Regional resolution
The mayor of Riccione, Daniela Angelini, signed the ordinance for the surveillance and control of otters in the municipal urban area. The ordinance provides for the activation of the relevant "Regional plan for the control of nutria" contained in the resolution of the Emilia-Romagna Region n. 546 of 2021. In the urban territory of Riccione A high number of nutria families have been identified which are proliferating due to both the high reproductive rate of the species, with seasonal peaks between the months of May and November, and the favorable weather conditions of this area and the availability of food. The greater incidence of the nutria population was reported by citizens in the area surrounding the Marano stream.
High reproductive rate
The nutria is a medium-sized rodent typical of aquatic environments, native to South America, imported into Italy in 1929. Since then the species has continued to proliferate throughout the national territory. Nutria have a high reproductive rate: a female can give birth to an average of 13 young. The rodent also has a great dispersive capacity, favored in the region by the presence of a dense hydrographic network which facilitates its uncontrolled spread and dispersion. The massive presence of the coypu can cause numerous environmental damages, starting with the increase in hydrogeological risk on the banks of streams and rivers in which it digs dense networks of tunnels with the consequent progressive erosion of the banks.
The help of the Provincial Police
The urban fabric of Riccione is characterized by a dense network of natural and artificial canals near various connecting arteries. The invasive nature of the species also represents a threat to the biodiversity of the area and to agricultural crops and other avian species. The regional nutria control plan, implemented by the union ordinance, will be implemented with the help of the provincial police who will activate the control and intervention measures envisaged for urban areas: "The municipalities activate nutria control in urban areas with the exclusive use of trap cages, in compliance with the procedural and reporting instructions provided. The control activity will also be carried out through the support of the voluntary ecological guards of the Province of Rimini and the Green Jackets following the agreements signed by the Municipality of Riccione with the two voluntary environmental associations (source: Municipality of Riccione).