River Otter, Lontra canadensis , Food Habits in the Missouri Ozarks

摘要: The reintroduction of River Otters ( Lontra canadensis ) between 1982 and 1992 resulted in widespread occurrence the species throughout Missouri Ozarks. This study examined otter diets from vicinity two Ozark streams relation to seasonal spatial trends. Otter scats (N = 4750) were collected analyzed Osage Fork Big Piney during summer winter seasons 2001 2002. During (January-March), fish occurred 86% samples. (June–August), dropped approximately 15% for both rivers. Seven families identified diets, with Centrarchidae being most common regardless river or season. Within Centrarchidae, genus Lepomis (mostly Longear Sunfish, megalotis was common, Micropterus Smallmouth Bass, dolomieu Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris also well represented. mean age consumed (mean 3.3 years) consistently older than that either 2.54 2.78 years). Crayfish recovered a 85.2% 99% summer. Smaller crayfish more upper reaches while larger prevalent lower reaches.