OTTER SPOTTER App

Evidence of the Eurasian otter can be reported across Europe using the OTTER SPOTTER app, either as a chance discovery or through active tracking.

The Otter Protection Association (Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V.) has been operating a database for almost 20 years, compiling otter sightings from across Europe. For this purpose, an extensive network of volunteer trackers has been established, who are regularly trained in seminars and thus contribute significantly to the success of the data collection. In 2016, the system was supplemented by the OTTER SPOTTER online portal. The Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V. (Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V.) verifies the data and shares it with authorities or institutions committed to nature conservation and the protection of the otter.

Participation in the OTTER SPOTTER basic course is required to conduct systematic mapping (further information at www.otterspotter.de). Incidental sightings can be entered without prior training, but appropriate documentation must be provided. Dead animals, in particular, play an important role for the association in identifying potential threats to otters and, if possible, remedying them. The app also allows offline recording of finds. Maps can be downloaded for this purpose.

This app is not a standalone application, but rather a complement to the existing offerings of the OTTER SPOTTER website and database. A detailed description of the app, as well as further information about the association and OTTER SPOTTER, can be found on the following websites: 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) within the framework of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the County of Grafschaft Bentheim, the Nature Conservation Foundation of the Emsland District, and the href="https://dr-schmidt-stiftung.de/">Dr. Joachim and Hanna Schmidt Foundation for Environment and Transport.