Influence of the water quality on the occurrence of the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) (Olfers, 1818) in a human-altered river basin

摘要: The seeming tolerance of the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) to human-altered environments does not prevent it from being under threat in several areas across its distribution range. To improve our knowledge species increasing levels habitat degradation, and adding ecological information, we evaluated influence water quality, vegetation structure, seasonality stream flow on occurrence L. longicaudis. We conducted monthly samplings non-invasive biological material 16 points different classes quality Sinos River Basin Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between January August 2015. Water positively influenced longicaudis; still, seems reduce only waters very low showing moderate eutrophication. conclude that is tolerant environments, but beyond a certain threshold water-quality persistence at risk. Monitoring key for preservation riverine ecosystems, measures control pollution eutrophication are deemed necessary guarantee viable populations