Otters: Ecology, Behaviour and ConservationOtters are highly charismatic and popular animals of very considerable concern to conservationists worldwide. Written by the pre-eminent authority in the field, this book builds on the reputation of the author's landmark monograph of the European otter, Wild Otters (OUP, 1995). Furthermore, its broader scope to include all species of otter in North America as well as Europe and elsewhere leads to a deeper synthesis that greatly expands the book's overall relevance and potential readership. Aimed at naturalists, scientists and conservationists, its personal style and generously illustrated text will appeal to amateurs and professionals alike. It emphasises recent research and conservation management initiatives for all 13 species of otter worldwide, incorporates recent molecular research on taxonomy and population genetics, and discusses the wider implications of otter studies for ecology and conservation biology. As well as enchanting direct observations of the animals, there is guidance about how and where to watch and study them. From otters in the British and American lakes and rivers, to sea otters in the Pacific Ocean, giant otters in the Amazon and other species in Africa and Asia, this book provides an engaging approach to their fascinating existence, to the science needed to understand it, and to the very real threats to their survival. |
Contents
1 Otter ecology and its background | 1 |
some natural history | 6 |
3 Evolutionary relationships questions and methods of otter ecology | 29 |
4 Habitats | 39 |
social organization | 55 |
social behaviour | 78 |
7 Diet | 99 |
about fish and other prey | 120 |
hunting behaviour and strategies | 140 |
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Common terms and phrases
active adult Alaska American river otter animals Aonyx aquatic behaviour biomass butterfish Cape clawless otter carnivores Carss catch caught Chapter 11 coastal core areas crabs cubs density dives ecology eelpout eels effects estimated Eurasian badger Eurasian otters feeding females Figure fish fresh water freshwater genetic giant otters habitat home ranges important kelp Lake Victoria lakes large numbers Lontra Lutra males mammals marine otter metres mortality mother neotropical neotropical otter North American river numbers observations occur otter diet otter Lutra lutra otter numbers otter populations otter species otters in Shetland patches predation prey species Prince William Sound radio-tracking Riedman rockling salmonid Scotland Scottish sea coasts sea otters sea urchins seasonal shallow Shetland otters shore similar small-clawed otters smooth otters social southern river otter species of otter spotted-necked otters spraints streams study area swimming territories tion traps underwater vegetation