Site-specific and seasonal variation in habitat use of Eurasian otters ( Lutralutra) in western China: implications for conservation.

ABSTRACT: As a top predator, the Eurasian otter ( Lutralutra) is an indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems and a flagship species for conservation. Once widespread in China, the species is now distributed mainly in the upper reaches of the great rivers of western China. However, a lack of knowledge on local otter populations continues to hinder their conservation in China. Here, we conducted a detailed study on habitat use of Eurasian otters in Yushu City and Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve in western China using transect surveys. At both study sites, otters preferred to defecate on large rocks close to or protruding from the river and about 50 cm above the waterline. In Yushu, no spraints were found along the 5 km river bank section in the downtown area, with otters preferring s

SUBMITTER: Wang QY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8645887 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature