Nature conservation authority appeals: Do not feed invasive rodents near bodies of water
They look harmless and are often seen along rivers, lakes, and streams – but nutria are increasingly posing a problem for nature, agriculture, and flood control. The Lower Nature Conservation Authority is therefore urgently appealing to the public not to feed.
Originally from South America, these rodents have spread rapidly in the Groß-Gerau district in recent years. Because they have few natural predators here and can reproduce several times a year, their populations are growing steadily.
Damage to riverbanks and dikes
Nutrias feed primarily on aquatic and riparian plants, but also eat crops and fruit. Their extensive burrows in riverbanks and dikes are particularly problematic. This can destabilize embankments and damage flood control structures. Furthermore, the animals disrupt reed and rush beds, which provide habitat for numerous bird, fish, and amphibian species.
The nutria is therefore considered an invasive alien species of Union-wide importance.
Do not confuse with beavers
Nutrias are often mistaken for beavers. However, they are smaller and have a long, round tail instead of the flat, paddle-shaped tail typical of beavers. Another distinguishing feature is their striking white whiskers.
Feeding promotes the spread
According to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority, coypus find sufficient food in the wild. Additional feeding leads to the animals permanently settling even in unsuitable locations, and their populations continue to grow. Furthermore, they lose their natural fear of humans and actively seek their proximity.
Openly accessible food sources such as animal feed or compost heaps near bodies of water should also be avoided if possible.
The district of Groß-Gerau stated that everyone can contribute to limiting damage to bodies of water, dikes, agricultural land and ecologically valuable habitats by refraining from feeding them.
The district of Groß-Gerau provides further information and a fact sheet on nutria on its website.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
