Hankensbüttel Otter Centre
The Otter Centre in Hankensbuettel in Gifhorn is a nature experience center, which is located on a six acre open-air site at Isenhagener lake. The Otter-Zentrum presents the endangered species of otters, as well as several related marten species in natural surroundings. The interior is organized by the club action Fischotterschutz, a nationally recognized conservation organization operated, and is a popular excursion destination on the southern edge of the Lüneburg Heath.
History
The origins of the Otter Centre are to be found in the otter enclosure or research house, which established the Lower Saxony Forest Service 1979 Saint Andrew in the Harz Mountains. Significantly involved was Claus Reuther as an official in Lower Saxony state forest administration. On the scientific study program also founded in 1979 Braunlage action Fischotterschutz was involved eV, which Reuther had been launched. In 1986, when the project was completed, the club drew up a scheme for an otter center, which was opened in 1988 in Hankensbuettel. In this case, the association of a pure Fischotterschutz club transformed into a state-approved conservation organization. Initiator of the Otter Centre was Claus Reuther, who was also its director since the beginning. A setback suffered by the establishment in 1993 by a fire heavy losses of the main building. Reuther was suspected of arson, but acquitted in 1995. He died in 2004.
Selected Landmark 2006
, 2006, elected the initiative Germany - Land of ideas Otter center as one of the "365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas". It won the opportunity to present themselves to the national and international audience at the FIFA World Cup 2006 among 1,200 applicants. The initiative was supported by the Federal Government and the Federal Association of German Industry ( BDI) and was under the patronage of Federal President Horst Köhler.
Animals and habitats
The otters are kept in spacious landscaped enclosure near-natural systems to watercourses and ponds. There are also different in enclosures marten species as closest relative of the otter. The presentation of several species is unique in this way.
- Badger
- Stoat ( ermine single outdoor enclosure in the world)
- Polecat
- Stone marten
- Pine Marten ( single pine marten - free enclosure in Europe )
Cage system are:
- Roof hill 17 meters long tunnel Visitors
- Otter Pond
- Otter Falls
- Otter creek with underwater observatory and observation deck
- Stone Marten House
- Stone marten Barn
- Pine Marten - enclosure
- Iltis shed
- Otter dog - kennel
The fauna and habitats are modeled on the natural environment of the animals. There are habitats:
- Village
- Swamp
- Hedgerows
- Standing water ( ponds and ponds )
- Watercourses
- Forest Tour in 3.5 meters
Visitor
Environmental Education
The device employs the concept of environmental education through hands-on learning and experimentation. Throughout the premises, visitors are brought close to environmental and nature protection under the slogan Games and Learn. To this end, there are a number of mechanical devices which help to clarify matters - so you can, for example, feed a wooden stone marten with magnetic Slide image to see what food this species actually takes.
The learning games sometimes differ greatly from each other, as a " red thread " but runs a series hinged question mark by the Otter Centre, where you can put his own knowledge to the test.
Research
In addition to the provision of information is dedicated to the Otter-Zentrum also the research, which is largely operated in an area away from traffic area area. The research enclosures are based on the requirements of the otter and are all equipped with ponds, while the smaller inner enclosure of the affiliated quarantine station are also suitable for other species.
In addition, the offspring of Fischotterschutz action are conceived and born to provide the pregnant vixens a quiet environment possible for birth usually on the research area.
Habitat protection
The Otter-Zentrum bought or leased at various locations in Lower surfaces on watercourses in order to develop them to Otter resting rooms. We also find the channelized river system of Ise was revitalized and designed close to nature. The pilot project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
An important principle in this form of habitat protection is not a large area to shut off the protected areas, but to rely on co-operation and understanding of residents: Agricultural use is not prohibited, but directed in nature-friendly tracks. Specifically, this means that only the riparian strips remain completely untouched, while extensive grassland management can be operated on the remaining surface.