The otter, solitary and discreet, likes to live in wild rivers preserved from all pollution. Here, it is increasingly observed, especially in the north of the country which borders the Netherlands, which has decided to re-introduce it.
In Belgium, following decades of hunting until its destruction in 1963, it has been protected again since 1983. Last Saturday, Sébastien Lezeca, nature guide at Forêt et Naturalité, hosted a conference at the Aquascope in Virelles. The title was “The return of the otter to Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse”. The public was unfortunately not very present despite the subject.
“There is currently no question of its reintroduction at the level of the Walloon Region, immediately tempered the nature guide. The authorities believe it is better to let nature take its course.”
Traces of environmental DNA
Is the animal already present in our region? “A photo of a specimen was indeed taken a few years ago in the Ardennes, explains Sébastien Lezeca. But in ESEM, its presence is almost zero. Traces of otter DNA were found in the environment of the Eau Noire, Eau Blanche and Viroin basins. But apart from these traces of passage, there is no other clue to his arrival here.”
It must be said that the otter hates heavy metal and pesticide pollution in waterways. Furthermore, since this animal is at the top of the food chain, it accumulates significant quantities of toxic substances during its meals. Another scourge for the otter should be noted: the presence of roads.
To save the species, it is necessary to ensure the ecological continuity of its living environment, which can extend up to 1,000 ha. This mammal must be able to move around without exposing itself to the risk of collision with cars. Finally, if the otter returned en masse, the problem of cohabitation with humans would arise sooner or later, particularly with fish farmers and fishermen’s associations who would take a dim view of such competition appearing.
Sensitive to pollution
Restoring river habitats and improving water quality are essential conditions for reestablishing viable populations. To expand the otter’s habitat and strengthen its chances of survival and reproduction, it will be necessary to reconnect the wetlands and watercourses of certain valleys. In the Scheldt, Meuse and Semois valleys, WWF-Belgium has launched an ambitious project to re-establish a healthy otter population and guarantee its long-term survival. Like the beaver, the otter helps other species such as fish, birds and amphibians.
To safeguard this species, Sébastien Lezeca is relying more on informative teaching in schools and associations of fishermen and fish farmers, than on possible legislation which will undoubtedly be not respected because it is misunderstood.
