Hankensbüttel Otter Centre
Encyclopedia
The Otter Centre in Hankensbüttel
in the German district of Gifhorn is a nature experience centre, that is laid out in 6 hectares (14.8 acre) of open land by a lake known as the Isenhagener See. The Otter Centre showcases the European Otter
which is a species threatened by extinction, as well as several related species of marten
, in a natural environment. The centre is run by the Aktion Fischotterschutz ("Otter Conservation Project"), a state-recognised nature conservation organisation, and is a popular tourist and visitor destination on the southern edge of the Lüneburg Heath
.
in the Harz mountains. Claus Reuther, an official of the Forestry Commission, played a leading role, setting up the Aktion Fischotterschutz in Braunlage
in 1979 which took part in the scientific investigation programme. When the project ended in 1986 the group conceived the idea for an otter centre, which was opened in Hankensbüttel in 1988. As a result it changed from an otter conservation group into a state-recognised nature conservation organisation. The instigator of the Otter Centre was Claus Reuther who became its head from the outset. The facility suffered a setback in 1993 when there was a serious fire in the main building. Reuther was accused of causing the fire but was cleared by the court in 1995. He died in 2004.
, in the enclosures. The presentation of several species in this way is unique. The species include:
The enclosures are:
The animal pens and habitats are based on the animals' native environment. There are the following habitats:
The educational games vary considerably. A 'red thread' leads through the Otter Centre past a series of folding question boards where visitors can put their own knowledge to the test.
station is also suitable for other species.
In addition the young animals born in captivity are generally conceived and born on the research terrain in order to ensure the pregnant females can give birth in an environment which is as peaceful as possible.
has been revitalised and made to resemble a natural environment. This pilot project was promoted by the Federal Environment Ministry.
An important principle with this type of biotope conservation is not to put large areas out of bounds, but to work in cooperation and understanding with local residents. So agricultural use is not banned, but encouraged along lines compatible with nature. This means in practice that only the strips along the river banks must remain completely out of bounds, whilst the remainder of the land can be used for grassland cultivation.
Hankensbüttel
Hankensbüttel is a municipality in the Samtgemeinde Hankensbüttel in the district of Gifhorn, Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated approx. 25 km south of Uelzen, and 30 km north of Gifhorn.-History:...
in the German district of Gifhorn is a nature experience centre, that is laid out in 6 hectares (14.8 acre) of open land by a lake known as the Isenhagener See. The Otter Centre showcases the European Otter
European Otter
The European Otter , also known as the Eurasian otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter and Old World otter, is a European and Asian member of the Lutrinae or otter subfamily, and is typical of freshwater otters....
which is a species threatened by extinction, as well as several related species of marten
Marten
The martens constitute the genus Martes within the subfamily Mustelinae, in family Mustelidae.-Description:Martens are slender, agile animals, adapted to living in taigas, and are found in coniferous and northern deciduous forests across the northern hemisphere. They have bushy tails, and large...
, in a natural environment. The centre is run by the Aktion Fischotterschutz ("Otter Conservation Project"), a state-recognised nature conservation organisation, and is a popular tourist and visitor destination on the southern edge of the Lüneburg Heath
Lüneburg Heath
The Lüneburg Heath is a large area of heath, geest and woodland in northeastern part of the state of Lower Saxony in northern Germany. It forms part of the hinterland for the cities of Hamburg, Hanover, and Bremen and is named after the town of Lüneburg. Most of the area is a nature reserve...
.
History
The Otter Centre originated in the Fischotter-Forschungsgehege Oderhaus ("Oderhaus Otter Research Station") which the Lower Saxon Forestry Commission established in 1979 near Sankt AndreasbergSankt Andreasberg
Sankt Andreasberg is a town and a former municipality in the district of Goslar, in Lower Saxony, Germany. Since 1 November 2011, it is part of the town Braunlage. It is situated in the Harz, approximately 7 km west of Braunlage proper, and 20 km east of Osterode am Harz.- History :Sankt...
in the Harz mountains. Claus Reuther, an official of the Forestry Commission, played a leading role, setting up the Aktion Fischotterschutz in Braunlage
Braunlage
Braunlage is a town and health resort in the Goslar district in Lower Saxony in Germany. It lies within the Harz mountain range, south of the Brocken.Nowadays Braunlage's main business is tourism, particularly ski tourists...
in 1979 which took part in the scientific investigation programme. When the project ended in 1986 the group conceived the idea for an otter centre, which was opened in Hankensbüttel in 1988. As a result it changed from an otter conservation group into a state-recognised nature conservation organisation. The instigator of the Otter Centre was Claus Reuther who became its head from the outset. The facility suffered a setback in 1993 when there was a serious fire in the main building. Reuther was accused of causing the fire but was cleared by the court in 1995. He died in 2004.
Awards and prizes
The Otter Conservation Project and Hankensbüttel Otter Centre have won many prestigious national and international awards and prizes for their conservation work including:- The World Wildlife Fund "Award for Conservation Merit" presented by Prince Philip in 1982
- The "Emmy and Karl Kaus Prize for Animal Conservation" in 1987
- The Nature Conservation Prize from the German Hunting Federation in 1990
- An "Honourable Mention" as part of the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 1990
- The Lower Saxony Prize for Contributions to Nature and Hunting in 1992
- An Honorary Certificate for Project Otter Centre as part of the European Environment Prize in 1992
- The Brauerei Feldschlößchen Nature Conservation Prize for the ISE project in 1999
- 1st Prize in the "Regions of the Future" competition run by the German Ministry of TransportFederal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (Germany)The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development is a Ministry of Germany.It was created in 1998 by merger of the former Federal Ministry of Transport and the Federal Ministry of Regional Planning, Building and Urban Development, both established in 1949...
in 2000 - Its "Regional Training Centre for Sustainable REBINA" selected as an official project in the "Creation of Sustainable Development 2005-2014" world decade by the German UNESCO Commission in 2005
- Selected as one of the 365 places in the national initiative "Germany - Land of Ideas" in 2006 supported by the German Cabinet and the Confederation of German Industry (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie) (BDI) and came under the patronage of the BundespräsidentBundespräsidentBundespräsident is the German language title for:* The President of Austria * The President of Germany...
, Horst KöhlerHorst KöhlerHorst Köhler is a German politician of the Christian Democratic Union. He was President of Germany from 2004 to 2010. As the candidate of the two Christian Democratic sister parties, the CDU and the CSU, and the liberal FDP, Köhler was elected to his first five-year term by the Federal Assembly on...
. Out of 1,200 applications it won the opportunity to be presented as part of the initiative at the 2006 Football World Cup to national and international audiences. - Its research and development plan "Creation of Sustainable Development - Positioning of Nature Conservation" selected as an official project in the "Creation of Sustainable Development 2005-2014" world decade by the German UNESCO Commission in 2007.
Animals and habitat
The otters are kept in large, enclosures with a nearly natural habitat of streams and ponds. In addition there are various species of marten, nearest cousins of the otterEuropean Otter
The European Otter , also known as the Eurasian otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter and Old World otter, is a European and Asian member of the Lutrinae or otter subfamily, and is typical of freshwater otters....
, in the enclosures. The presentation of several species in this way is unique. The species include:
- BadgerBadgerBadgers are short-legged omnivores in the weasel family, Mustelidae. There are nine species of badger, in three subfamilies : Melinae , Mellivorinae , and Taxideinae...
- StoatStoatThe stoat , also known as the ermine or short-tailed weasel, is a species of Mustelid native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip...
- PolecatEuropean polecatThe European polecat , also known as the black or forest polecat , is a species of Mustelid native to western Eurasia and North Africa, which is classed by the IUCN as Least Concern due to its wide range and large numbers. It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark...
- Beech MartenBeech MartenThe beech marten , also known as the stone marten or white breasted marten, is a species of marten native to much of Europe and Central Asia, though it has established a feral population in North America. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN on account of its wide distribution, its large...
- Pine Marten (only pine marten enclosure in Europe)
The enclosures are:
- Badger hill with 17 m long visitor tunnel
- Otter pond
- Otter waterfall
- Otter brook with underwater viewing points and observation platform
- Beech marten house
- Beech marten barn
- Pine marten enclosure
- Polecat shed
- OtterhoundOtterhoundThe Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.-Appearance:The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head. Originally bred for hunting, it has great strength and a strong body with long striding steps....
kennels
The animal pens and habitats are based on the animals' native environment. There are the following habitats:
- Village
- Swamp
- Hedgerow landscapes
- Standing water (fish ponds and lakes)
- Streams
- Woods with boardwalk at a height of 3.5 m
Visitors
Around 100,000 visitors flock to the Otter Centre annually (according to their own figures). The establishment runs about 60 special events each year, especially for children, e.g. "Life as a Red Indian", "In the Stone Age", "In a Viking Camp" etc. Visitor facilities include: a visitors' hall, boat hire, otter shop, restaurant and pub.Environment
The Centre provides environmental education through practical learning and experimentation. Visitors are given a closer insight into environmental and nature conservation throughout the entire site based on the motto Play and Learn. To that end there is a range of mechanical equipment, which help to illustrate various facts - for example, visitors can feed a wooden beech marten with magnetic picture plate in order to find out which food this animal actually eats.The educational games vary considerably. A 'red thread' leads through the Otter Centre past a series of folding question boards where visitors can put their own knowledge to the test.
Research
In addition to disseminating information, the Otter Centre is also dedicated to research, most of which takes place on land separated from the public areas. The research enclosures are focussed on the requirements of otters and are all provided with ponds, whilst the smaller internal enclosure of the attached quarantineQuarantine
Quarantine is compulsory isolation, typically to contain the spread of something considered dangerous, often but not always disease. The word comes from the Italian quarantena, meaning forty-day period....
station is also suitable for other species.
In addition the young animals born in captivity are generally conceived and born on the research terrain in order to ensure the pregnant females can give birth in an environment which is as peaceful as possible.
Biotope conservation
The Otter Centre buys or rents land with running water at various places in Lower Saxony in order to develop secluded habitats for otters. For example a canalised water system on the IseIse (river)
The Ise is a roughly 50 km long, almost natural river in East Lower Saxony, Germany, which crosses the district of Gifhorn from north to south and discharges into the Aller at Gifhorn itself.- Course :...
has been revitalised and made to resemble a natural environment. This pilot project was promoted by the Federal Environment Ministry.
An important principle with this type of biotope conservation is not to put large areas out of bounds, but to work in cooperation and understanding with local residents. So agricultural use is not banned, but encouraged along lines compatible with nature. This means in practice that only the strips along the river banks must remain completely out of bounds, whilst the remainder of the land can be used for grassland cultivation.
Sources
- Claus Reuther: Das Otter-Zentrum Hankensbüttel. In: Museen und Ausflugsziele im Raum Gifhorn-Wolfsburg, Gifhorn 1989
- Claus Reuther, Willfried Janßen: Habitat Arbeitsberichte der Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V. Hankensbüttel 1993, ISBN 3-927650-05-6
- Albert Spletto: Zu Besuch im Otter-Zentrum. Hankensbüttel 1996, ISBN 3-927650-15-3
- Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V.: Otter-Post, viermal jährlich seit 1979