Incontri tra Natura e Scienza

The Belluno Nature Group APS is pleased to present the fourth edition of “Meetings between Nature and Science,” a series of conferences on the naturalistic aspects of the province of Belluno that will take place on Saturday, February 28, March 14, and March 28, 2026.
All events will be held in Belluno at the E. Dal Pont “Bianchi” Conference Room (V.le Fantuzzi, 11) and will start at 5:00 PM.

Second evening March 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM - MYCOLOGY

Third evening March 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM – ZOOLOGY

The return of the otter (Lutra lutra) in Veneto - A story of local extinction, ecology of the species, the return, threats, ongoing research, and prospects

After decades of absence of the species from the regional territory, in 2022, evidence of the otter's return to Veneto, specifically in Comelico, was found. Following that report, targeted investigations were organized that allowed for the verification and characterization of the species' expansion in the province of Belluno.

During the evening, the history of this local extinction and the causes behind it will be outlined, and the species will be described, including its ecology and environmental preferences. An in-depth look at ongoing research and the results achieved will highlight the current distribution framework. The investigation methods used by the “otter group” will be discussed, including the use of camera trapping, along with the presentation of some unpublished images and videos. Finally, the threats facing the species will be highlighted, as well as its future prospects for consolidation and expansion in the Belluno area and, more generally, in Veneto.

Curated by M. Cassol, F. Dartora, G. De Nadai, R. Deon, M. Gaio, R. Sacchet, M. Tormen, S. Triches – Piave Naturalistic Group

Free admission open to the public.