Abstract
Food habits of otters Aonyx capensis (Schinz) and Lutra maculicollis Lichtenstein were studied in trout and non-trout areas by collecting and examining faeces. In both habitats Aonyx lived almost entirely on freshwater crabs and frogs, and principal items in Lutra's diet were crab, fish, and frog. Seasonal variations were observed in both otters' diets, with most crabs taken during summer and the incidence of fish being highest during winter. These variations were explained in terms of crabs retreating into inaccessible places during winter, and fishes' efficiency of locomotion being reduced in cold water. Both otter species took more small fish that larger specimens. It was concluded that small fish (< 200 mm) were easier to capture than larger ones, and were more abundant. Food ecology of otters was compared with that of the water mongoose Atilax paludinosus (G. Cuvier) which lived chiefly on crabs, small mammals, birds, and frogs. Although there was from 58-66% food overlap between Atilax and the otters, Atilax utilises a wider range of habitats than do otters, and does not exploit certain habitats which are exclusive to lutrines. The otters occupy restricted niches, whereas Atilax occupies a wide niche.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.