Food habits of the otter (Lutra lutra) in two habitats of the Doñana National Park, SW Spain

摘要: Food habits of otters Lutra lutra were studied in two localities the Donana National Park (SW Spain) 16 km apart. These lowest stretch Arroyo Rocina, a eutrophic stream where American red-swamp-crayfish introduced 1976, and at Lucio Bolin, an artificial pond 150 m diameter, situated on border Guadalquivir marshes. In all, 598 spraints analysed between 1979 1984. Crayfish, occurring 80% spraints, was dominant food item other common foods fish (63%), insects (55%) amphibians (18%). Fish, 94% by far most abundant followed (32%) (28%). Seasonal differences diet small but interesting: reptiles eaten more often dry season (April-September) crayfish rainy (October-March). Among fish, eels commonly period remaining species period. This pattern seasonal variation is opposite to usual temperate Europe. Mean size captured statistically higher Bolin than Rocina. A large amount very such as Gambusia eaten. comparison prey consumed with estimates abundance reveals strong preference for eels. The Mediterranean European seems be diverse that northern ones, including insects, reptiles.