Looking for the European otter

What does a nature guide when not working?

 Learning and improving skills (among other things ..)

some weeks ago I went to an outlet to identify fingerprints and traces of mammals within the project territory mink for European mink conservation .The guide was Benjamin Sanz  expert in mammals, and had been very enjoyable and interesting.

Otter (Lutra lutra) deep and marked with little nails.

We went by the shore of a river  of Navarra and  we found traces of European mink, hedgehog, otter, genet(Genetta genetta), marten, fox, wild boar, domestic cat, rat and vole, heron, badger,... and some more I do not remember.
Also saw (and we smelled) otter and fox droppings and traces of activity of the European beaver
The European beaver (Castor fiver) disappeared from Navarra in the seventeenth century, but a group of Belgian environmentalists illegally reintroduced by 2003 in Navarra, Aragón at the mouth of the Ebro.It seem that they like the land of their ancestors and flourishes extending along the Ebro and its tributaries, although people hunting  their  in many areas because has not been introduce by the administration with a plan for the wild species. The strange (and dramatic) is that while it is a protected species in Europe, here is hunting.
We saw their tracks, but yes their works on the bark to feed or directly on the trunks of trees.

Damage caused by Goat willow (Salix caprea) to more than 1 meter from the normal course.

This is a recent damage in the last flood when the river rose, and the beaver was high above.

Comparing  the coin, with the Beaver upper incisors

Trunk  barking trail for food

Unlike their American relatives (curiously we will have seen on tv many documentaries of the American beaver but certainly not the European ..) makes large dams in rivers, but makes its burrows in accumulations of branches and / or bushes along the banks.

Observe the size of the teeth, cleaning and cutting: wood is not torn except in the far right, to fall. The bites are clean as freshly made ​​with sharp gouges.

Felling trees or stripped of its bark is not more than ten meters from the bed of the river, so that damage to poplar refers I think that these poplars are planted in an area that should be of  nature vegetation and not manipulated by a human being:

http://www.secem.es/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Galemys-16-2-3-1-Ce%C3%B1a-91-98.pdf

There is also talk about possible harm to other wildlife such as the European mink and otter, by shooting down of the vegetation. I sincerely believe that if these species coexisted in balance until humans decided to exterminate the beaver, and leave almost extinct to others, is necesary a lot of hypocrisy to place blame now the beaver of a possible decline of other species, keeping in mind the fact that it is a protected species other European countries.
I'm not in favor at all of reintroductions without control, but I think if it is already done, and the species grows, you have to find a way to come back to find the niche that, in addition to the debt concerns that as humanity we for this specie.


I will recommend this blog about the European beaver(spanish)
http://biologoybecario.blogspot.com.es/2012/12/castores-del-ebro.html

Here we have a truly invasive species that should never get here, and we found in the river.
This is the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) that first appeared in Navarra in 2004.

Almeja asiática(Corbícula flumínea)

This would be an edible species (not encourage anyone to eat) and looks like it was introduced in the U.S. by the Chinese for this purpose, but outside their place of origin, can affect in an unpredictable way ecosystems, to be able to move to other species, changing your diet, etc. ..

As for the tracks themselves, here is the European mink (not very good)

European mink (Mustela lutreola)

 Genet:

Genet (Genetta Genetta) small footprints, pad and fingers together without nails.

The Marten

Marten (Martes foina) Larger than the genet, with fingers separated from the pads.

The field rat:

Field rat (R. rattus) is similar to the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) but rat nails are thin and short, stuck to the fingers, while the hedgehog are long and thick.

The field mouse:

Field Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). Quite tiny compared to the rat.

Galápago Europeo: http://www.galapagosdenavarra.com/index.html

Galápago Europeo(Emys orbicularis)

We also found a hole, like this badger sett, or these old woodpecker nests (Dendrocopos major)

Badger sett. Sometimes form colonies of several individuals.

Nests of woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major) in a poplar, not far from the ground.

And this is the web of Benjamín Sanz. http://www.muskarirastros.com/

Carnivorous plants in the forest of Irati.The peatlands

Pinguícula/waterworts(Pinguícula grandiflora)

In the forest of Irati Aezkoa Valley, we have two kinds of carnivorous plants. The you see in the picture is the Pinguicula or waterworts (Pinguicula grandiflora) which is now in flower. The black dots on the green leaves are small insects that got stuck in the leaves due to a secretion of mucilage (a sticky substance also found in the fruits of mistletoe formerly used as glue underpowered).

When the unfortunate creature is stuck, begins to secrete a kind of enzymes that act as digestive system in the outside.
It's their way of   to get mainly nitrogen, in areas where the soil is very poor in it.
I always see in areas of runoff water or light build. Zones and PH very acid washed, such as bogs or bogs in formation areas, of which we have some in the Irati  of Aezkoa valley(Navarre)

Common sundew(Drosera Rotundifolia)

The other plant we have is more special, and spend more unnoticed. With less than 5 centimeters, is a little bit  like carnivorous plant that we have in mind, and which sold in stores a tropical species, bigger than ours.
It is the common sundew(Drosera rotundifolia). In Mediterranean areas as Izki Natural Park (Araba, Baasque country) can be found Great sundew(Drosera/anglica longuifolia) species, which as its latin name suggests, has longer leaves.

In the high-Azpegi, in the westernmost part of Irati have peaty ecosystems (peat forming) one of which recently closed with wooden fencing to prevent livestock can step flora before  flowering. The idea is that once this has happend, we can open three wickets for the free entrance of the cattle.

It so happens that cattle trampling those plants, is at the same time preventing the growth of others, such as Gorse (Ulex europaea) that could be cause problems in this ecosystem, but also is  the responsible to create small wells with their hooves in the mud, where they later leave the most interesting plants

Etzangio Board (Azpegi summit/ Aezkoa) in front the bog.

This is the panel explaining the pre-bog ecosystem, developed by us(Itarinatura) recently.
A peatland is a zone with constant supply of water where they grow mainly Sphagnum and other mosses, along with other plants associated with that ecosystem. Over time, new mosses grow on top of the dead, that having low oxygen just rot, and over the years we may have a depth of several meters of peat, which is the type of substrate that you can find in garden stores.

Almost all of Ireland or Scotland is full of such areas as well as large areas of the Pyrenees, where the soil remains waterlogged environment. In these countries cut peat in portions to use as fuel, because long time ago that the great forests disappeared, at least as to get firewood. Literally they burn the ground in fireplaces, and what's left later in these sites is the bedrock sterile because the peat is formed in a slow process of thousands of years.

Among other types of wildlife and vegetation can talk about dragonflies, spiders that eat dragonflies, others that they eat other spiders and dragonflies, if they can, ..
Typical of these ecosystems is the Common cotton grass (Eriphorum angustifolium), a type of rush Shaggy has not still taken the flower. Certain types of orchids and daffodils,mayflowers,gentians,..too.

Common cotton grass(Eriophorum angustifolium)

Spider eating a butterfly

At the peat bog are associated many amphibians like Common frog (Rana temporaria), the Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) webbed Triton (Lissotriton helveticus) or the common toad (Bufo bufo), which attract all kinds of predators. Difficult to see them, but not his tracks. In this way we see that badgers, foxes ,bobcats  and European polecat approached those sites to hunt.

Common frogs(Rana temporaria) matting

Salamander(Salamandra salamandra)

Budger tracks(Meles meles)

If you decide to visit this place, as always, be respectful (I know what you will, but you would not be on this page) with everything you see.

Spring in Irati.The explosion of life

Roe deer(Capreolus capreolus)

After an unusually harsh winter, life is manifested in all its aspects. Herbivores  take the opportunity to break the fast of winter survival, the birds begin to mark territories and mate, flowers rush out as if it were outside life (and in part, it is, see article on plants prevernals 2011), and amphibians begin a new cycle of life.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Arrazola (Irati-Aezkoa)

Irati 12-4-2013

                            Although it has melted much of the snow that had accumulated, in many areas still comes above the knees. But more to clutter too, adds a special touch to the forest. It remains hard and just sinks to walk over.
This probably  may be a nuisance for different plant species having short timeframe before the leaves have come out and overshadow them, again most of them disappear until next year  

Narcissus Asturiensis (Sub.Jacetanus)

                                        Petticoat daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium)


Daffodils are probably the most striking flower that can be found these days in Irati. There are several species of them, depending on the ecosystem, and the orientation of the slope. All are protected, and never enough to remember, are great for a good photograph, but have to follow them wherever it makes sense

Narcissus varduliensis

As you see in the picture above, is now when they are coming out. During the next two weeks will sprout 90% of them all. There are always some that are ahead and others fall behind, as in everything.Probably , may be a survival strategy, and if they go well, will play an advantage over their peers.
We lack the  Narcissus poeticus or poet´s daffodil, the rarest of all, perfect white,who not bloom now, nor in Irati (yes in the valley of Aezkoa) and we will be looking at another occasion.

Anemone nemorosa(Anemona nemorosa)

Dog´s tooth violet(Erythronium dens -canis)

Wild cat tracks(Felis silvestris)

Snow gives us the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of wildlife. In this case, traces declawed  wild cat (Felis silvestris), and the proximity to a pool of frogs, tells us about an attack likely to eat jelly   brown frogs (Rana temporaria) although they may be locally abundant, is a rare and legally protected species.
I want to emphasize, though this is perhaps not the right forum, because those who follow this blog I dont think that you need it, we should try to leave nature as we have found, or even better, if we see garbage and can lead us to throw in the containers. There are always exceptions, like at all. There is nothing wrong with taking some mushrooms in autumn, in areas where it is qualified to do, and probably would not have a big problem in catching frogs as has always been done. (Hey, do not invite anyone to do it!)
The problem comes when it does many people and also some without self-control. More is better, seem to they think, and doing business with it. Then is when  restrictions appear to prevent abuse,or  that an resource for these valleys esquilme, or that a species is endangered. Perhaps one more or less common frog is not essential, but in the case of threatened species, one  roughly bearded can mean the disappearance of the species locally for a long time

Brown frog(Rana temporaria)

Erlan fall (Irati-Aezkoa valley)

Finally, this spring Irati forest water bearings are completely filled , giving us some truly spectacular photos.
If you want to see him with your eyes, I'll be happy to show it to you. You can contact me at:

:itarinatura@itarinatura.com
and see some of the activities offered in www.itarinatura.com
If you prefer to see him alone, nature lovers are always welcome

 Erlan stream (Irati Aezkoa valley)

Stream with Narcissus varduliensis(Irati-Aezkoa Valley)

Snow in the forest of Irati (Navarre)


 

With more than 1.50 meters of snow, snowdrifts without, in the mountains of the forest of Irati, landscape and life of the people of the valley changes significantly.It's still snowing, and so many days in a row to start giving problems mainly to deers and roe deers, and in diferent extent,to the rest of the animals in these forests. In Abaurregaina (Aezkoa), the highest village in Navarra and co-owner of Mount Aezkoa, part of the forest of Irati ,  the snow on the roof of a house reaches 1.20 m. Snow.Animals develop different strategies to cope with the winter, which is often a problem for cold & the absence of food.When they have nothing to eat because everything is under the snow, they have some strategies;or digging in search of plants, roots, stems, etc. .., or eat other things that normally would not eat as bark or lichens, or eat what escapes out the snow , as the fruits of certain species that survive the winter, as the fruits of holly (Ilex aquifolium) or the wild rose (Rosa canina) named in Navarre "tapaculos" (Cover asses) among other names, apparently due to its astringent properties.

There are also those who have kept their supplies, as the red squirrel, the vole or Jay, or who decide to move and go to other areas where access to food is easier. If they are birds, we are able to see at a lower altitude species generally would see further north, such as alpine accentores seen recently in Orbara (Aezkoa). But if roe deer and wild boar, among others, damage the winter garden, composed of leeks, cabbages and thistles, and damage to the fruit trees, that they bark must be as sweet to them, are substantial, and between owners see the need to control through hunting.Probably the quota of roe deer  and roes that every year the environmental department  of Navarre assigned to hunters this year will decrease.Many will die because of these heavy snowfalls.

 

      In the west prairies zones of Irati , have large areas of natural grassland, also in the range of Abodi, belonging to Aezkoa and Salazar valleys. You do not see fences or hedges, and it all evens like we were in the Arctic. Make a journey on snowshoes or cross-country skis becomes an exciting adventure, and even knowing the terrain, the snow gives a completely new.Beware miss!

You will see different tracks in the snow, tracks left by wild animals on their movements looking for food. Sometimes you can identify some of them as long as not too melted and disfigured, or the snow cover and disappears. This in particular is red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which stands in the snow tremendously.It is very similar to the dog, but the pad marks the front toes are not touching the rear of an imaginary line drawn on top of the rear pads.




Footprint Boar (Sus scrofa)


This corresponds to a boar (Sus scrofa). Hoof is unmistakable with its two small holes on the back side for their hooves, which the deer or deer do not usually leave.













 



Traces of red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

The common squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) also leaves footprints in the snow more or less easy to recognize, especially when supports front and rear legs, but this is not the case. They are long, slender fingers, and nails. You always find very near the trees, and possibly start and end at one.I could not ask him what the hell was in the snow ..
 

Footprint of badger (Meles meles)

Badgers (Meles meles)makes typically footprints similar to those of the bears, but small, especially the earlier mark. With its 5 fingers and 5 nails is one of the easiest to recognize. In this picture you can see that was quiet, otherwise the position of the tracks vary, the footprint would gather more between them by twos and one in front and one in back.


 



Like everything else, the snow also has a positive side, and especially for children  is clear. This year it has snowed a lot we have had the opportunity to raise an igluman to the front door.With this name you can  imagin what is it. The snow, compacted in this way, hold more than around him, and when already melted around the igluman hold on a little longer, until it falls and it's time to regain the "txapela" or beret. Carrots also can thus remains chilly. The building you see in the background is a granary or Garea (Gare in Basque means wheat) where the grain was stored away from rodents. These granarys of the valle ofAezkoa are the easternmost of the Iberian peninsula, and also an excuse to visit our villages. All of them have one or more.If someday're here, let me know and I'll show you inside. Which unless this detail to my readers!

Sources: Tracks and signs of animals in Europe Preben Bang & Preben Dahlstrom (Ediciones Omega)