Distribution and sprainting activity of the Otter (Lutra lutra) in the Pollino National Park (southern Italy)

摘要: From March 2001 to December 2002, 32 stretches (sampling stations, mean length 673 m) distributed on 17 watercourses of the Pollino National Park (southern Italy) and surrounding area were searched monthly for otter Lutra lutra signs, mainly spraints. All positive with a percentage 82.2%, indicating stable presence otters, Sinni Mercure-Lao catchments (central-northern part park). Mean sprainting activity was 12.8 sites/km 31.7 spraints/km, showed seasonal variation only in two peaks, May-June October. Sprainting positively correlated watercourses, confirming that spraint density can represent an indicator population size otters. A preliminary evaluation relationship between fish availability marking intensity performed along 39 km River one day. correlation found sprain...