Amorpha fruticosa and Otter: Is There a Connection?

As long as discussions about invasive species continue, the NGO ForestCom remains in action!

"No to Amorpha" – an action held in early September in collaboration with the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park and Staroushchitsky Lyceum. Alongside employees of the national park, teachers, and 10th-grade students from Staroushchitsky Lyceum, we conducted a theoretical session on the topic of invasive species. During the practical part, we cleared a section of the shoreline at the wetland site "Bakota Bay" from Amorpha fruticosa. Additionally, we located and cleared areas affected by another invasive species, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed).

Volodymyr Yarotsky, a biodiversity expert from NGO ForestCom, sought to investigate the impact of amorphous growth on local aquatic fauna and forest ecosystems. Consequently, on September 11th, in collaboration with Victoria Bilivska, a scientific collaborator from the 'Podilski Tovtry' National Nature Park, a survey of the shoreline in the wetland area of 'Bakota Bay' was conducted. The expedition included the search for signs of otter and beaver activity, as well as the installation of camera traps.

Based on the survey results, the team draw following preliminary conclusions:

• Amorphous aggressively colonizes the shoreline.

• Willows disappear where amorphous is present.

• Beavers do not prefer amorphous as a food source.

• After beavers gnaw down a large willow, amorphous proliferates in the resulting gap, outpacing willow regeneration.

• Otters coexist well with beavers, but due to amorphous, suitable areas for beavers are diminishing.

• Otters require sections of the shoreline free from dense vegetation to meet their various life needs. The spread of amorphous limits these areas to recreational and fishing spots, which could pose a risk to this endangered species.

What are our future plans?

In collaboration with the “Podilski Tovtry' National Nature Park,” it is essential to undertake conservation and research efforts within the wetland and forest ecosystems:

• Monitor the spread of invasive species and implement countermeasures to curb their proliferation.

• Facilitate the restoration of the natural vegetation composition within forest ecosystems.

• Research and implement measures to protect aquatic mammals in the surrounding environment.