Rohner Simon, Wohlsein Peter, Prenger-Berninghoff Ellen, Ewers Christa, Waindok Patrick, Strube Christina, Baechlein Christine, Becher Paul, Wilmes Dunja, Rickerts Volker, Siebert Ursula
Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
Animals (Basel). 2021 Dec 28;12(1):59. doi: 10.3390/ani12010059.
In times of massive biodiversity loss and ongoing environmental crises, it is extremely important to ensure long-term conservation efforts of threatened species like Eurasian otters (). To gain insights into the status of Northern Germany's otter population, 92 otters found dead in Schleswig-Holstein between 2015-2020 were collected and underwent detailed dissection with the aim to establish a monitoring program for this population. Examinations followed a protocol especially designed for otters, including various biological data assessments and extended sampling. The finding sites showed a clear concentration in the Continental region. Seasonal concentration differed among the years, yet peaks were seen from fall to winter. Overall, more males than females were found, although this differed among the years. The majority of otters that could be aged were between 1-3 years. Placental scars and pregnancy were recorded in only few females. Nutritional status was good in most cases. Infectious diseases found included , , and spp. A major cause of death was roadkill. Known sample bias in studies focusing on roadkill was considered in the finding interpretation. Continuation of the population health investigations is mandatory to analyze potential trends and to establish an actual monitoring program for Eurasian otters in Schleswig-Holstein.
在生物多样性大量丧失和环境危机持续的时代，确保对欧亚水獭等濒危物种进行长期保护工作极为重要。为深入了解德国北部水獭种群的状况，收集了2015年至2020年间在石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因州发现死亡的92只水獭，并对其进行详细解剖，目的是为该种群建立一个监测计划。检查遵循专门为水獭设计的方案，包括各种生物学数据评估和扩展采样。发现地点在大陆地区明显集中。各年份的季节集中情况有所不同，但秋季到冬季出现高峰。总体而言，发现的雄性水獭多于雌性水獭，不过各年份情况有所差异。大多数可确定年龄的水獭在1至3岁之间。仅在少数雌性水獭中记录到胎盘疤痕和怀孕情况。大多数情况下营养状况良好。发现的传染病包括……以及……属物种。主要死亡原因是被车辆撞死。在结果解读中考虑了专注于道路死亡的研究中已知的样本偏差。必须继续进行种群健康调查，以分析潜在趋势并为石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因州的欧亚水獭建立实际监测计划。
