Observations on the marking behaviour of a coastal population of otters

摘要: The marking behaviour of otters was studied around a sea loch in northwest Scotland, 32 km shoreline being examined. Twelve used holts were found. They situated rocky outcrops and the average interholt distance 1,100 m (range 450h—2,000 m). Holt entrances heavily marked with spraints. Large accumulations spraints (»lavatories«) tended to occur between may have served as signals for travelling along shore. Sixty-two per cent 168 sprainting sites within 150 holts. Otters this area appear able tolerate certain level disturbance from human activities. is discussed relation resources. (Dept. Zool. & Com. Physiol. Univ. Birmingham, U. K. (SMM) Dept. Biol., Essex, Colchester, (CFM).