IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
© IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group

Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 1 - 55 (October 1996)

Abstracts

Aspects of Preying Behaviour of Smooth Coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata from Southeast Asia
Pages 3 - 7  (Article)
Bas E. van Helvoort, Roland Melisch, Irwansyah Reza Lubis and Bernard O'Callaghan
Abstract
This paper summarises work on the relationship between otters and fish farmers in a country where there is a compensation scheme for fish losses attributed to otters. The results show that otters are no threat to fish farming. Otters do forage in fish ponds and some fish are damaged/eaten, but there is more use of large ponds than small ones. Otter predation can cause secondary damage to carp stocks. "Missing" fish are often attributed to otters when no other cause can be found. In the cold winter months when many water bodies are frozen over, fish ponds cdan be an essential food source for otters.
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New Host Records of Ticks (Acarina; Ixodidae) parasitizing the River Otter (Lutra canadensis)
Pages 8 - 11 (Article)
Paul Polechla
Abstract
The occurrence of Ixodes cookei and Amblyomma americanum constitute new host records for Lutra canadensis and the subfamily Lutrinae.
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Serum Albumin of the Otter (Lutra Lutra L., 1758): An Electrophoretic Study
Pages 14 - 19 (Article)
Ingrid Miller and Arno Gutleb
Abstract
Electrophoretic techniques were used to characterize otter serum albumin in respect to isoelectric point, molecular mass and mobility in the electric field. Comparison with the homologous protein of other carnivores shows great similarities between the investigated members of this zoological class and marked differences to most other mammals.
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Some Aspects of the Feeding Ecology of Otters (Lutra lutra) in Turkey
Pages 20 - 26 (Article)
Michael Knollseisen
Abstract
Food of otters Lutra lutra was studied by the analysis of 100 spraints collected in Turkey in summer 1994. The aim of the study was to show whether or not there is an impact of otters on local domestic animals and on game species or not. Fish (mostly Anguilla anguilla and Leuciscus sp.) were the most important prey items (55,7 %). Additionally the study showed that otters were feeding on marine fish. Other important prey categories were amphibians (up to 51,9 %), crustaceans (4,8 %), reptiles (up to 9,1 %) and birds (2,4 %). The study showed that there is no reason for condemning the otter as a pest for domestic animals and game species
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Distribution of the Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis annectens Major, 1897) in the Rio Yaqui, Sonora, Mexico
Pages 27 - 31 (Report)
Juan Pablo Gallo
Abstract
Until now, there have only been four records of otters from Sonora state, Mexico. This study reports on a survey of the Rio Yaqui for otters and bald eagles. 42 locations with otters were found, and direct observations made, as well as finding latrines, footprints etc. The otters are mainly piscivorous unlike the crustacean eaters in other parts of Mexico. Otter abundance was calculated at 0.34 otters per km.
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Monitoring the Distribution and Status of Southern River Otter (Lutra provocax) in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina
Pages 32 - 34 (Report)
Gerardo Porro and Claudio Chehébar
Abstract
The large basin of Nahuel National Park contains a stable and viable population of Neotropical otters. One threat is the potential isolation of the population. Suggestions are made to combat this and preserve the otters.
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Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Update
Pages 35 - 36 (Report)
Christof Schenck and Elke Staib
Abstract
South American giant otters are one of the most endangered otter species world wide. Nevertheless they had been rarely studied. Hopefully 1996 will be an extraordinary year for this Amazonian flagship species: It seemed that interest in the “river wolves” is increasing. Besides film projects and public relation campaigns several research projects are planned or started recently. We give a brief overview of these by country and also give the address of the project leaders in order to stimulate communication.
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Management Plan for the Otter (Lutra lutra) in Denmark
Pages 37 - 39 (Report)
Bjarne Søgaard  and Aksel Bo Madsen
Abstract
In spite of the total protection of otters species since 1967 a survey in 1986 showed that there were only few hundred animals left. Recent surveys of the distribution of the otter indicates that the population has stabilised and in some core areas even increased in number. The Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy has developed an Otter Management Plan to gain the necessary knowledge and to establish comprehensive guidelines for the protection and consolidation of the Danish otter population and its habitats. This is summarised in this paper.
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Historical and Current Situation of the Otter (Lutra lutra) and its Habitat in the Region of the Hohe Tauern National Park - Analysis of the Situation and Suggestions for Improvements
Pages 41 - 42 (Report)
Jutta Jahrl
Abstract
The Hohe Tauern in the Austrian Alps has lost its larger vertebrates; bearded vultures and ibex have been successfully reintroduced, and now otters are potential candidates. A survey was carried out to determine the past, present and future of both otters and otter habitat in this area. Low otter numbers (and hence weak immigration) from contiguous regions and poor otter habitat means reintroduction has been rejected in favour of habitat improvement to support natural recolonization as conditions become favourable.
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Some Comments on the Otter (Lutra Lutra) in Iran
Pages 43 - 44 (Report)
Bernhard Gutleb, Rudolf Rautschka and Arno Christian Gutleb
Abstract
Little is known about otters in Iran. OF the existing publications based on hunting data, one considres otters are only in the northeast and a nature reserve on the Afghanistan border, and the other considers that otters are widespread throughout all but the central desert and fringes of the Persian Gulf. Smooth coated otters may also be present, which hunters may not distinguish from Eurasian otters. A forthcoming set of expeditions should clarify the position.
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