Desert otters: Distribution, habitat use and feeding ecology in arid rivers of Morocco

摘要: Abstract Some of the most arid environments inhabited by Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) are river systems draining southern slopes High Atlas Mountains into Sahara Desert, where we have studied distribution, habitat use and feeding ecology. We found signs presence in 61% 80 sampled sites. The species was widespread at intermediate elevations within study area, being rarer high altitudes (above 2000 m a.s.l.) and, especially, lowlands. intensity use, estimated from spraint counts, also peaked elevations. Otter diet, described through analysis 554 spraints, dominated fish general (found 97% spraints) Luciobarbus barbels particular (86% spraints). positively selected sizes (100–160 mm length), avoiding smallest size classes consuming larger ones according to their availability. Our results suggest that may be vulnerable harsh environmental conditions areas. This aridity-driven vulnerability is expected increase area expand other peri-Mediterranean regions future.