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

Volume 25 Issue 1 (2008)

Abstracts

A Comparison of Two Different Methods for Estimating the Diet of the Neotropical Otter, Lontra longicaudis, with the Proposal of a New Index for Dietary Studies
Pages 6 - 12
Vania Carolina Fonseca da Silva, Marcelo Lopes Rheingantz and Fernando Antonio dos Santos Fernandez
Some species of otters have been much more studied than others. A particular challenge in the management and conservation of otters worldwide is that some of the lesser-known species are also among those being the object of conservation concerns. In this paper, I argue about the importance of producing more scientific knowledge about lesser-known otter species and discuss the importance of integrating more species- and region-specific knowledge in survey practices. By comparing literature, I present examples showing how species-wise differences in behaviour and ecology can affect sign-based survey outcomes.
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Range Extension And A Case For A Persistent Population Of River Otters (Lontra canadensis) In New Mexico
Pages 13 - 22
Paul Polechla and Sam Walker
Prior to 2004, some biologists claimed river otters (Lontra canadensis) were extirpated in New Mexico, USA. In November 2004, the first physical evidence of the river otter in New Mexico in over 50 years was found between Grassy and Albino Canyons on the Los Pinos branch of Navajo Reservoir in San Juan County. With the observation of river otters and their scats, tracks, and nesting site or den (nestled in a rocky escarpment and overtaken from beavers) in La Jara Canyon in the summer of 2007, the known range of this species in New Mexico is extended to a second county (Rio Arriba) and a second river (San Juan) in the state. We also provide evidence for a persistent population of the species occurring in multiple localities and dates in the early 21st century. With previous sightings occurring prior to translocations with other river otter subspecies, we raise the question if the recent river otter observations belong to those of the exotic translocated subspecies, the native L. c. sonora, or a hybrid between the two. Other commensal wetland and animals and plants living on or among rocks are listed. Management recommendations are provided to protect this population from non-target otter trapping focused on beaver removal.
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