Mechelen – A wild otter has been spotted in the Blaasveldbroek nature reserve in Willebroek, near Mechelen, a promising sign that the area’s natural environment is recovering. According to conservation experts at WWF, the presence of the otter indicates cleaner water, an abundance of fish, and healthier riverbanks. Hans Moyson of WWF described the sighting as “very good news for nature.”
As reported by VRT News, otters had largely disappeared from Belgium in the past due to pollution and habitat degradation. Now, thanks to focused conservation efforts, they are making a comeback. An otter was spotted in the same region last year—possibly the same individual—which suggests it may be settling in the area permanently.
Why is the otter’s return so significant?
Hans Moyson explains that otters are elusive, shy creatures that require specific environmental conditions to thrive. They favor wetlands, rivers, and ponds bordered by dense vegetation, which provides cover for resting and raising young. Because otters are highly sensitive to even minor changes in their habitat, their presence is a strong indicator of ecological health.
To support the return of otters and other wildlife, organizations including the WWF, the Agency for Nature and Forests, and the Province of Antwerp are working together to connect protected natural areas. This includes building infrastructure such as wildlife tunnels that allow animals to pass safely beneath roads, reducing the risk of traffic-related deaths.
In Willebroek, for instance, a wildlife tunnel has been constructed that may have enabled the otter in question to cross roads safely. The importance of such passages is underscored by the example of the Netherlands, where many otters are killed in traffic accidents each year.
Otters are nocturnal and shy by nature, making sightings rare and special. Because they avoid human contact, conservationists often rely on techniques like motion-sensitive trail cameras and tracking signs such as droppings and footprints to monitor their presence and movement.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to restore interconnected habitats, enabling otters and other wildlife to find food, mates, and safe places to live in a fragmented landscape.
This article was originally published by Eurotoday.
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