Genetic variability and size estimates of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) population in the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem |
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| Institution: | 1. Technische Universität München, Science Center Weihenstephan, Alte Akademie 8, D-85354 Freising, Germany;2. Dept. Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany;3. Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, D-94481 Grafenau, Germany;4. Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany;5. Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstraße 5, D-96181 Rauhenebrach, Germany;6. Šumava National Park, 1. Máje 260, CZ-38501 Vimperk, Czech Republic;7. Potsdam University, Inst. for Biochemistry & Biology, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany;1. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea;2. Bureau of Ecological Research Division of Basic Research, National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea;3. Veterinary Anatomy, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan;4. The University Museum, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan;1. Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 62901, USA;2. Indiana Karst Conservancy, PO Box 2401, Indianapolis, IN 46206, USA;3. Indiana Department of Natural Resources,402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA;4. Environmental Solutions and Innovations,4525 Este Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45232, USA;1. School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;2. Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, via Broken Hill, NSW 2880, Australia;3. Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;1. Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018, United States;2. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico;1. Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;2. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari 514, Goiabeiras, 29075-910, Vitória, ES, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | Even though recent years have shown a slow recovery of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations from their previous lows, the species is still highly endangered in most parts of its European distribution range. Surprisingly, only a few studies have so far assessed the species’ genetic variability and population density, and they have mostly been carried out only in small territories. In Germany, most otter populations live in protected areas whose management urgently needs data on population sizes and densities as well as on genetic variability of the species under their custody. Thus, we analyzed genetic variability and assessed size and density of the otter population in the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem, an area that had not been included in the few previous molecular studies. The study area comprised of 1500 km2, divided into fifteen squares of 10 × 10 km2, each of which was sampled in two collection periods. Overall we collected 261 fecal samples (spraints), of which 60 (23%) could be genotyped at least at eight microsatellite loci, yielding 38 distinct otter genotypes. The low genotyping success rate was the result of high ambient temperature at the time of sampling rather than that of high humidity. The population did not show signs of a past bottleneck, indicating a small yet stable population size. Population size was estimated to be 118 (CI95% 64–163) individuals, with a mean density of 1 animal per 8.5 km2 or 3.1 km river length. Our results imply that hunting, requested by local fishpond owners, should remain banned to avoid a decline in (effective) population size. |
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| Keywords: | Eurasian otter Bohemian forest ecosystem |
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