Otter, Lutra lutra, occurrence in Europe and in France in relation to landscape characteristics

摘要: In recent decades, the abundance of otter, Lutra lutra, decreased in many European countries. This study aimed at determining if varying occurrence otters is related to land features and this occurs spatial scales. Values landscape were compared among three categories otter occurrence, i.e. absent, sporadic common, for 25 countries, 19 regions 22‐40 departments France. At all scales, significantly higher human road densities detected areas where are which illustrates pervasive impact presence on population fragmentation. Moreover, particular natural (‘percentage other use’ defined as nonagricultural non-forested) may also limit populations scale Europe. Our failed detect significant differences landscapes occupied by common or populations, probably owing a limited sample size, resilience otters. The conservation Europe would benefit from an improved list large-scale descriptors, recognition large gaps naturally unsuitable habitats, development international studies support existing regional efforts.