Otter returns to the Sintra Hills after several decades of absence

An otter (Lutra lutra) was recently detected in the Park of Pena as part of the camera-trapping project being implemented by Parques de Sintra to monitor the wildlife found in the parks and monuments under its management. This is the first confirmed record of the species within the Sintra Hills for several decades, making it an observation of particular significance for understanding the biodiversity of this territory.

Associated with well-preserved aquatic ecosystems, the otter inhabits rivers, streams, lakes, marshes and small reservoirs. It requires abundant vegetation cover for shelter and food resources such as fish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.

Monitoring carried out in the Park of Pena and the Mouco Hunting Grounds also revealed that certain locations are frequently used by nocturnal mammals such as badgers, genets and foxes.

According to João Sousa Rego, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra, ‘At this stage, it is not yet possible to determine whether the images captured of this otter show an individual passing through the area or a resident animal. Regardless of this, its presence is an important biological indicator of the quality of the habitats found in the Park of Pena and of the good ecological condition of the ecosystems forming part of the Cultural Landscape and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It demonstrates the results of the conservation work that Parques de Sintra has been carrying out.’

He emphasises: ‘Climate resilience and sustainable biodiversity are strategic priorities for Parques de Sintra. This year, we will therefore invest € 5 million in this area, twice the amount invested last year. This funding necessarily includes a scientific component, which is essential for deepening our understanding of these ecosystems, assessing the effectiveness of the measures under way and supporting management decisions.’

The otter is a mammal belonging to the mustelid family, which also includes species such as the weasel, badger and beech marten. This solitary species occupies extensive territories, with males ranging over areas between five and ten kilometres in length. It is distributed across Western Europe, Asia and North Africa and is found almost continuously throughout mainland Portugal, from north to south, although its presence within the Sintra Hills had not been confirmed for many years.

The record was obtained through the camera-trapping project developed by Parques de Sintra, a non-invasive monitoring tool that makes it possible to observe wildlife, collect scientific information and support the management and conservation of natural heritage.

The detection of this species further strengthens Parques de Sintra’s contribution to biodiversity conservation through management grounded in scientific knowledge, continuous monitoring and the implementation of solutions that promote ecological balance and preserve the natural values of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. This work fulfils the company’s strategic objectives for 2025-2027, particularly those concerning greater climate resilience and biodiversity, understanding and restoring natural heritage, and safeguarding the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.