After the reports came the response of the Municipality of Ravenna regarding the situation created in the park of Theodoric where the presence of a group of otters was noted (of which two adults and at least six puppies). “The species is very adaptable and has also settled in some urban and foreseen areas. In particular, inside the pond of the Theodoric Park it has appeared several times in recent times and, even in previous years, have already been undertaken actions to contain specimens. In fact, in addition to the effect of the aforementioned regulations, the presence of this species must be contrasted in the urban environment - say the experts of the Municipality of Ravenna - The Park is a social gathering center, a playful space for childhood and active aging, a meeting place for sporting activities and a reference point for the community.
Over the years it has become a very lively space frequented by many people, families and children. An attempt was made to cure the whole biodiversity. The presence of nutria in such a context is not admissible. Therefore, the few specimens present in the Theodoric Park must be contained with the methods provided for by the regional control plan, to prevent an indiscriminate increase in the local population, due to both to the proliferation of the specimens present, and the constant immigration of specimens from areas outside the city ". Rodent typical of aquatic environments, native to South America and imported to Italy for commercial purposes since 1929, the nutria in our country has reached very high consistencies, due to both to the absence of predators and to climate changes which, due to less and less harsh winters, allow for greater survival during the cold season.
The nutria shows a very consistent annual increase due to the high reproductive rate (14 small per female). Also due to the problems to natural ecosystems and embankments caused in the past for years, the Regional Council of Emilia Romagna has approved the "Control plan for nutria in Emilia Romagna”, Which provides for the eradication of the species from the regional territory, through withdrawals and killing. "It should be noted - concludes the municipal administration - that throughout the European, national and regional territory, in implementation of the aforementioned rules, the Bodies are required to work for the eradication of this invasive alien species, which is dangerous for natural ecosystems and for public safety, for which the reintroduction of the captured specimens into the wild is not envisaged "(RavennaToday).