caves, log piles or holes between rocks. Otters defend territories up to 40 km long depending on food availability and mark their territorial boundaries with small piles of their dung known as spraints.

Threats and limiting factors

Habitat changes To the time no specific limiting parameters of the habitat which can affect habitat selectivity

of the species have been revealed both in Ukrainian and in overseas studies. Presumably,


App.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

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disturbance of the hydrological regime or climatic changes can affect Otter populations only indirectly through impact on the prey of the species e.g. fish and amphibians.

Priority: MEDIUM

Fishing Eurasian Otter is a mainly piscivorous species and, therefore, the possibility for otter family

to live on a certain site of a river or reservoir as well as the size of family is governed by the state of fish stock within the site. Thus, uncontrolled fishing which depletes fish stock affects otters negatively. The use of fish nets on a river or pond poses no direct threat to these animals. But electrofishing (widely applied and the most destroying poacher guns) leads to traumatisation of both juvenile and adult otters.

Priority: HIGH

Environmental ignorance in local people Environmental ignorance and indifference to environmental problems in local people are

among main causes for the current low numbers of otter, slow expansion in last decades and possible stop in range expansion in recent times. The problems of poaching and depletion of fish stock in Kharkov region which were mentioned above are also the results of the indifference of local people to wild nature. Another product of environmental ignorance and lack of knowledge on otter ecology is that local people blame otters for fish decline in rivers and for substantial economic losses in commercial fishery. As a result, fishpond managers and local fishers often hunt on otters.

Priority: HIGH

The current state and recent protection measures Eurasian Otter is listed in IUCN Red List (NT), European Red List (V) and Ukrainian Red

List (II). There were no information on the state of Eurasian Otter in Kharkov region till special

survey of 2007-2008 years. There were no special envisaged or implemented protection measures targeted at this species.

Aim and objectives

Aim To eliminate the existing threats and to create favourable conditions for well-being and

further natural dispersion of Eurasian Otter in rivers and reservoirs in Kharkov region.

Objectives 1. Policy and law 1.1. To encourage in every possible way any actions which are favourable for otter well-

being in Kharkov region.

1.1.1. To promote the implementation of the regional Action Plan for Eurasian Otter.



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It’s necessary to formulate clearly the set of actions for this plan including designation of the organisations which will be responsible for the implementation of certain action.

Priority: HIGH Time span: SHORT

1.1.2. To toughen (to maximise) the responsibility for violating environmental laws.

Priority: HIGH. Time span: SHORT.

1.1.3. Reliability of environmental information.

To attract scientific groups and organisations (being involved in research activity in ecology and having enough experience) to the control of the state of protected areas, certain communities or animal & plant species with an aim of getting reliable data. The attraction of such organisations should be done on mutually beneficial grounds according to Ukrainian laws in force.

Priority: HIGH (NECESSARY) Time span: SHORT / LASTING

2. Control and research 2.1. Long-term monitoring

It’s necessary to launch a long-term monitoring programme for Eurasian Otter distribution and numbers in Kharkov region to reveal the trends and to control the efficiency of protection measures.

2.1.1. To use a standard survey method of sampling points (Shanin 2000; Breaux et al. 2002) to obtain the results which will be comparable with the data gathered within the framework of “River Otter in Kharkov region” projects and with the results of similar studies in other countries.

Priority: HIGH Time span: LONG

2.1.2. To find more distinct signs pointing to boundary-marking behaviour within family (or individual) home ranges of otters. To fulfil this task it’s necessary to organise lasting control within home ranges along Merla, Orel’, Gomolsha rivers. It’s recommended to use the method of winter tracking as an alternative tool for otter surveys.

Priority: HIGH Time span: LONG

2.2. Estimation and monitoring of the state of food supply

2.2.1. To estimate the qualitative and quantitative composition of the food supply (fish stock) for Eurasian Otter in rivers and reservoirs in Kharkov region. The analysis of the fish stock should be done on those sites being within individual home ranges of otters (as indicated in the report on ‘River Otter in Kharkov region’ project) as well as on sites where there are no signs of otter presence.



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2.2.2. To launch a survey of qualitative and quantitative composition of otter diet at commercial fishponds with an aim to estimate the impact of otter predation on commercial fishery.


2.3. To investigate thoroughly flood-plain sites inhabited by otters and those sites where there are no signs of otter presence with an aim to reveal factors influencing habitat preferences of the species.

Priority: MEDIUM Time span: MIDDLE

3. Public awareness 3.1. To rise public awareness of the value of Eurasian Otter and its habitats.

3.1.1. To organise educational campaign in form of “Otter’s Day” in all schools in Kharkov region.

Priority: HIGH Time span: SHORT / LASTING

3.1.2. To encourage local public environmental organisations to perform actions aimed at protection of otter and its habitats.

Priority: HIGH Time span: LASTING

3.1.3. To organise educational campaign targeted at managers and owners of commercial fishponds. To familiarise these people with the results of the survey of otter diet. To establish and maintain contacts with fishpond managers with an aim of timely detection of conflicts in human-otter relationships.

Priority: HIGH Time span: LASTING



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REFERENCES

1. Breaux, A., Zielinski, W. & Kucera, T. 2002. Data Collection Protocol Monitoring River Otter (Lutra [= Lontra] canadensis). Wetlands Regional Monitoring Program Plan 2002. Part 2: Data Collection Protocols. San Francisco Estuary Institute.

2. Chanin, P. 2003. Monitoring the Otter Lutra lutra. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 10. English Nature, Peterborough.

3. Zhyla, S. 2004. Eurasian Otter in Ukraine (in Russ.). 4. Kolesnikov, M.A., Kondratenko, A.V. 2004. Current state of the populations of rare

carnivores of Mustelidae family in South-eastern Ukraine. (in Russ.). 5. Korneev. 1959. Eurasian Otter in Ukraine (in Russ.). 6. Panov, G.M. 2002. Range dynamics and numbers of semi-aquatic fur mammals in Ukraine

in the second half of XX century (in Ukr.). 7. Rozhenko, N.V. 2004. The dynamics and current state of the fauna of carnivorous mammals

in Dniester and Danube deltas (in Russ.). 8. Teresa Sales Luis. 2005. Niche breadth and patterns of distribution and abundance of

Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758) in southern Portugal: Conservation implications.

9. Preston, J., Prodohl, P., Portig, A., Montgomery, I. 2004 Reassessing Otter Lutra lutra distribution in Northern Ireland. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast.

10. Adrian Lloyd Jones. 2002. Species Action Plan. Otter. 11. Barbosa, A.M., Real, R., Ma´ rquez, A.L., Rendo´ n, M.A., 2001. Spatial, environmental and

human in.uences on the distribution of otter (Lutra lutra) in the Spanish provinces. Diversity and Distributions 7, 137–144.

12. Red Data Book of Russian Federation (Animals) (2001). (in Russ.). 13. Scherbak, M.M. (ed.). 1994. Red Data Book of Ukraine. Animals. (in Ukr.). 14. IUCN 2002. 2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.



Documents

River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Detailed Final Report_0.pdf · The project 'River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)' was a pilot phase of more