Land use drivers of species re‐expansion: inferring colonization dynamics in Eurasian otters

摘要: Aim Land use intensity has been recognized as one of the major determinants native species declines. The re-expansion previously constrained by habitat degradation rarely investigated. Here, we site occupancy models incorporating imperfect detection to identify land drivers Eurasian otter ( Lutra lutra ). Location Czech Republic. Methods We applied multi-season presence–nondetection data collected in three national surveys (1992, 2000, 2006) at 552 sites (11.2 · 12 km grid cells). Model parameters included occupancy, colonization and extinction probabilities, probability a sub-site level. modelled changes over time function agricultural, urban industrial change extent agricultural use. Results Under best fitting model, was estimated be 34.6% 1992, 51.3% 2000 83.7% 2006. Detection neither perfect nor constant. Occupancy 1992 negatively related gradients. Colonization more likely occur where reduction larger. Variation rates along gradients resulted increased especially landscapes. Conversely, remained almost unchanged Main conclusions Dynamics expansion were strongly associated with two main patterns rapid environmental transition that taken place Republic since early 1990s. show intensive led an increase distribution, providing evidence impact on stream ecosystems. Moreover, otters recolonized landscapes, probably result extensive water pollution from point sources. Our results suggest active conservation populations should focus restoration freshwater large scales,