The NGO Green Home, in cooperation with the NGO Wildlife Montenegro and PPNEA from Albania, is implementing the project “Upgrading the status of the otter (Lutra lutra) and its habitat on Lake Skadar”. The project is implemented at the cross-border level with the aim of improving the protection of this species, and it is implemented with the support of the managers of this area.

As part of the project, the implementation of which began in September last year, cross-border monitoring of otters (Lutra lutra) was carried out, which included 55 locations along the Montenegrin coast and 35 locations along the Albanian coast of Lake Skadar.

The preliminary results of the research showed the existence of otter activity in every other location, while the negative findings were mostly in areas that are not suitable for monitoring or are under certain anthropogenic pressure.

The importance of this monitoring is significant from several aspects. First of all, the monitoring results are an ecological indicator, as confirmation of the presence of otters can indicate the health of aquatic ecosystems, while also enabling the identification of key habitats that are important for the survival of otters. Valuable data provided by monitoring results can be useful for future planning and implementation of habitat protection measures.

The otter is a species extremely adapted to aquatic ecosystems. According to the IUCN status in the Mediterranean area, it belongs to the NT (Near Threatened) category, whose population is in decline.

The activities of this project aim to improve monitoring and protection of otters, to optimize monitoring sites (monitoring points) and to provide key information for future conservation actions through the protected areas of this region. In addition, the project will inform the public about otter ecology and how they can contribute by participating through “citizen science”.

The project is financially supported by the European Union through the Best Belt project.