Distribution Of Otters Research Articles

Effects of sea water on thermal insulation of the otter, Lutra lutra

Otters Lutra lutra L. which feed in the sea in Scotland frequently wash in fresh water. Experiments were carried out with otter pelts and with captive otters, to study the biological function of this behaviour. In vitro, the fur of otters lost much of its thermal insulation after five soakings in sea water and subsequent drying. Otters were fed in sea water or fresh water, with or without simultaneous access to alternative fresh water. When fed in sea water, otters used the alternative fresh water much more than when fed in fresh water, they were more reluctant to enter sea water if no alternative fresh water was present, and without this alternative fresh water they showed signs of hypothermia. After swimming in sea water the animals spent more time grooming and rolling. Without fresh water present the otters' fur lost its capacity for retaining air under water. These observations suggest an explanation for the restricted distribution of otters living along the coast, and for the lack of use of marine habitats by small mammals in general.

Ecological Study of River Otters in Grand Teton National Park

The objectives of this study are to obtain information about habitat preferences, movements, activity patterns, social interactions, distribution and density of otters within the park, primarily on the Snake River between the Jackson Lake Dam and Moose. This type of information is valuable as a basis of comparison with what is known about otters elsewhere and also could guide the National Park Service in altering policies or managing habitats to the benefit of otters, should this be desired in the future.

The otter (Lutra lutra) in Tunisia

AbstractThe otter is common and widespread in northern Tunisia and the Oued Medjerda effectively represents a southern limit for the species. The distribution of otters is largely coincident with dense bankside cover, provided mainly by Nerium oleander. Rivers south of the O. Medjerda offer little shelter for the animals.

Some factors influencing the distribution of otters (Lutra lutra)

AbstractThe number of sites at which evidence of otters was found and the total number of signs were recorded on fifty 5‐km stretches of rivers in Wales and the West Midlands of England. Data were collected on fifteen parameters of habitat considered to be of importance to otters and subjected to a multivariate analysis.Evidence of otters was found at thirty‐four stretches. The distribution of sites and signs was correlated with the presence of potential holts (of which 107 were found) and with mature sycamore and ash trees. The measured variables accounted for 52 5% of the overall variation in otter sites and 60 2% of the variation in otter signs. The conservation of otters is discussed in light of the results of the analysis.

Ecological Study of River Otters in Grand Teton National Park

Accumulation of data on the distribution, density, movements, activity patterns, and behavior of river otters, primarily on the Snake River, is the goal of this study. Such information has intrinsic value and also should be useful to the National Park Service in enhancing the welfare of this interesting member of the park's fauna.

Ecological Study of River Otters in Grand Teton National Park

The primary goals of the study are to obtain information on the distribution, density, movements, activity patterns and behavior of otters on the Snake River from Jackson Lake Dam to Moose. Most observations were concentrated along the 3.5 mile section from the dam to and including the Oxbow. This report covers field work during the periods of March 7-17 and August 11 - September 25. No otters were seen in March but they were observed for 28 hours during 88 hours afield in August and September. Additionally, Mr. John Turner of Triang1e-X Float Trips and Mr. Dick Barker of Barker-Ewing Float Trips were most cooperative in obtaining sightings of otters made on the river by their parties between Deadman Bar #2 and Moose.

Status and Distribution of Sea Otters in Alaska

Status and Distribution of Sea Otters in Alaska