A otter was filmed in April in the Blaasveldbroek reserve, in the province of Antwerp, confirming the effectiveness of the protection efforts carried out by WWF to preserve this species in critical danger of extinction in Belgium.
A boutre was observed in the Blaasveldbroek Nature Reserve (Antwerp Province) in April, via a wildlife surveillance camera co -financed by WWF. A first individual had already been spotted via this mechanism last October in Willebroek, in a neighboring reserve.
Road traffic represents one of the largest threats to the otter. “To avoid these collisions as much as possible, it is crucial to guarantee a good connection between natural areas”explains Céline de Caluwé, biongelia with WWF-Belgium. A “handrotuc” was therefore inaugurated in Willebroek a few months ago, near the Broek Naeyer nature reserve, in order to allow otters to cross the road safely.
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This reserve being located next to the Blaasveldbroek, where the new images were recorded, it is therefore possible that the otter observed in April used this passage. “This shows that our efforts on the ground bear fruit”rejoices Céline de Caluwé.
To strengthen the chances of survival of Belgian otters, WWF collaborates with many local and European partners, in Flanders as in Wallonia, in the Escaut and Semois valley. These different organizations work together to connect the different habitats of the otter and allow it to move more easily and safely. They also work to restore its habitat, in particular by rehabilitating ancient wetlands having been dried up or by vegetating the banks of the rivers.
According to WWF, the otter is in critical danger of extinction in Belgium. Only a dozen individuals are identified in our country. The species is also almost threatened in Europe. Some 350 specimens are deducted in the Netherlands, while 2,000 otters remain in Germany.
otter environment wild wildlife animals wwf
