Latitudinal variation in diet and patterns of human interaction in the marine otter

摘要: The marine otter ( Lontra felina ) inhabits patches of rocky coastline from central Peru to southern Chile and is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Given limited information available about species, we set out assess diet with a view detecting latitudinal differences, activity budgets interspecific interactions (including anthropogenic) at Peruvian fishing villages compare results similar Chilean studies. Nine study sites were sampled for spraints relative frequency prey types two ports in monitored through focal scan observations patterns, interactions, habitat use dive durations. Results indicate that toward northern part its range, crustaceans become less important fish more diet. Interactions observed between otters other including stray dogs cats. strong dependence on availability safe shelters, species' apparent tolerance living alongside humans raise conservation concerns vulnerability anthropogenic threats. These factors, if not correctly managed, could turn some these seashore into population sinks.