The young otter that was found injured on the road in September by the employees of the Skadar Lake National Park, after more than a month of treatment, was returned to its natural habitat - healthy and recovered.
Belma Šestović, an expert associate for the protection of mammal fauna, pointed out that the National Parks (NPCG) owe a great deal of gratitude to the team of experts from a veterinary clinic in Podgorica, who made an effort to save the otter.
"We are proud of the employees from the Service for Ambient Hygiene and Infrastructure of Skadar Lake NP who reacted immediately and adequately handed the otter into the right hands. This is the first rescued otter in Montenegro and I would say that it is an indicator of the strengthening of environmental awareness. If we remember the case from a year and a half ago and compare it with this one - where a large number of citizens were daily interested in the condition of the otter, and many offered help - we can say that there is progress and results from our education and the efforts we invest in the field when raising awareness about the protection of the animals in question," Šestović said, as reported by the CG News agency.
She again appealed to drivers to adjust their driving and pay special attention to the section from Vranjina to Virpazar.
She said that the NPCG will continue to make efforts to monitor the population of this species in the area of NP Skadarsko jezero. "We are also considering the best solution for a safer crossing of animals to the other side of the lake. As for this individual, I hope that he will enjoy the beauty of the lake and that he will swim in our waters for a long time," said Šestović.
The coordinator of NP Skadar Lake Tomislav Ukšanović reminded that the employees of the Environmental Hygiene and Infrastructure Maintenance Service found the injured otter on September 18, and with the quick reaction and coordination of the employees, it was transported to the infirmary for treatment. "Although the treatment process was uncertain, this young female managed to recover with the great effort and dedication of the NPCG Professional Service as well as the veterinary facility".
The otter is a legally protected species. It has NT (Near Threatened) status and the population trend is decreasing compared to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is on the list of the Habitats Directive, the list of the Bern and Bonn Conventions. In Montenegro, it is protected according to the Decision on placing certain plant and animal species under protection (Official Gazette of the Republic of Montenegro No. 76/06).
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