Does size matter? Relating consumed prey sizes and diet composition of otters in South Iberian coastal streams

摘要: We analysed seasonal changes in the sizes of prey [grey mullets (Mugilidae), flatfish (Soleidae), eelAnguilla anguilla and crayfishProcambarus clarkii] consumed by ottersLutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758 a Mediterranean-climate coastal area relate them to frequencies occurrence each species otter diet. The over 1500 were estimated from measurements key pieces found 814 spraints, which collected lower stream stretches sandy area. Clear relationships between mean size frequency observed for four types. These positive grey mullets, crayfish (ie they occurred more diet when large individuals predated), but was negative case eels. Results suggest that these patterns could be related habitat use. Previous works study showed concentrate its predation efforts freshwater during spring summer, larger are available. Freshwater have neither nor flatfish, while eels scarcer there than near streams’ mouths, where is absent.