The importance of ponds for the otter (Lutra lutra) during drought periods in Mediterranean ecosystems: A case study in Bergantes River
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Jordi Ruiz-Olmo
Abstract
During drought, otters live under extreme conditions for a semiaquatic mammal, with none or very little water available. These conditions also affect its prey species. To understand the ecological and behavioural adaptive mechanisms of the otter to seasonal river streams, a study was carried out in the Bergantes River, Spain. We compared pond use by radiotracked otters during a “normal” and a “dry” period. The otters were detected significantly more often at ponds and their surroundings during the dry period. Pond use was mainly explained by the total biomass available (fish, crayfish, amphibians), and this was mostly correlated with the maximum depth of the pond. Some evidence of progressive pond depletion was obtained. Sprainting behaviour was mainly linked to predation activities (number of prey remains) and to total biomass available. We discuss the importance of these findings in the design of otter and freshwater habitat management and conservation strategies.
©2007 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
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- Daytime cover, diet and space-use of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in agro-ecosystems of Bangladesh
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