An unexpected return
After more than half a century of absence, the otter has reappeared in the Manzanares River, surprising the residents of Madrid. This event has been confirmed by Borja Carabante, delegate for Urbanism, Environment and Mobility, who highlighted that the species had not been seen in the capital for approximately 50 or 60 years.
The news began to circulate thanks to reports from several neighbours who claimed to have spotted the mammal. In response to these claims, the City Council activated thorough monitoring using cameras to verify the presence of the animal. The first signs were the footprints and droppings found in the area, which led the technicians to intensify their efforts.
Finally, on April 19 at 1:49 AM, the City Council's cameras managed to capture images of the animal moving near Dam 6, between the Oblique Bridge and the Andorra Footbridge. This location is part of the districts of Arganzuela and Latina, where improvements such as artificial lighting have recently been implemented to facilitate ecosystem monitoring.
The return of the otter is not just an isolated event; it represents a positive sign regarding the state of the Manzanares River. According to Carabante, this finding indicates that the river is regaining suitable conditions in terms of water quality and the availability of food and shelter for various species. This contrasts markedly with the conditions that prevailed two decades ago.
From now on, the Manzanares Conservation Service plans to expand its monitoring using techniques such as camera trapping and additional tracking. The aim is to determine whether this presence is temporary or if it could mark the beginning of a permanent settlement of otters in the area. It is worth noting that these animals can travel between 4 and 5 kilometres in a single night.
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