Walter Finch
TWO rare red foxes have been killed by drivers in Gibraltar near Sandy Bay and Catalan Bay in the last two weeks – the most recent one just yesterday.
It brings the number of red foxes killed this year out of a tiny population on the Rock to four, while an extremely rare otter has also been killed by speeding cars.
The government added that ‘several cats’ have also fallen victim to reckless drivers in the tiny territory.
The incidents highlight a growing concern about wildlife preservation and road safety in the British Overseas Territory.
The government is urging drivers to ‘be aware that there is thriving wildlife in Gibraltar and that they must drive with care even when there are no pedestrians or cyclists around, and even during nighttime hours when wildlife is usually more active.’
Red foxes, while not native to Gibraltar, have established a small but resilient population in the region. Unlike many areas where foxes are widespread, Gibraltar’s fox population is relatively limited due to the territory’s compact size and urban landscape.
The rocky terrain and urban areas present challenges for foxes, as they often traverse roads in search of food or territory, putting them at risk of accidents.
Nor are otters native to Gibraltar, and their presence is seldom seen – meaning the death of even one is a tragedy.
These semi-aquatic mammals are typically found in freshwater habitats across mainland Spain, but sightings in Gibraltar are rare.
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Conservationists speculate that this individual may have strayed into Gibraltar’s waters or been displaced by environmental changes elsewhere.
While the Rock is better known for its Barbary macaques, the presence of foxes and otters adds to its ecological richness, making the protection of these species vital.
