Diet diversity and breeding of top predators are determined by habitat stability and structure: a case study with the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.)

摘要: A study on Eurasian otter was conducted in order to establish if feeding ecology and breeding of this European freshwater top predator were affected by the habitat complexity or stability. The work based comparison contrasting environmental settings. Significant gradients found for diet parameters breeding, both also changing according gradient patterns (water capacity permanence during droughts, stability, complexity). less diverse most stable (and complex) habitats, eating more fish. Otters breed regularly such courses, with suitable fish availability. step toward lower stability can put otters a advantageous position front generalist predators, foraging frequently outside edge aquatic ecosystems. Implications other similar predator’s conservation are discussed.