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

Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages Pages 60 - 101 (January 2005)

Abstracts

Assessing The Distribution Of Reintroduced Populations Of River Otters In Pennsylvania (USA) - Development Of A Landscape- Level Approach
Pages 63 - 69 (Article)
Brett Hubbard and Tom Serfass
Abstract
Since 1982, 153 river otters have been reintroduced into central and western Pennsylvania. The reintroduction project is now in its final phase, but has largely seen the long-term survival of the reintroduced population. This research used indicators of otter presence (spraints and footprints), which have on the whole been successful in studying the distribution of the otter. A protocol based on GIS has been developed to enable the changes in otter population to be followed, and this will continue to be used to monitor future population changes. This was achieved through collaboration with wildlife conservation officers (WCOs).
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (129 K)

First Physical Evidence Of The Nearctic River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Collected In New Mexico, USA, Since 1953
Pages 70 - 75 (Article)
Paul J. Polechla Jr., Aubony G. Burns, Scott Rist, Kristin A. Moore and Jerry W. Dragoo
Abstract
On November 3rd, 2004, we collected what seems to be 3 North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) spraints on the San Juan river, Navajo Reservoir, Navajo State Park, San Juan County, New Mexico, USA. Given that the samples were collected on a hard substrate, not good for tracks, we then had them analyzed in the laboratory. DNA was extracted from the samples and the cytochrome b gene was amplified and sequences for 2 of the samples. The sequences were identified as being L. canadensis, after comparison with the NCBI Genebank. These spraints constitute the second data and the first concrete indicator of presence in this state for more than 50 years. Otter releases have been carried out in the past in the basin, without taking account of subspecies, and the presence of indigenous otters prior to these introductions from other areas means that the identification of subspecies is premature and additional analyses are necessary. More field surveys would indicate the distribution of the otter in the state and help to evaluate the quality of the wetlands.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (45 K)

High Mortality of Nearctic River Otters on a Florida, USA Interstate Highway During an Extreme Drought
Pages 76 - 88 (Article)
Al Kinlaw
Abstract:
From 28 December 1999 until 15 July 2000, I recorded 15 river otters killed on a 16 km segment of Interstate highway in Polk County, Florida, USA. This included 9 during a 37 day period, the highest road mortality rate reported for North American otters. This compares to 22 otters killed on a south Florida road during a 2 year period. My sample of 15 killed on I-4 is a negatively biased count of the true number killed, due to the minimal sampling period and sampling method. Possible reasons for such a high number counted during such a short period are discussed, including the impact of a major drought, high traffic density, and possible dieldrin bioaccumulation.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (155 K)

Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups
Pages 89 - 93 (Report)
Carolina Ribas and Guilherme Mourão
Abstract:
In August 2002, we studied Giant Otters in the region of the Vermelho river, in the Brazilian Pantanal. During our research, we observed and filmed a particularly aggressive interaction between two groups of Giant Otters at the junctions of the rivers Vermelho and Miranda. This article reports the event and presents a sonogram of the very stereotypic vocalisations of the aggressor group.
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (315 K)

Preliminary Study of the Tracks of Captive Otters (Lutra Lutra) as a Tool for Field Research
Pages 94 - 98 (Report)
Laurent Mercier and Guillaume Fried
Abstract:
For several years, spraints and prints have allowed the presence of Eurasian Otters, Lutra lutra, to be established in a non-invasive way. Prints are very variable, even from the same
individual, depending on the substrate: snow, sand, silt etc. This preliminary study defines
a statistical formula to allow estimation of whether a hind paw print on clay or mud belongs to a male or female, using seven biometric parameters. A database of measurements from animals in various zoos could be created, which could then be used in situ to allow the field researcher to know a little more on the otters creating the prints - sex, possible age and so on. 
Contents | Full Text + Links | PDF (230 K)

Return to Contents