Great innovations
The Provincial Plan for the eradication, control and containment of nutria was approved by presidential decree Province of Mantova in accordance with the three-year Regional Plan 2024 - 2026. A highly innovative plan, drawn up in full agreement and coherence with the regional one and drawn up in collaboration with the technicians of the Lombardy Region.
What the plan entails
Among the main innovations:
– the revocation of the restriction on catching times for operators: it will be possible to go out at any time within 24 hours (whereas until now it was only allowed until 22pm)
– the possibility of killing with a high-impact rifle (power greater than 7,5 joules) is introduced
– the operators authorized to capture will be appointed by the Municipalities but the authorization to operate must come from the Province and once authorized they will be able to intervene throughout the Mantua area
– the Provincial Administration will organize courses to enable the use of the rifle
– the Province will also plan and coordinate two courses to enable new operators to capture with traps
Lots of damage
The continuing and significant presence of the nutria in the Lombardy area is fueling a real ecological and environmental emergency: the damage is recorded above all in the agricultural sector, as the nutria, a predominantly herbivorous rodent, devours the fibrous parts of the plants (roots and tissues around at the base of the stems) and digs tunnels that weaken and damage the banks of the waterways and the roads above (source: Province of Mantua).