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Latitudinal variation in diet and patterns of human interaction in the marine otter
Authors:J C Mangel  T Whitty  G Medina‐Vogel  J Alfaro‐Shigueto  C Cáceres  B J Godley
Institution:1. Pro Delphinus,
Octavio Bernal, 572‐5, Lima 11, Peru
and
Centre for Ecology and Conservation,
School of Biosciences,
University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus,
Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
E‐mail: jeffrey_mangel@yahoo.com;2. Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
University of California, San Diego,
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, U.S.A.;3. Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales,
Universidad Andres Bello,
República 252, Santiago, Chile;4. Pro Delphinus,
Octavio Bernal, 572‐5, Lima 11, Peru
and
Centre for Ecology and Conservation,
School of Biosciences,
University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus,
Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom;5. Pro Delphinus,
Octavio Bernal, 572‐5, Lima 11, Peru;6. Centre for Ecology and Conservation,
School of Biosciences,
University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus,
Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
Abstract:The marine otter (Lontra felina) inhabits patches of rocky coastline from central Peru to southern Chile and is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Given the limited information available about the species, we set out to assess marine otter diet with a view to detecting latitudinal differences, and to assess marine otter activity budgets and interspecific interactions (including anthropogenic) at Peruvian fishing villages and to compare results with similar Chilean studies. Nine study sites from central Chile to southern Peru were sampled for otter spraints to assess relative frequency of prey types and two fishing ports in southern Peru were monitored through focal and scan observations to assess activity patterns, interspecific interactions, habitat use patterns, and dive durations. Results indicate that toward the northern part of its range, crustaceans become less important and fish more important in the diet. Interactions were observed between marine otters and other species, including stray dogs and cats. The strong dependence of marine otters on the availability of safe rocky shelters, and the species’ apparent tolerance to living alongside humans raise conservation concerns about vulnerability to anthropogenic threats. These factors, if not correctly managed, could turn some of these rocky seashore patches into population sinks.
Keywords:Lontra felina  marine otter  human interaction  latitudinal variation  Peru  Chile
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