Density of river otters (Lontra canadensis) in relation to energy development in the Green River Basin, Wyoming

摘要: Exploration and extraction of oil natural gas have increased in recent years are expected to expand the future. Reduction water quality from energy may negatively affect supply for agriculture urban use within catchments as well down river. We used non-invasive genetic techniques capture-recapture modeling estimate abundance density North American river otters (Lontra canadensis), a sentinel species aquatic ecosystems, Southwestern Wyoming. While densities two three reaches were similar those reported other freshwater systems western US (1.45-2.39 km per otter), appeared avoid areas near development. found no strong difference habitat variables, such overstory cover, at site or reach level. Also, fish was among reaches. Otter activity our study area could been affected by elevated levels disturbance surrounding industrial fields, potential surface contamination indicated patterns conductivity. Continued monitoring Wyoming with aid continuously recording devices is warranted.