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Environmental Center “Ozone” ap. 24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” Project report № 15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine) Kharkov - 2009 Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 2 of 16 Project: River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine) Ref №: 15.07.07 Organization-executor: Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Centre ‘OZONE’ Address: App. 24, Geroev Truda St. – 33 'D’ Kharkov, 61136 Ukraine e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project-leader: Eugene Skorobogatov Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ 1. Page 3 of 16 BACKGROUND Our research group team has been involved in studies and protection of semiaquatic 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. 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 24 regions in Ukraine. It is situated in north-eastern part of the country and has an area of 31,500 sq. km (Fig.1). 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 Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 4 of 16 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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ 2. Page 5 of 16 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). Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 6 of 16 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. 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 foreststeppe and 0,059 km/sq.km in steppe zone (table 1). Table 1. Distribution of water bodies in Kharkov region by physiographic zones. Physiographic zone Foreststeppe Steppe Total Area in Small Middle Kharko rivers. Total rivers. Total v region length length (S, (L, km) (L, km) sq.km) 14500,0 794,0 306,0 The length of surveyed watercourses to the total length of watercourses within the zone (%) 17,0 17000,0 31500,0 907,0 1701,0 90,0 396,0 17,7 17,3 Flood-plain coefficient (km/sq.km) 0,059 0,067 0,076 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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 7 of 16 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 ‘Recording 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, riverbed 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-coordinates and a scheme of SP were recorded. 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 29,9% of all surveyed SP while spraints were recorded on 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 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. Most interesting but rare findings were marking sites (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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 8 of 16 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. 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). 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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 9 of 16 However, the problem of 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. Table 2. The distribution of River Otter in Kharkov region according to the data of the survey in 2007-2008 years. Physiogra phic zone Number of Individual home ranges (IHR) Mean length of IHR sites, km Density (ind./10 km) MR SR MR SR MR SR Foreststeppe 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 0,5 100-120 0,8 Total numbers (ind.) 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 Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 10 of 16 ‘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). 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 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 3050% (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 Northeastern 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, Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 11 of 16 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). 2.2. Attraction of 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 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 smallsized 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 Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 12 of 16 consciousness of Ukrainian citizens. As a result, the numbers of the populations of big game species and fish stock declined sharply. Threats for River Otter in Ukraine Despite costly fur River Otter is of no interest as game species for Ukrainian hunter today due to absence of strong demand in fur. Lack of hunting pressure on otters in Ukraine along with presence of well-developed network of water bodies (rivers and reservoirs) contributed to the spread of the species in Kharkiv region to the end of XX century. Such expansion had been evidenced by numerous reports about cases of records of otters throughout Kharkov region since 1990s. Such situation appears to be favourable unless a growing amount of communications about hunting on otters. Our preliminary survey revealed that managers of fishponds and some local fishers indeed shoot or catch otters by traps when an opportunity occurs. These people are convinced that just otter predation is a main cause of heavy losses in fish stock in water bodies in recent years. 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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 13 of 16 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 result of environmental ignorance in local people. 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. 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: 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. Each action includes a Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 14 of 16 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 different 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. 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. 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. The results of the project attracted much attention from many zoologists and representatives of environmental 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 Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 15 of 16 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. 2.3. Creating a network of local observers for lasting monitoring 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. 1. PROSPECTS 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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Project report №15.07.07 ‘River Otter (Lutra lutra) in Kharkov region (Ukraine)’ Page 16 of 16 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. Nongovernmental Organization Environmental Center “Ozone” app.24, Geroev Truda Sreet 33-d, Kharkov, 61136, Ukraine. Tel.: +380 572 690 690 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]