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Structure of an otter (Lutra lutra) population in Germany - results of DNA and hormone analyses from faecal samples

Populationsstruktur von Fischottern (Lutra lutra) in Deutschland - Ergebnisse von DNA- und Hormon-Analysen aus Kotproben

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Abstract

Population size, one of the basic biological parameters is particularly difficult to estimate for nocturnal animals with cryptic life style and little individual distinctiveness like Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). Because telemetric methods often fail and also expose the animals to a high risk of injuries and even mortality, we analysed DNA and hormones of spraints to obtain data on population density and structure of free-living otters in a Nature Park in north-eastern Germany. We were able to assign 53 different individual profiles from faecal samples and obtained six more profiles from animals found dead inside the park. The total population estimate (n = 59) consisted of at least 32 males and 27 females; 33 animals were adult, 23 younger than 2 years (three of unknown age). Marking points were frequented by up to 12 individuals. Estimated density was one animal per 4.7 km of shoreline. The genotypically estimated total population size was more than 2.5 times as high as estimated in the past census. The method was also suited to compare otter population densities in different areas or at different times in the same area.

Zusammenfassung

Die Populationsgröße ist einer der grundlegenden biologischen Parameter, aber für nachtaktive Tierarten mit heimlicher Lebensweise und geringer individueller Unterscheidbarkeit wie den europäischen Fischotter (Lutra lutra) nur schwer zu ermitteln. Da telemetrische Untersuchungen kaum gelingen und zudem für die Tiere mit hohem Verletzungs- und Mortalitätsrisiko und starkem Stress verbunden sind, wurden DNA- und Hormonanalysen aus Kotproben eingesetzt, um die Größe und Zusammensetzung einer Fischotterpopulation in einem Naturpark im Nordosten Deutschlands zu bestimmen. Insgesamt konnten 53 individuelle DNA-Profile aus den Kotproben bestimmt werden, hinzu kamen sechs weitere von toten, während der Untersuchungszeit im Park aufgefundenen Ottern. Die so ermittelte Gesamtpopulation (n = 59) bestand aus 32 männlichen und 27 weiblichen Tieren, von denen 33 adult und 23 jünger als 2 Jahre waren (3 unbestimmten Alters). Die untersuchten Markierungsstellen wurden von bis zu 12 Fischottern aufgesucht. Die Populationsdichte betrug ein Tier pro 4.7 km Uferlänge. Die genotypisch ermittelte Populationsgröße war mehr als 2.5 Mal so hoch, wie im vorangegangenen Zensus geschätzt worden war. Die Methode erwies sich sowohl für den Vergleich der Populationsdichte zwischen verschiedenen Gebieten als auch in demselben Gebiet zu unterschiedlichen Zeiten als gut geeignet.

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  1. Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315

    Beate Kalz, Katarina Jewgenow & Joerns Fickel

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  1. Beate Kalz
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  2. Katarina Jewgenow
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  3. Joerns Fickel
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Correspondence to Joerns Fickel.

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Kalz, B., Jewgenow, K. & Fickel, J. Structure of an otter (Lutra lutra) population in Germany - results of DNA and hormone analyses from faecal samples. Mamm Biol 71, 321–335 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2006.02.010

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