The invasive species conquers Europe. Farmers are counting losses
At first glance, brown, cute creations with characteristic orange teeth constantly acquire new areas of Europe. Although they seem harmless, they have become one of the more serious ecological challenges on our continent. In some places in the world, you are suggested to hunt nutrie and obtain their meat.
The expansion of nutria, also known as swamp beavers, supported by climate change and lack of natural enemies, is a threat to both the environment and agriculture. How did this happen and how to deal with it?
Exotic guests from the south
Nutrie (Myocastor Coypus) comes from South America, where they occur naturally in moist and wetlands. They came to Europe in the nineteenth century as part of the developing fur industry. Initially, they were bred on farms for valuable fur, which – before it lost its popularity – was particularly valued in fashion and textile industry. Over time, as a result of escape and deliberate release, nutries settled in the natural environment and spread throughout the continent.
Nutria’s fur trade in flourish in the 20th century, but when the demand for products from their hair fell, these animals began to be a growing ecological problem. As experts note, many individuals escaped from farms, where living conditions did not guarantee an effective migration limitation.
How to recognize a nutria?
At first glance, they can be mistaken for beavers, but they are smaller and have other anatomical features. Nutria reaches a length of up to 60 centimeters and weighs between four and nine kilograms. Her tail resembles a rat, and the hind legs are membranous – adapted to live in water. However, orange incisors pay the most attention – they contain oxidized iron, making them extremely hard.
Although they are often found in urban channels, water reservoirs and in the park areas, caution should be exercised – they can be aggressive, especially in the face of threat.
Are nutrie dangerous?
“Their long, sharp incisors can stick deep into the body and cause serious injuries.” – experts warn. Although they usually avoid contact with people and are active at night, they can attack in a stressful situation. They are also a potential source of parasites and bacteria that can be dangerous to people and pets.
However, the greatest threat is the influence of Nutria on the environment and agriculture. Nutrie is extremely voracious – every day they can eat a amount of food equal to 25% of their body weight. Their diet includes cereals, root plants, cuttings, especially roots and young shoots, which leads to degradation of crops and natural habitats. What is rare in nature – they can also devastate more vegetation than they need for survival.
Invasive strength in Europe
Unlike beavers, nutries do not belong to the native fauna of Europe. The lack of natural enemies makes them reproduce at an alarming rate. The female nutria can give birth to an average of 15 young a year in several litters. The average life expectancy in nature is six years, which gives great reproductive capabilities.
Since 2016, nutries have been inscribed on the EU list of invasive foreign species that cause anxiety. According to the provisions of this directory, restrictions on “keeping, importing, sales, breeding, cultivation and release to the environment are required.
Climate change is additionally conducive to the expansion of the species. The warmer winters, caused by global warming, allow them to move to the north of the continent. At the same time, their presence contributes to the decline in the population of the musk – another invasive species with which they compete for habitats.
On the front line
Germany currently has particularly serious problems with Nutria. In North Rhine-Westphalia or Lower Saxony, a systematic increase in their number is recorded, which leads to damage to agriculture and water infrastructure. Channels, flood embankments and river slopes are weakened by digging NORS, which may result in flooding and damage to drainage systems.
The authorities of some regions decided to actively control the population, including Through seals and shot. For example, in 2022, over 40,000 individuals were liquidated in the Lower Saxony region alone. According to the data “Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten-und Natschutz”, the cost of removing damage caused by Nutrie was over 2.5 million euros in 2023.
Chili from nutria?
In addition to classic methods, such as fishing and hunting, there are also more unusual proposals. In Louisiana, where Nutrie is also a problem, the Department of Wild Nature and Fisheries promotes the use of nutria meat in the kitchen. In the publication of 1963 there are recipes for “Chili of Nutria, stuffed nutria lower leg, smoked nutria and nutria offal sausage” – informs “Deutsche Welle”.
Does such an idea have a chance to adapt in Europe? Italian farmers and chefs from the Emilia-Romania region experimented a few years ago with preparing nutria meat in local dishes. However, the idea met with mixed social reception, mainly due to the associations of the animal with rodents and fear of zoonberry diseases.
Responsibility and education
Experts emphasize that the fight against nutria cannot be limited to the physical removal of individuals. A long -term strategy is needed: society education, monitoring, prevention of deliberate release and close cooperation between regions.
According to Dr. Thomas Schmid from the Federal Nature Conservation Agency: “Protection of native biodiversity requires decisive action against invasive species. Nutrie is the best example – no action can result in irreversible losses.”
