At least 100 nutria spotted in Odesa region national park: bewildered scientists appeal to people. Photos, videos

At least 100 nutria were seen on the territory of the Lower Dniester National Nature Park. Scientists are confused, because this is a new invasive species for Ukraine and its impact on the local mammalian fauna is unknown.

For several years now, visitors to the park have been observing these animals at the mouths of the Dniester and Turunchuk rivers, but no one thought that such a large group would form. The researchers posted a video of nutria on the Facebook page of the Lower Dniester National Park and called on recreationists to report sightings of these animals, preferably with a photo.

"The park's scientists count at least 100 individuals, which definitely indicates the formation of a stable group of a new invasive mammal species in the lower Dniester River," the post on the Nizhnednistrovsky NNP page reads.

According to biologists, the nutria, which can reach a body length of up to 85 cm, is native to South America. In Ukraine, it is kept as a pet. It gets into the natural environment from households as a result of escape or deliberate release, experts say.

Scientists of the Nizhnednistrovsky Park have launched research work on the impact of nutria on the native fauna of water-loving mammal species within the territory.

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