The diet composition and fish preference of piscivorous Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) were studied in two fish farm systems in Hungary using spraint (otter faeces) analysis during two wintering periods. The primary food source of otters in both fish farms was fish (97-99% of biomass). The main fish prey was small-sized, below 100 g in weight (96% in both areas), while fish prey above 500 g comprised only 0.1-0.4% of the diet. The bulk of the otters' diet consisted of less-valued species, especially non-native Prussian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). Consumption of commercial fish species ranged between 15 and 31% of the total diet. Otters preferred fish below 100 g in weight (Ivlev's electivity index, E i = 0.65-0.70), and showed a lesser preference for (or avoided) fish above 100 g in weight (E i = À0.37-1.00). With regard to species distribution, otters preferred small (below 100 g) grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), zander (Sander lucioperca), pike (Esox lucius), Prussian carp, topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), while they consumed common carp (Cyprinus carpio), the most important commercial species, proportionally to its abundance in the environment (E i = À0.18-0.29).
authorities to conduct crime scene investigations in the field to understand the poachers' mode of operation. This information is not only relevant to criminal investigations but also to quantification of the impact of poaching on vicuña population dynamics and structure. Crime scene investigation uses techniques from various disciplines, including population ecology, anatomy, criminalistics and population genetics. Genotyping of individual carcasses found at a crime scene facilitates tracking of the origin of pelts seized from the black market. There is still a need, however, to develop standardized protocols for forensic entomology and taphonomy, for determining the cause of and time since death. The study of vicuña carcasses with crime scene investigation techniques was discussed at the XVIII Reunión Técnica del Convenio de la Vicuña held in Chile on the September , at which international delegates promised full cooperation and support to control poaching. Delegates also pledged to participate in the crime scene investigation workshops that will be led by Chilean officials trained in crime scene investigation techniques. This will be the first time that such strategies, protocols and international cooperation have been implemented in Latin America, where wildlife forensic science is still in its infancy.
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