How Many River Otters Inhabit Yellowstone Lake? An Assessment with Fecal and Hair DNA Analyses

摘要: River otters (Lontra canadensis) in Yellowstone Lake are different from most other otter populations that they heavily dependent on one prey species - cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri; Crait and Ben-David 2006, et al. 2006). Our 2002-2003 studies showed were the common item scats throughout summer. Overall, occurred 72% longnose suckers (Catostomus catostomus) 43% of feces, based 515 samples identified to family-level 110 analyzed species-level. Suckers more prevalent than only tributary streams, towards end spawning season. Introduced lake (Salvelinus namaycush), which inhabit deep water largely inaccessible otters, less 5% scats. In addition, fecal deposition rates, we established active streams along shoreline during height season, with a return elevated activity after had ended (Crait Therefore, because lack suitable alternative prey, it is likely decline (Koel 2005) will translate into abundance this system. Indeed, our survey indicates number river latrine sites ecosystem lower expected similar surveys Rocky Mountain region unpublished data).