Otter Survey of Latvia and Natura 2000 Sites 2020–2023

Nature Conservation Agency agreement No. 7.7/248/2020

Main tasks:

1. Registration of otter tracks and signs in 652 10 × 10 km squares, according to the otter survey and Natura 2000 methodology.
2. In Natura 2000 sites otter survey must be carried out in 70 specially protected nature territories. Gauja National Park, Ķemeri National Park, nature reserve "Lubāna mitrājs", nature reserve "Dubnas paliene" and nature park "Adamovas ezers" should be inspected first.
3. Registration and aggregation of incidental observations/reports about dead otters.
4. Organization of seminar in order to widen society participation in the reporting otter evidences and to develop an informer network that would include pond owners, hunters, fishermen and other society members.
5. Evaluation and update of information in Natura 2000 standard data form concerning otters in order to check if data corespod to the current situations in nature.
6. Update of the Otter population status in Latvia in European Commission report on species and habitat status, as defined by the Council of Europe Directive 92/43/EEK of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
7. To prepare yearly reports summarizing gathered data and carrying out data analyses and interpretation. To evaluate otter status in Natura 2000 territories and the whole country, and compare it with the information given in the report to European Commission on the Otter population status in Latvia in 2013–2018. To give recommendations for further protection and management of otters and their habitats. Interpretation of monitoring results should be done in connection with monitoring data of other species relevant to otters (fish, amphibians).

Actualities

1. 23.11.2020. Otter monitoring 2020–2023 has started: Wildlife management department of LSFRI "Silava" has started "Otter monitoring 2020–2023", funded by the Nature Conservation Agency. In 2020 these tasks are carried out:
   (i) registration of otter tracks and signs in 52 10 × 10 km squares in the whole country,
   (ii) otter monitoring in three Natura 2000 territories: Gauja National Park, Ķemeri National Park, nature reserve "Lubāna mitrājs",
   (iii) registration and aggregation of incidental observations/reports about dead otters,
   (iv) organization of seminar in order to widen society participation in otter monitoring and to develop an informer network that would include pond owners, hunters, fishermen and other society members.