Natural, human and spatial constraints to expanding populations of otters in the Iberian Peninsula

Clavero, Miguel; Hermoso, Virgilio; Brotons, Lluı́s; Delibes, Miguel

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2699.2010.02377.x

Cited by 38 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(88 reference statements)

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“…In general, increase of riparian habitat quality is thought to be one of the most important drivers of the large-scaled restoration of the species (Elmeros et al 2006; Clavero et al 2010). In West European countries, reintroduction programs in the areas where otters have been exterminated are developed after restoration of natural otter habitats and improving water quality (Koelewijn et al 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The spread was rather driven by the overall increase in species range and numbers in Poland (Romanowski 2006), simultaneous to the process in many other European countries (Elmeros et al 2006; Sulkava et al 2007; Clavero et al 2010). According to our observations during consecutive field surveys, no significant positive changes in riparian habitats in Bzura catchment were observed since 1990s.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies confirmed that the otters avoid highly polluted water bodies and, during decades, had persisted in the landscape of low anthropogenic impact. Recent studies indicate that the recovery of the species is accompanied by change in habitat selection (Romanowski 2006; Clavero et al 2010). Baltrūnaitė et al (2009) reported that, in Lithuania, where otters are widely distributed, the presence of human settlements negatively affected the otter abundance, but the regulation of watercourses did not.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland

2012

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The increase in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra populations in their natural range and recolonization processes are recently observed in several European countries. We address the process of otter recolonization and habitat utilization in Central Poland over 14 years. Field surveys in 1998 and 2007 documented increase in occurrence of the species. The frequency of positive sites denoted 15 % in 1993, 38 % in 1998, and 89 % in 2007. Otter occurrence at study sites was positively affected by river width while negatively affected by presence of buildings at the site and river regulation. During the most intensive colonization process in the 1990s, the habitat preferences of the otter did not change. However, the sites inhabited by otters after 1998 were characterized by lower river width and tree cover and were more often located on regulated river sections, suggesting change in habitat tolerance during expansion. The otter abundance in transformed habitats is a result of increasing population numbers and the necessity to inhabit suboptimal sections of watercourses. Thus, it seems that presence–absence data for otter populations cannot be considered a reliable indicator of habitat quality, being depended of the population density.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland

2012

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“…The Eurasian otter (Figure a) is a top predator and key species in the aquatic community of European inland waters (Almeida et al, ; Clavero, Hermoso, Brotons, & Delibes, ; Ruiz‐Olmo & Jimenez, ). It is widespread and relatively common in the Iberian Peninsula (Blanco, ; Cortes, Fernandez‐Salvador, Garcia, Virgos, & Llorente, ) where it feeds principally on fish or crayfish depending on availability (Campos, Fernandez, Gutierrez‐Corchero, Martin‐Santos, & Santos, ; Delibes & Adrian, ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Commensal association of the common kingfisher with foraging Eurasian otters

Mougeot

Ramiro²

2019

Ethology

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Positive interactions between birds and mammals are a fascinating aspect of animal behaviour. Feeding associations may consist of local enhancement or facilitation, and in the latter case, of commensalism or mutualism depending on the benefits received by the facilitator. We report here on a previously undescribed feeding association between piscivorous birds and Eurasian otters Lutra lutra. In Spain, common kingfisher Alcedo atthis and grey heron Ardea cinerea were observed closely following foraging otters and benefited from feeding opportunities provided by these. Behavioural observations of otters in central Spain (28.4 hr; 19 days) revealed that an association with kingfishers occurred in 33% of otter foraging events (n = 92). Simultaneous observations in northern Spain (14.2 hr; 16 days) showed an association between otters and kingfishers or grey herons in 41.6% and 11.7% of otter foraging events (n = 77), respectively. The association probability between kingfishers and otters increased significantly when otters foraged closer to the shore and on small fish rather than other prey (crayfish or large fish). Birds fed on prey remain left by the feeding otters, on small fish captured by otters when these were satiated and playing, or on prey displaced by otters. Our observations are consistent with facilitation and commensalism: piscivorous birds gained feeding opportunities provided by the otters, with no apparent costs or benefits to the latter. Similar feeding associations have been described between other species of otters and piscivorous birds (kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks) in Asia, South America and Southern Africa, but had not yet been described in Europe. The occurrence of piscivorous bird–otter associations in different species and regions suggests that this commensalism may be often overlooked but widespread. We have shown that the association can be frequent and is context‐dependent, with benefits for associating birds depending on otters´ behaviour and targeted prey.

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“…Investigating the possibility of a natural recolonization from neighbouring populations is crucial to prioritize conservation strategies and to establish where to act. In contrast, the species seems to have high dispersal capabilities, as suggested by its fast recovery in many European countries, including Germany, Austria, Italy, France, UK and Spain (Clavero et al, 2010;Marcelli & Fusillo, 2009;Loy et al, 2010;Marcelli et al, 2012), following its overall decline in the 1990s. This is particularly true for the Eurasian otter.…”

Section: Assessing External Connectivitymentioning

confidence: 99%

There and back again? Combining habitat suitability modelling and connectivity analyses to assess a potential return of the otter to Switzerland

et al. 2013

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After a steady decline in the early 20th century, several terrestrial carnivore species have recently recovered in Western Europe, either through reintroductions or natural recolonization. Because of the large space requirements of these species and potential conflicts with human activities, ensuring their recovery requires the implementation of conservation and management measures that address the environmental, landscape and social dimensions of the problem. Few examples exist of such integrated management. Taking the case of the otter (Lutra lutra) in Switzerland, we propose a multi-step approach that allows to (1) identify areas with potentially suitable habitat, (2) evaluate their connectivity, (3) verify the potentiality of the species recolonization from populations in neighbouring countries. We showed that even though suitable habitat is available for the species and the level of structural connectivity within Switzerland is satisfactory, the level of connectivity with neighbouring populations is crucial to prioritize strategies that favour the species recovery in the field. This research is the first example integrating habitat suitability and connectivity assessment at different scales with other factors in a multi-step assessment for species recovery

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Natural, human and spatial constraints to expanding populations of otters in the Iberian Peninsula

Cited by 38 publications

References 47 publications

Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland

Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland

Commensal association of the common kingfisher with foraging Eurasian otters

There and back again? Combining habitat suitability modelling and connectivity analyses to assess a potential return of the otter to Switzerland

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