Environmental agents from the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente, Infraestructuras y Territorio continue their work to control the expansion of the American mink (Neovison vison), one of the most damaging invasive species in river ecosystems.
In this regard, the regional secretary of Environment and Territory, Raúl Mérida, emphasized that «during the year 2023, control operations led to the capture of 48 specimens in different rivers in Valencia, consolidating the efforts of this Conselleria to protect native fauna,» as indicated by the Generalitat in a statement.
This program, which has been ongoing since 2012, has significantly reduced the presence of this predator in the Valencian Community. In total, 649 specimens have been captured over the years in the Palancia, Turia, and Mijares rivers, the main areas of operation. In the last campaign, 35 specimens were removed from the Palancia, ten from the Turia, and three from the Mijares.
INVASIVE SPECIES
The American mink, native to North America, poses a «serious threat» to native species such as the otter and the European mink, displacing them through competition and predation. «Furthermore, it can carry diseases that affect both wildlife and humans,» Mérida pointed out.
To minimize its impact, agents use selectively placed traps in high-activity areas. These traps are periodically checked to «ensure the safety of other species and maximize the program’s effectiveness.»
One of the «most effective» tools are floating traps, placed in bodies of water like rivers, the natural habitats of the American mink. These traps consist of floating wooden platforms equipped with capture mechanisms that activate when the animal accesses them, attracted by specific baits. «This method has proven to be effective and selective, minimizing the capture of other species,» affirmed the regional secretary.
The strategic placement of traps is based on previous studies of the distribution and habits of the American mink. The distance between traps varies depending on the terrain characteristics and mink population density, but they are generally placed at intervals that ensure effective coverage of the control area.
«The installation and monitoring of these traps require trained personnel to ensure their correct placement and operation, as well as to minimize any negative impact on other species and the ecosystem as a whole,» Mérida noted.
EXPANSION OF WORK AREAS
Thanks to the work of environmental agents, the protocol for controlling the American mink has been optimized over the years, allowing for a «faster and more effective» response. For future campaigns, there are plans to expand work areas towards the mouth of the Turia and its passage through Riba-roja, as well as in the Tuéjar river, where possible new hotspots have been detected.
The Conselleria de Medio Ambiente emphasizes the «importance» of citizen collaboration in detecting specimens, as well as the «need» to maintain constant vigilance to prevent the reintroduction of the species.