Otters in Ciudad Real

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a species considered of "special interest" in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species and as "Vulnerable" in the Catalogue of Threatened Species of Castilla-La Mancha. The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) includes it in Annexes II and IV.

The success of the projects carried out by the Guadiana River Basin Authority for the restoration and naturalization of the tail section of the Vicario-Peralvillo Reservoir has been reflected in an increase in the area's carrying capacity for the otter. This situation, together with the positive trend of otter populations in Spain, may be the causes of the numerous roadkills on the stretch of the N-401 road that runs just a few meters from the Vicario tail.

From 2009 onward, a high number of otter roadkills was detected: a minimum of 16 dead individuals concentrated on that stretch. It was warned that the area may have become an important sink for the species, probably one of the most important black spots nationwide.

Given this situation, Harmusch staff, in collaboration with the Wildlife Section of Ciudad Real (JCCM), EcoSistema Consultores and the Naturalist Group Fash Al Ballut, decided to study the problem and prepare a technical document with measures to reduce roadkills. The Guadiana River Basin Authority took charge of the project.

The proposed measures include: (1) Installation of exclusion fencing; (2) Return points in the fencing; (3) Specific underpass for otter and other aquatic fauna; (4) Installation of vertical signage; (5) Speed reduction on the conflictive stretch; (6) Informational signs.