Speciale I - Miljøministeriet

Abstract
The focus of this report is an analysis of the possibilities for conservation of the otter in
three interconnected Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in West Zealand, and the possibilities
for conservation of the fire-bellied toad in one SAC in East Funen which consists of
two separate areas. A common issue for the two species is that they are severely under
threat and vulnerable in the considered areas. The question is which issues, conditions of
landscape as well as administrative conditions, have an influence on this situation. Additionally,
the instrumental effect the Habitats Directive has on the conservation of species
under threat of extinction in Denmark is investigated.
While bearing these issues in mind, the main purpose of the study is to identify barriers, be
they the conditions of the landscape or the administrative conditions, in relation to the
achievement of the aim of the Habitats Directive to maintain a favourable conservation
status for the two species. Considering to these issues it is furthermore a purpose to put forward
a number of recommendations and specific proposals for beneficial measures, which
can contribute to the conservation of the species.
By means of a cartographical analysis, barriers in the conditions of the landscape are identified
in the studied areas in relation to the two species differing needs of habitat and dispersal.
Subsequently, their conservation status in the SAC’s is evaluated in relation to
DMU’s criteria for a favourable conservation status. The identification of administrative
barriers will take place through an analysis of what conditions influence the implementation
of the Habitats Directive in Denmark. This including, what impact administrative traditions
have had on the result of the implementation? The proposals for the beneficial
measures are based on the extracted knowledge of both parts of analysis.
The primary conclusion from the study is that there are only a small number of barriers,
administrative and landscape conditions, to meeting the needs of habitat and dispersal in
West Zealand. A factor in securing a favourable conservation status for the otter is the
prevalence of individuals and a release of otter is therefore recommended.
With regard to the fire-bellied toad in East Funen both administrative and landscape conditions
have been found to set up barriers of fundamental significance for the conservation of
the species. They consist primarily of an intensive land use in the studied area which
makes exchange of individuals between the two parts of the SAC impossible, an insufficient
quality of the habitat, and a lack of habitats. With a reference to these issues, two
scenarios have been put forward which in different ways can secure a favourable conservation
status for the fire-bellied toad.