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IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 68 - 127 (October 1998) Call for Information Request for Otter Skulls of Known Age Dear friends and colleagues, The ability to determine the age of animals is one of the most important conditions for interpreting various field and laboratory work. Not only the interpretation of population structure, but also of physiological data or animal behaviour is closely connected with as precise knowledge as possible of the absolute age of the animals. Besides many methods of age determination, the use of growth lines is most promising and serviceable. This method is based upon the assumption that, in the course of growth, skeleton material and especially teeth periodically deposit well defined layers of bone substances, cementum and dentine. Nevertheless, application of this method encounters objective and subjective difficulties as well. Contrary to roe deer, red fox and other game species, for instance, there is no concrete evidence for the periodical or annual deposition of cementum lines in the otter. Also seasons and time period of forming growth lines vary interspecifically and are hardly known for this species. To adapt this method for otter ageing we need skulls of European otters (Lutra lutra) of known absolute age. Such material can be or become available, for instance, in zoological gardens, veterinarian and zoological institutes. Skulls in every stage and condition (fresh, macerated, skull fragments) can be used; if only teeth are available in lieu of a skull preparation, they can be used towards the same purpose. For age determination, only one tooth will be extracted from the alveole and two longitudinal sections (50-100 *m thick) of the tooth root will be taken. After re-insertion of teeth into the alveoles, no damage to the face of the skull will be evident. Therefore, also skulls for exhibition use or teeth from dermoplastics are of interest. If you have any information about known-age otters or otter skulls we would be very grateful for your help.
A group of South American biologists and veterinarians are working to produce a chapter entitled “South American Mustellidae” to be published in a book by Prof. Murray E. Fowler, UC Davis. The Co-editor would like to receive information concerning Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Veterinary aspects, and diseases of South American otters. WWF AUSTRIA published 3 reports on the scientific and management aspects of its otter conservation programm in Austria. These articles inlcude a variety of aspects such as otters and fish ponds, causes of death, otters and contaminants. The articles are in German with an English abstract. The issues are now sold for 120,- ATS (appr. 10 US$). This is the last chance to buy them as only a few copies are left and the small stock will be removed by the end of July. For further information please contact: Hannes Seehofer, WWF Austria, Ottakringer Str. 114-116, A-1160 Wien, Austria, e-mail: hannes.seehofer@wwf.at |
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