ANNOUNCEMENTS

04. November 2014

First nutrias in Sečovlje Salina

Nutria is a kind of aquatic mammal, native to South America. In the last century, it was already introduced to Europe, where it was cultivated primarily for its fur. Numerous animals have escaped from captivity, settled in waters throughout Europe, where environment apparently suits them and furthermore, they rapidly proliferate.

Decades ago, the nutria farm was also in the catchment area of the Rižana and perhaps some specimens have escaped from there and  are now very common in the coastal standing and running waters, for example in Škocjan Bay near Koper. It was just a matter of time, when the first nutrias would emerge in Sečovlje Salina. The first specimens were observed as early as three or four years ago, but this year the field data show that some of these aquatic animals have been permanently settled in drainage ditches on the outskirts of the Sečovlje Salina.