Abstract
Ecology of river otter (Lutra lutra) was investigated in the Botchinsky Nature Reserve in 2004-2010. The Reserve is situated on the east side of the northern Sikhote-Alin Mountains. Comparing to habitat deterioration at the most parts of otter native range, the basin of Botchi River within the protected territory at Tatarsky Strait coast remains relatively undisturbed, being the habitat of pacific salmons. The salmons are the main food object of otters; amphibiotic insects were registered as substitute food. Abundance of otters decreased during the investigation period, with the minimum at 3,4 individuals per 10 km of river in 2009/2010. The spatial structure of otter population changes during the mass migrations of salmons. The diurnal activity is higher in the day time along the cold season. The fecundity is relatively low.
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