Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVII, Issue 2
Written by Daniela Cristina IBĂNESCU, Adina POPESCU, Mihaela CRISTESCU, Aurelia NICA
The purpose of this study was to obtain information about otter population in terms of spatio-temporal distribution, abundance and/or density and other ecological characteristics of the otter population in the Somova - Parcheș aquatic complex. Because the otter is a solitary, nocturnal animal with a large distribution area, direct methods of assessing population numbers are difficult. That is why indirect methods were used in this study, such as: counting footprints, feces, latrines, territory marking places. The abundance of presence signs is considered a measure of the activity of the species. During the study period, a number of 256 signs of presence were inventoried (spraints, jellies, footprints) and 2 specimens of otter were identified (1 dead adult and a live chick both found in fishing nets). The greatest abundance of presence signs is found on the wooded inner hills of the lacustrine complex. Starting from the west to the east of the complex we can consider 4 areas with a high density of signs of presence. The most abundant signs of presence were found in the winter season (33.2%).
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