Survey of an otter Lutra lutra population in Southern Italy: site occupancy and influence of sampling season on species detection

摘要: In order to assess the current status of otterLutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758 in Southern Campania (Italy), we surveyed 141 sites for spraints (faeces) 2001. Fifty-eight were during winter and following summer test, through an estimation-based approach, influence sampling season on species detection. Site occupation study area was high (69.5%) possibly underestimated, because survey affected by non-detection errors. Our analyses showed that surveying markedly underestimated true otter occupancy at 58 (51.7% vs 97.1%), whereas very reliable (91.4%). Rains floods may have removed winter, thereby reducing detection probability 0.534. These results suggest standard surveys areas with Mediterranean-type climates should be conducted or periods without prolonged precipitation. Comparing our those 1985 National survey, found increase from 65.8 100%. We could not establish whether this change reflected a population due possible errors occurred survey. However, present substantiates strategic relevance planning conservation Italian otters.