A New Invasive Species Has Appeared In Lake Kis-Balaton

Based on the recordings, the presence of an adult specimen was confirmed, the researchers wrote in a Facebook post. It is thought to have arrived in the area via southern streams or along the Zala River. They point out that although the species is active at night, where it is established, it is often on the move during the day.

In Hungary, the first evidence of nutria reproduction was recorded in the Danube and its tributaries, and along the Ipoly River, well over a decade ago. Since then, populations have also developed in the interior of the country, along the Drava and Mura rivers. According to HUN-REN researchers, its appearance in the catchment area of Lake Balaton was only a matter of time. 

The nutria is also on the list of alien invasive species of concern for the European Union, as it can cause serious ecological and economic damage. It chews and transforms areas covered with aquatic vegetation into open water, significantly reducing the biodiversity of the area. In winter, it also digs up the roots of aquatic plants, and its digging along banks can lead to flood protection problems by weakening embankments.

Control of the species is extremely costly or impossible once it establishes significant populations, the researchers stress. Nutria can currently only be hunted in Hungary with a special permit.