Italy: Nutrias to be sterilised in Turin

A project presented this month by the non-conventional animal center of the University of Turin proposes sterilising nutrias with the help of drones.

Sterilisation instead of culling

The aim is to curb their uncontrolled spread. A European law requires population control of this species, according to Italian media.

The nutria, also known as the coypu or river rat, and less commonly as the swamp beaver or nutria rat, is a rodent native to South America that has become naturalised in Central Europe.

It is a species that was introduced to Italy in the 1970s for fur production and has spread following its release into the wild.

Nutrias are now to be counted with the help of drones, and at least 100 individuals are to be sterilised. According to the plan drawn up by animal welfare advocates and the University of Turin, the population should be reduced by 40% within 4 years.

EU Union list of invasive species

In the “Union list” of invasive species, the EU identifies animal and plant species whose spread can damage habitats, species, or ecosystems, and therefore harm biodiversity. In 2017, the list was expanded from 37 to 49 species. This includes nutrias, even though they have long since become established residents. More on wildlife and environment and nature conservation.