Nutria threat: Diche in Delmenhorst urgently need protection!

Nutria threat: Diche in Delmenhorst urgently need protection!

Delmenhorst, Deutschland - in Lower Saxony, a topic is at the center of public discussion: the increasing threat from invasive Nutrias, also known as beaver rats, which have been distributed in Germany in the 1930s since its introduction from South America. These herbivores not only endanger the stability of dikes, but also the coastal protection by digging deep into bank areas. Weser-Kurier reports that the high damage already causes, have conducted costly repair measures on the dikes.

The pressure on the exercise of hunting increases because the state government under Minister of Agriculture Miriam Staudte (Greens) plans to delete Nutrias from hunting law. This is intended to make hunting easier. This strategy could make the fight and control of animal population more efficient in the future. At the same time, the revision of the hunting law is promoted to improve the legal framework for combating invasive species, such as the Kreiszeitung emphasized.

rising fishing figures and spread

The numbers speak for themselves: The catch rate of the Nutrias in Lower Saxony has increased significantly in the past five years. While 1122 Nutrias were still killed in the 2020/21 season, this number rose to 1527 in the 2023/24 season and in the next season to 1795 kills. In the neighboring district of Wesermarsch, even record -breaking 4,500 Nutrias were shot, which underlines the need for hunting. Helmut Blauth, a member of the board of the Oldenburg/Delmenhorst hunters, warns of the consequences if the hunt for Nutrias is restricted: "Who would then take over the control of the nutrias?"

The spread of the nutrias in Lower Saxony is alarming. The proportion of areas with nutria deposits rose from seven percent in 2003 to 55 percent in 2023, which illustrates the urgency of countermeasures. The animals now have no natural enemies in Germany, which further favors their unhindered growth. The Lower Saxony State Authority for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation emphasizes that invasive species such as Nutria have also been included in the EU Union list. and plant species.

practical measures to combat

In order to counter the problem, measures were taken in many regions. For example, live traps were set up in the neighboring community of Stuhr on hotspots, which attract the animals with food such as apples or grapes. These traps are digitized and report the triggering to the responsible district forester or hunting tenant. The caught Nutria can then either be shot or "intercepted". With regard to the Nutria meat, its enjoyable preparation is even compared with chicken meat, which could open up a new perspective in the debate about the invasive animal species.

Nevertheless, fighting also carries risks. There is a risk that other animals will also be caught as a result of the traps, which then have to be released again. A increased focus on the control of this species is supported by the nature conservation association Germany (NABU), which warns of the effects of invasive species on nature. We stand at a critical point where the decision -makers are now asked to deal responsibly with the challenges that the Nutrias bring with it.