Otter Lutra lutra distribution in Poland

Brzeziński, Marcin; Romanowski, Jerzy; Cygan, Jakub P.; Pabin, Bernard

doi:10.4098/at.arch.96-11

Cited by 21 publications

(21 citation statements)

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“…This may be especially valuable in the case of mammals, for which monitoring schemes are less developed than those for birds and which are also frequently more difficult to monitor than most bird species (Battersby and Greenwood 2004). The perceived increase in otter visiting rates confirms the growing population trend in Poland (Brzeziński et al 1996). Mink was widespread over the entire study area, but it was most frequently reported in north-eastern Poland, where its invasion began (Brzeziński and Marzec 2003), so further colonization is to be expected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Some previously endangered problem species have rapidly recovered in Poland in recent decades (Brzeziński et al 1996;Dzięciołowski and Goździewski 1999;Tomiałojć and Stawarczyk 2003) and fish farmers have had to deal with new challenges. Many interviewees expressed their disappointment that no visible institutional attempts had been made to intervene in offsetting losses to steadily growing protected populations of otters and beavers.…”

Section: Damage Prevention and Wildlife Persecutionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Human–wildlife conflicts at pond fisheries in eastern Poland: perceptions and management of wildlife damage

Kloskowski¹

2010

Eur J Wildl Res

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Wildlife occurring at aquacultural sites can ignite conflicts over resources managed by humans. A telephone survey concerning nuisance wildlife occurrence, perceptions of inflicted damage, and use of preventive measures at pond fisheries was conducted in 2003-2004 in eastern Poland. Significant economic losses to wildlife were reported by 80% of the respondents, with 41% claiming severe losses to more than one species. Serious damage was attributed primarily to otters Lutra lutra (56% of farms), cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (26%), grey herons Ardea cinerea (23%), and beavers Castor fiber (21%). Two alien species, mink Neovison vison and muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, were widespread, but rarely blamed for causing substantial harm. Lethal controls were the most popular means of damage reduction and were more likely to be deployed at fish farms reporting significant losses. Cormorants, shot at half of the farms visited, were the most widely persecuted. Both otters and beavers were culled, notwithstanding their protection status and compensation payments available for beaver damage to ponds. The survey indicated poor cooperation between conservation authorities and fish farmers in managing wildlife concerns. Monitoring conflict interactions, i.e., wildlife occurrence and alleged damage at fish farms vs damage management processes, is an essential step toward conflict alleviation. Considering the wide range of species interacting with fisheries, adoption of more flexible policies to address the conflicts than a singlespecies conservation approach is recommended.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: Damage Prevention and Wildlife Persecutionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human–wildlife conflicts at pond fisheries in eastern Poland: perceptions and management of wildlife damage

Kloskowski¹

2010

Eur J Wildl Res

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“…The national otter survey undertaken in Poland in 1991-1994 was based on the modified standard method, with one site visited in each 10 x 10 km square (Brzeziński et al 1996). Numerous data (2083 sites visited) collected in various habitats enabled us to critically assess the method used and evaluate some of the factors affecting the efficiency of the search.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The basic assumption of this method is that the 600 m-long walk along the waterside is enough to find spraints (excrements) or tracks of otters inhabiting an area (Macdonald 1983). Finding otter signs indicates the presence of these animals (positive sites), whereas the absence of signs at a series of sites (negative sites) enables to state, with high probability, that otters do not occur in the area, eg along one river.The national otter survey undertaken in Poland in 1991-1994 was based on the modified standard method, with one site visited in each 10 x 10 km square (Brzeziński et al 1996). Numerous data (2083 sites visited) collected in various habitats enabled us to critically assess the method used and evaluate some of the factors affecting the efficiency of the search.…”

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confidence: 99%

Notes on the technique of the otter field survey

Romanowski¹,

Brzeziński²,

Cygan³

1996

Acta Theriol.

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Rom anowski J., Brzeziński M. and Cygan J. P. 1996. Notes on the technique of the otter field survey. Acta Theriologica 41: 1 9 9 -2 0 4 . D ata (2083 sites visited) collected during the otter Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) survey of Poland in 1 9 9 1 -1 9 9 4 were used to evaluate some of the factors affecting the efficiency of the technique. The success in detecting otter signs was found to be significantly affected by the presence of "spraintable" bridges and other potential sprainting sites on the banks. Decreased efficiency of the technique was noted in specific habitats, eg large rivers, canals surrounded by open fields or meadows, and any aquatic habitats w ith few potential sprainting sites on the banks. It is suggested that modifications: spot checks at additional bridges and extended searches of river banks, could be used to improve the reliability of the survey in areas with low numbers of otter signs. Institute of Ecology IntroductionThe standard field survey method, based on the search for otter Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) signs, has been succesfully used in many European countries (for references see Macdonald and Mason 1994). The survey is usually carried out based on the system of 10 x 10 km square grid, where around 6 sites are visited in each square (Lenton et al. 1980). The basic assumption of this method is that the 600 m-long walk along the waterside is enough to find spraints (excrements) or tracks of otters inhabiting an area (Macdonald 1983). Finding otter signs indicates the presence of these animals (positive sites), whereas the absence of signs at a series of sites (negative sites) enables to state, with high probability, that otters do not occur in the area, eg along one river.The national otter survey undertaken in Poland in 1991-1994 was based on the modified standard method, with one site visited in each 10 x 10 km square (Brzeziński et al. 1996). Numerous data (2083 sites visited) collected in various habitats enabled us to critically assess the method used and evaluate some of the factors affecting the efficiency of the search.[199] Otter signs under bridgesAt most sites we began the search for otter signs under a bridge. To supplement the main survey we performed spot checks under additional bridges (see Lenton et al. 1980). In most of those 10 x 10 km squares which were negative after the initial search, 1-3 spot checks were conducted. There were two reasons for choosing the bridges: the first one was the ease of approaching the river, the second -the longevity of otter signs under the bridge cover. Otter spraints remain on the banks from several days to several weeks but in sheltered places they can exist as long as 12 months (Jenkins and Burrows 1980, Macdonald and Mason 1988).During our studies otter signs were found under bridges in 56.9% of all posi tive sites. It should be mentioned, however, that not all bridges were suitable for the survey. Bridges which had boulders, natural banks, wooden or concrete ledges underneath were frequently used by otters as sprainting place...

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“…Moreover, in case of populations inhabiting river banks, the river size and the type of riparian vegetation can also affect otters' diet, resulting in, e.g., increased share of amphibians in the diet (Jędrzejewska et al 2001). In Poland, mink and otter occupy almost all types of aquatic habitats, but prefer unregulated rivers with rich riparian vegetation providing potential shelter, as well as lake districts (Brzeziński et al 1996, Romanowski 2006.…”

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confidence: 99%