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Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, in the Pusztaszer landscape protection area, Hungary
For decades, otters went absent from many European river systems. Hunted for their luxuriant
fur and then further debilitated by toxic pesticides like mercury, PCB and DDT, the otter populations were seriously fragmented and driven away to the most remote and wild corners of the continent. Now, thanks to hunting bans and the phasing out some of of the most damaging chemical pollutants, these playful and efficient fish-eaters are slowly returning to their old haunts, in most major river systems and along Europe’s coasts. Another sign of the slow but steady rewilding of Europe's waters, and a receipt of the fact that nature always comes back, if just given the slightest chance to do so. Rewilding is above all about letting nature take more care of its own business.
For decades, otters went absent from many European river systems. Hunted for their luxuriant
fur and then further debilitated by toxic pesticides like mercury, PCB and DDT, the otter populations were seriously fragmented and driven away to the most remote and wild corners of the continent. Now, thanks to hunting bans and the phasing out some of of the most damaging chemical pollutants, these playful and efficient fish-eaters are slowly returning to their old haunts, in most major river systems and along Europe’s coasts. Another sign of the slow but steady rewilding of Europe's waters, and a receipt of the fact that nature always comes back, if just given the slightest chance to do so. Rewilding is above all about letting nature take more care of its own business.
- Copyright
- Staffan Widstrand www.staffanwidstrand.se photo@staffanwidstrand.se
- Image Size
- 7501x5000 / 16.0MB
- Contained in galleries
- Hungary
