Trophic flexibility of the otter (Lutra lutra) in southern Italy

摘要: Abstract Diet composition of otters (Lutra lutra) was investigated in 2001 by spraints analysis (N=1323) on five rivers southern Italy, with the aim assessing influence fish availability, elevation and discharge consumption food resources alternative to fish. Data were expressed as per cent frequency occurrence (%FO) volume (%V). The study confirmed great feeding adaptability otter that, partially interconnected flowing a small area, showed strong eating habit some (Sinni Mercure-Lao) diet mainly constituted other ones (amphibians Cogliandrino Frido, crustaceans River Battendiero). Fish for significantly correlated biomass mean summer discharge, while it inversely altitude rivers. lack clear seasonality sources together correlation between use each river indicated availability main factor affecting relying non-fish preys. Otter seemed influenced characteristics habitats (altitude, consequently biomass) more than drought, typical Mediterranean regions. %FO %V allowed drawn similar picture diet. Nonetheless useful better illustrating variation among different we argue that could be where feeds preys proportions indigestible remains.