Article
Zoology
Hilary Cosby, Micm La Szykman Gunther
Summary: This study used North American river otter scat analysis to assess the impact of river otters on their prey populations. The results showed that river otters primarily consume fish, with salmonids making up a small percentage overall but being consumed the most during salmon spawning season in certain areas. The variation in diet and marking intensity of river otters suggests a potential seasonal response to endangered and threatened salmonids.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Charles W. Sanders, Stephen F. Spear, Kristina Black, Colleen Olfenbuttel, Christopher S. Deperno
Summary: River otters are important predators in North Carolina's aquatic systems, consuming a variety of prey including fish, crayfish, herpetofauna, mammals, and birds. Traditional diet studies using manual examination have limitations in identifying prey accurately, while metabarcoding DNA analysis provides a more comprehensive and reliable method. The study reveals regional variations in river otter diets and highlights the importance of expanding research to understand their annual food composition using noninvasive methods.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philippe J. Thomas, Emily E. Newell, Kristin Eccles, Alison C. Holloway, Ifeoluwa Idowu, Zhe Xia, Elizabeth Hassan, Gregg Tomy, Cheryl Quenneville
Summary: The environmental loadings of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and trace elements are increasing in areas with marked oil and gas extraction, such as in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta, Canada. Co-exposure to PACs and metals have impacts on river otter baculum health, with alkylated four ring PACs showing negative associations with baculum bone material properties. This study highlights the importance of including baculum health metrics in biomonitoring studies for assessing male reproductive performance in wildlife.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Clara Ortiz-Alvarez, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Jeffrey C. Mangel
Summary: The marine otter has a patchy distribution along the Pacific coast of South America, mainly found in rocky coastlines. In Peru, they are primarily distributed from La Libertad to Tacna, with habitat features playing a crucial role in their presence.Preferred conditions are provided by habitats with large rocks.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristin M. Eccles, Philippe J. Thomas, Hing Man Chan
Summary: This study explored the spatial patterns of the relationship between fur mercury and cortisol in river otters. A distinct bi-phasic relationship was observed, with a negative association between cortisol and mercury concentrations beyond a threshold of 16 mg/g fur weight. The research emphasizes the importance of using appropriate spatial methods for assessing exposure-response relationships in wildlife.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Norka Fuentes, Aldo Arriagada
Summary: The study found that the population of southern river otter is scarce in the anthropogenically disturbed wetlands in southern Chile. The research revealed that the species has population connectivity throughout the extensive hydrographic basin, with a diet primarily consisting of native macrocrustaceans and some introduced fish. This provides valuable information for the conservation of the species in threatened wetlands.
Article
Ecology
Charles W. Sanders, Dennis L. Stewart, Krishna Pacifici, George R. Hess, Colleen Olfenbuttel, Christopher S. DePerno
Summary: Historically, the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis; otter) was widely distributed in North Carolina, but due to human activities, its populations were greatly reduced. Regulations regarding otter trapping have changed over the years, and efforts have been made to restore the populations through reintroduction. The study aimed to examine the age structure and reproductive rates of otters in North Carolina between 1978 and 2018 and compare remnant and reintroduced populations.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lisa M. Smith, Daniel Batie, Jeffery A. Gore
Summary: Researchers discovered a River Otter den containing 3 pups and an adult in a small side chamber within a cave in Jackson County, Florida. The den was located 9.6 m from the nearest entrance and 492 m from the closest permanent body of water. The pups were estimated to be born in late January. Caves may provide ideal natal dens for River Otters due to reduced predator disturbance, stable temperature and humidity, and protection from harsh weather.
SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Kayla Garrett, Ashlyn Halseth, Mark G. Ruder, James Beasley, Barbara Shock, Adam J. Birkenheuer, Mourad Gabriel, Christine Fiorello, M. Melanie Haire, Colleen Olfenbuttel, M. Kevin Keel, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: This article reports a potential pathogen, Babesia sp., in North American river otters and its wide distribution in otter populations in the eastern United States.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tatiana E. Gettelman, Clayton K. Nielsen, Joseph M. Scimeca, Eric M. Schauber
Summary: A protocol for implanting radiotransmitters in live-captured river otters using nonscheduled drugs has been developed. The surgical method minimized stress and handling time without compromising the health of the river otters.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Edward H. Miller, Thomas S. Jung, Piia M. Kukka, John J. Reynolds, Robert A. Grove, Garry B. Stenson, Robert P. W. Rogers
Summary: Allometric analyses of sexually selected structures have revealed important patterns and adaptations in weapons, ornaments, and genitalia. In this study, we investigated the allometry of the baculum in three large mustelids, finding that baculum size is possibly adapted to the average size of the female reproductive tract. Additionally, bacular shape and size varied greatly among species, suggesting functional differences in intromission.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Kyle M. Shanebeck, Caeley Thacker, Clement Lagrue
Summary: The first confirmed cases of Corynosoma strumosum infection in river otters and possibly wild North American minks on the west coast of North America are reported. The study also found evidence of reproductive activity in some individuals, suggesting that minks may serve as competent definitive hosts and reservoirs in coastal habitats.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alec J. Sundelius, Nicholas Forman, Nathan M. Roberts, Shawn T. Rossler, David B. Ruid, Robert C. Willging
Summary: A study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different trigger configurations on the incidental capture rate of river otters during beaver trapping. It was found that an offset trigger configuration did not reduce incidental take of otters and was less effective for trapping beavers.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Cale N. Babey, Nikolaus Gantner, J. Mark Shrimpton
Summary: By quantifying the number of white sturgeon PIT tags recovered from otter latrines, this study provides estimates of predation extent, spatial patterns, and timing. The results can contribute to management decisions for Nechako white sturgeon conservation efforts, inform further research needs, and enhance our understanding of sturgeon predation.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carla Pozzi, Ana H. Ladio
Summary: This research investigates the significance of the southern river otter in Mapuche communities and emphasizes the importance of ecological and ethnohistorical sources in understanding the relationship between humans and this species.
ETHNOBIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Han Liu, Chuanbo Guo, Xiao Qu, Fangyuan Xiong, Craig P. Paukert, Yushun Chen, Wei Su
Summary: The Jinsha River basin in China has high freshwater fish biodiversity, but faces threats from overfishing, water pollution, and dam construction. Data collected from the basin revealed patterns in fish species richness. Conservation strategies similar to those used in North America, such as establishing fish reserves and regulating human activities, may help protect native fish species in the Jinsha River basin.
NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Cecilia Di Bernardi, Anne-Mathilde Thierry, Nina E. Eide, Diana E. Bowler, Lars Rod-Eriksen, Stefan Blumentrath, Lukas Tietgen, Brett K. Sandercock, Oystein Flagstad, Arild Landa
Summary: Selection for crypsis is recognized as an important ecological driver of animal colouration, while the importance of thermoregulation is contentious. In Arctic foxes, the blue morph showed higher breeding propensity compared to the white morph, suggesting the influence of color morph on reproductive performance. The study did not consistently support predictions of camouflage or thermoregulation hypotheses, indicating potential physiological and behavioral factors in the success of different color morphs.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sean M. Wineland, Rachel Fovargue, Betsey York, Abigail J. Lynch, Craig P. Paukert, Thomas M. Neeson
Summary: The study found that decision-makers have different perspectives and beliefs on implementing e-flows policies, which could complicate efforts and proactive planning for climate change. Despite the differences, there are opportunities for collaboration among decision-makers to address common data needs and implementation barriers.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ute Bradter, Arpat Ozgul, Michael Griesser, Kate Layton-Matthews, Jeannette Eggers, Alexander Singer, Brett K. Sandercock, Paul J. Haverkamp, Tord Snall
Summary: The study evaluated the utility of opportunistic data from citizen science programmes for forecasting species distributions against forecasts with a model of individual-based population dynamics. The results showed that forecasts based on high-quality inferred absences significantly improved accuracy, recommending citizen science projects to incorporate procedures to evaluate reporting behavior.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Craig Paukert, Julian D. Olden, Abigail J. Lynch, David D. Breshears, R. Christopher Chambers, Cindy Chu, Margaret Daly, Kimberly L. Dibble, Jeff Falke, Dan Issak, Peter Jacobson, Olaf P. Jensen, Daphne Munroe
Summary: Climate change poses a persistent threat to fish and fish habitats in North America, with increased water temperature, changes in precipitation, sea level rise, and ocean acidification being common stressors. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, adaptation strategies developed by local agencies and stakeholders help mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable fish and fisheries.
Article
Ecology
Corey G. Dunn, Craig P. Paukert
Summary: Research shows that the majority of mainstem species use tributaries, and the beta diversity between tributaries is mainly influenced by local habitats and downstream distance. The mean annual discharge of tributaries correlates positively with habitat availability and distance to mainstems, while the slopes of species-discharge relationships vary between different tributaries. Therefore, considering the varying habitats and downstream distance when evaluating the value of tributaries for fish with dispersal-dependent life cycles can enhance the predictive performance of species-discharge relationships.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alaaeldin Soultan, Diego Pavon-Jordan, Ute Bradter, Brett K. Sandercock, Wesley M. Hochachka, Alison Johnston, Jon Brommer, Elie Gaget, Verena Keller, Peter Knaus, Karen Aghababyan, Qenan Maxhuni, Alexandre Vintchevski, Karoly Nagy, Liutauras Raudonikis, Dawn Balmer, David Noble, Domingos Leitao, Ingar Jostein Oien, Paul Shimmings, Elchin Sultanov, Brian Caffrey, Kerem Boyla, Dimitrije Radisic, Ake Lindstrom, Metodija Velevski, Clara Pladevall, Lluis Brotons, St'astny Karel, Drazenko Z. Rajkovic, Tomasz Chodkiewicz, Tomasz Wilk, Tibor Szep, Chris van Turnhout, Ruud Foppen, Ian Burfield, Thomas Vikstrom, Vlatka Dumbovic Mazal, Mark Eaton, Petr Vorisek, Aleksi Lehikoinen, Sergi Herrando, Tatiana Kuzmenko, Hans-Gunther Bauer, Mikhail Kalyakin, Olga V. Voltzit, Jovica Sjenicic, Tomas Part
Summary: Wetland bird species have been experiencing population declines due to climate warming and land-use change, impacting their suitable habitats. This study used species distribution models to predict changes in range dynamics for 64 non-passerine wetland birds breeding in Europe. The models successfully predicted the contraction of breeding ranges for most species and expansion for southerly breeding species. The study highlights the urgent need for wetland creation and restoration to improve wetland birds' resilience to future environmental changes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael J. Moore, Craig P. Paukert, Thomas W. Bonnot, Brandon L. Brooke, Travis L. Moore
Summary: Despite limited knowledge about the impact of stocking location on survival and dispersal of Lake Sturgeon, this study found that survival estimates of stocked juveniles were high in Missouri River tributaries. Stocking site did not significantly affect activity centers, but did impact dispersal distance and direction. The findings suggest that stocked juveniles may play a role in contributing to the recovery of the Lake Sturgeon population in the area.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Colin J. Dassow, Alex W. Latzka, Abigail J. Lynch, Greg G. Sass, Ralph W. Tingley, Craig P. Paukert
Summary: Large-scale modelling and prediction provide important insight into the impacts of climate change on inland recreational fisheries. However, small-scale dynamics and local expertise are also crucial in managing recreational fisheries. A decision-support tool has been developed and applied in Wisconsin, USA to help managers make decisions on whether to resist, accept, or direct climate change impacts on specific walleye populations.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert B. Jacobson, Kristen L. Bouska, Edward A. Bulliner, Garth A. Lindner, Craig P. Paukert
Summary: Floodplains of large rivers are utilized for various purposes, but the occurrence of frequent floods has led to the consideration of managing these floodplains for ecosystem services. A study conducted on the Lower Missouri River in the USA found that the inundation metrics and their spatial distribution are influenced by geomorphic adjustments and climate change. The capacity of floodplain connectivity to influence ecosystem services varies significantly along the river and may be affected by climate change.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicholas Sievert, Craig Paukert, Joanna Whittier, Wesley Daniel, Dana Infante, Jana Stewart
Summary: Climate change is expected to alter stream fish habitat, leading to changes in fish communities. This study identifies areas at high and low risk of experiencing climate-induced changes in stream class. The findings help identify opportunities for preservation, restoration, and adaptation based on climate risk and other stressors. Understanding the communities at risk due to climate change will aid in developing strategies to sustain them in the future.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brett K. Sandercock, Marie L. Davey, Anders Endrestol, Rakel Blaalid, Frode Fossoy, Hanne Hegre, Markus A. M. Majaneva, Anders Often, Jens Astrom, Rannveig M. Jacobsen
Summary: The goal of this study was to design and test a surveillance program for early detection of alien species of vascular plants and terrestrial insects. Through sampling 60 study plots, we found 239 alien species of vascular plants and over 3500 invertebrate taxa. The results demonstrate that early detection is feasible and important for a national surveillance program.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Brett K. K. Sandercock, Cheri L. Gratto-Trevor
Summary: The Prairie Pothole Region in central Canada supports a diverse community of breeding waterbirds. This study investigated the demographic performance of Marbled Godwits and Willets breeding in managed wetlands near Brooks, Alberta. The results showed high rates of survivorship and breeding site fidelity in both species, suggesting the need for conservation strategies to reduce anthropogenic mortality.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brett K. Sandercock, Marie L. Davey, Anders Endrestol, Rakel Blaalid, Frode Fossoy, Hanne Hegre, Markus A. M. Majaneva, Anders Often, Jens Astrom, Rannveig M. Jacobsen
Summary: Naturalized species of alien plants and animals have had significant impacts on Norway's natural ecosystems, especially in coastal and urban areas. This field project aimed to design and test a surveillance program for early detection of alien species. Through sampling and surveys, numerous alien species of known risk and new species were discovered, and the probabilities of occupancy and detection were calculated using statistical models. The results demonstrate the feasibility of early detection as a key component of a national surveillance program.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Abigail J. Lynch, Bonnie J. E. Myers, Jesse P. Wong, Cindy Chu, Ralph W. Tingley, Jeffrey A. Falke, Thomas J. Kwak, Craig P. Paukert, Trevor J. Krabbenhoft
Summary: Climate change is an important consideration for conservation practitioners, but uncertainty in identifying appropriate management strategies for understudied species and regions hinders the implementation of science-based solutions. This article introduces a decision-path approach using the Fish and Climate Change database (FiCli) to reduce uncertainty in climate change responses of inland fishes, providing valuable information for conservation and adaptation planning.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)