Once on the verge of extinction, La Lontra European (Lutra Lutra) He is regaining French waterways with surprising speed. According to a study published in the magazine Biological Conservationbetween the 2009 and 2023 The surface occupied by this semi-aquatic mammal is increased by 40%a sign of a recovery that combines science, environmental protection and collective commitment.
During the twentieth century, the Lontra suffered a Drastic drop in France due to the huntingof thewater pollution and of the Destruction of humid habitats. The turning point came in the 80s, when the animal was declared protected species And hunting has been prohibited. At that time, the latest populations were isolated in a few areas: the Central massif and the Atlantic band.
Today the situation overturned. The ancient populations, once fragmented, are recolled and expanded, giving life to one continuous network presence. The otter is now observable in Burgundyin mountain areas and even in the rivers near the Mediterranean coast. This phenomenon demonstrates the incredible ability to adapt of the animal to several habitats, as long as they remain rich in resources and not very disturbed by man.
The merit also goes to the Citizen Science
The monitoring of this expansion was possible thanks to a huge amount of data – beyond 40,000 observationsincluding footprints and dejections – collected by scientists, volunteers and naturalists. The traces left by the Lontra, in particular the I made the typical smell of honeyproved to be fundamental to identify his presence. Everything has been analyzed through an innovative statistical model, able to compensate for observation bias and take into account the ecological preferences of the species.
Behind this success there is also the Participatory science: without the contribution of citizens, it would have been impossible to document the return of the LonTra with such precision. However, to ensure a lasting presence, it will be necessary protect and connect the remaining habitatsstill threatened by roads, river barrier and urbanization today. The return of the otter to France is proof that retention, research and collective participation can really make the difference.
