European Otters - Clever Swimmers (209/268)

European Otters - Clever Swimmers (209/268)

Otters still belong to the most endangered mammal species in Europe. A project in Lower Bavaria is intended to again interconnect various otter populations in Europe as well as to improve the natural immigration conditions for the animals. The interconnection of up to now isolated populations is of immense importance as the interchange of the genes is a basis for the conservation of the biological diversity. Therefore, road bridges which are suitable for otters are a focal point of a project in Bavaria as otters have a specific characteristic which is often fatal for them: when a bridge narrows the course of running waters, the flow conditions as well as the sound intensity in the water changes. Situations like that cause the otters to leave the water and to cross the streets which unavoidably results in problems concerning the traffic. In order to enable the animals to safely cross streets, they need large stones or guardrails under the road which they can use as stepping stones as otherwise they chose the life-threatening way across the street which oftentimes leaves helpless pups. One of those foundlings is being raised right now in the outdoor enclosure of the national park Bavarian Forest.

The following new episodes are available:

• Jaguar Safari
  

• The Guinea Pig and his Grumpy Neighbors
• Raccoon Party
• Tiger Country
• Portugal - The Return of the Wild Creatures