Flexible habitat selection paves the way for a recovery of otter populations in the European Alps

摘要: Abstract Carnivores are threatened worldwide through habitat loss and persecution. Habitat destruction is a major threat for the Eurasian otter. Its populations declined drastically in Europe but now expanding again, including into Alps. Here, flood prevention hydropower have massively altered riverine landscapes. We evaluated recovery potential of otters by testing impact factors transformation human disturbance on multiple spatial scales. In hierarchical approach, we investigated use foraging selection nine long-term radiotracking study eastern Central combined fine scale analysis with individual movements applying step-selection function approach to linear river system novel way. At home range scale, preferred main riverbeds abstracted water tributaries, whereas at there was no significant preference pristine sections within watercourses. Otters selected reservoirs streams width smaller than 12 m otherwise residual waters stretches discharge. this stage recovery, show surprising flexibility their selection. This promising species' future expansion former abandoned areas. However, given that traditional fish stocking regime might contribute providing profitable hunting grounds after events, an increased risk human-wildlife conflicts. Our results demonstrate high adaptability carnivore landscapes how flexible behaviour opens opportunities recovery.