Sociospatial organization of a solitary carnivore, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)

摘要: Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) have been described in the literature as solitary, with 2 sexes interacting only during mating. Data on otter sociality are rather scant, however, especially Mediterranean regions, and group formation documented temperate zones has suggested some social plasticity. We investigated sociospatial organization of a population by analyzing static dynamic interactions among 15 individuals radiotracked 3.5 years Alentejo (southern Portugal). Contrary to what is expected for solitary animals, dyads showed positive interactions, associating more often than chance. Moreover, movement patterns were correlated. Finally, shared diurnal resting sites expected. Adult males females cubs overlapped spatially temporally, even sharing when had no paternity. Nonrelated opposite sex home ranges core areas. Ranges those 1- 3 females, whereas same exhibited almost overlap, confirming classic mustelid intrasexual territoriality polygynous mating system (nevertheless, suspicions female polyandry arose). On average, overlap was higher that home-range cores. Our results contradict several statements European reproductive behavior. conclude previously thought, adding further evidence behavior carnivores may reveal significant flexibility.