Inventaire de quatre espèces rares et menacées d’extinction (loutre, martin-pêcheur, moule perlière et mulette de rivière) dans le Parc naturel Hautes-Fagnes Eifel Troisième partie : EVALUATION DE L’HABITAT EN FONCTION DES IMPERATIFS DE PROTECTION DE LA LOUTRE (LUTRA LUTRA) DANS LE BASSIN DE L’OUR

In the past, the otter was present in rivers where fish were abundant. At present, it is rare in the Walloon Region. However, other populations are increasing in France (Loire) and in Germany. It is gaining basins where the distance between us is less and less for Belgium. Detailed maps ( 1/10000 th) of the potential otter day-resting places are presented as well as a synthetic map of their distribution and concentration in the entire catchment. Restoration priorities are mapped too on the basis of this synthetic map and of the hierarchy of the next objectives:
1. restoring the continuity of the “otter-friendly” habitats along the whole course of the main river (Our);
2. restoring the connections between the river Our basin and the nearest other ones (river Ourthe catchment in particular);
3. restoring the connections between the main course and potential feeding areas located on the upper part of some tributaries (frog areas and big ponds).
Synthetic maps of the priority zones are presented too and general proposals are made in what concerns habitat protection and restoration.