Article
Zoology
Qiao-Yun Wang, Kai-Dan Zheng, Xue-Song Han, Fang He, Xiang Zhao, Peng-Fei Fan, Lu Zhang
Summary: The study found that Eurasian otters exhibit flexible habitat use strategies at different sites, highlighting the necessity for more site-specific studies to promote otter conservation in China.
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miriam Dibbern, Morten Elmeros, Rune Dietz, Jens Sondergaard, Anders Michelsen, Christian Sonne
Summary: The study found that mercury concentrations in otters were positively correlated with age and distance to the coastline, with some individuals exceeding the risk thresholds for adverse health effects.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Emily O'Rourke, Juliet Hynes, Sara Losada, Jonathan L. Barber, M. Gloria Pereira, Eleanor F. Kean, Frank Hailer, Elizabeth A. Chadwick
Summary: This article reports the widespread pollution of PFASs in Eurasian otters in England and Wales and their association with anthropogenic sources. Various PFAS compounds were detected in otters, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) being the major component. The study also found that PFAS concentrations in otters were negatively associated with the distance from a factory, and positively associated with load entering wastewater treatment works and arable land.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sungwon Hong, Gea-Jae Joo
Summary: This study investigated the impact of regenerated secondary forests on Eurasian otter populations and the mitigation of negative effects of urbanization through scenario analysis. Results showed that higher forest density led to an increase in otter occurrences, while the proportion of urban areas was negatively correlated. Diffused urban development had a smaller impact on otter distribution compared to clustered urban areas, and developed forests significantly alleviated the negative impacts of urbanization.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Romina Fusillo, Mariarita Romanucci, Manlio Marcelli, Marcella Massimini, Leonardo Della Salda
Summary: The study of post-mortem examination of Eurasian otters in Italy revealed that vehicle collision was the main cause of death, especially in young individuals, and measures need to be taken to reduce the risk. Most otters were in good nutritional condition and between 1 and 3 years old. Necropsy examinations showed different signs of disease in some individuals, but ticks and endoparasites were rarely detected.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah J. du Plessis, Mark Blaxter, Klaus-Peter Koepfli, Elizabeth A. Chadwick, Frank Hailer
Summary: This study compared whole genome sequencing and microsatellite genotyping for the study of Eurasian otters. The results showed that whole genome sequencing provided more genetic information and higher resolution, revealing previously unknown genetic diversity and lineage differences. This study has important implications for understanding population structure and genetic diversity in otters.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Simon Rohner, Peter Wohlsein, Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff, Christa Ewers, Patrick Waindok, Christina Strube, Christine Baechlein, Paul Becher, Dunja Wilmes, Volker Rickerts, Ursula Siebert
Summary: Working with dead otters can provide valuable insights for population health investigations. In Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, most of the dead otters found were males aged between 1-3 years with good nutritional status. Roadkill was a major cause of death, and post-mortem investigations are essential for analyzing potential trends and establishing a monitoring program for Eurasian otters in the region.
Article
Microbiology
Yumiko Okamoto, Natsumi Ichinohe, Cheolwoon Woo, Sung-Yong Han, Hyeong-Hoo Kim, Sakura Ito, Chiho Nakamura, Junpei Kumura, Kentaro Nagaoka, Naomichi Yamamoto
Summary: The gut microbiota of captive Eurasian otters shows taxonomic and functional differences by age, likely attributed to changes in diet composition throughout their life stages. This study provides baseline information regarding the gut microbiota of Eurasian otters for the first time.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Priyanka Kumari, Binu Mani Tripathi, Ke Dong, Kyung Yeon Eo, Woo-Shin Lee, Junpei Kimura, Naomichi Yamamoto
Summary: This study investigates the risks and ecology of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment by analyzing the feces of wildlife. The study finds significant differences in bacterial taxonomy composition and resistomes between different animal hosts, as well as selective correlations between certain ARGs and bacteria. This research provides important baseline information for conservation efforts and assessing health risks posed by ARGs and bacterial pathogens from wildlife.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simon Rohner, Martina Gramer, Ivo Wiesweg, Oliver Scherf-Clavel, Peter Wohlsein, Martin Schmelz, Ursula Siebert, Franziska Richter, Manuela Gernert
Summary: Emerging contaminants, including substances in anti-seizure medication, are being increasingly found in surface waters in Germany, with unknown consequences for aquatic wildlife. The Eurasian otter, a top predator, can be an indicator species for environmental pollutants. Brain samples of otters were screened for anti-seizure medication using advanced analytical techniques, but no targeted substances were detected. However, unidentified substances were found in the otter brains, and further investigation is hindered by sample quality limitations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Hong, T-S Chon, G. J. Joo
Summary: The study in South Korea revealed the recovery of endangered Eurasian otter populations, identifying two geographical populations: northern and southern. The northern population showed steady growth over the study period, while the southern population was limited by its location in an industrial area. Environmental factors and anthropogenic activities negatively affected both populations. However, in 2016, otter populations fully recovered, stabilizing their development with high association with environmental factors.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachel P. Hickcox, Thomas Mattern, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Melanie J. Young, Yolanda van Heezik, Philip J. Seddon
Summary: Yellow-eyed penguins, an endangered species, exhibit regional variation in foraging habitat selection and are influenced by oceanographic characteristics and proximity to breeding areas. Prey availability and environmental variables play important roles in their habitat selection during different seasons.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min-Seung Yang, Seongho Yun, Mi-Jin Hong, Young-Min Moon, Jeong-Chil Yoo, Who-Seung Lee
Summary: This study quantitatively demonstrates the exposure of breeding colonies of Black-tailed gulls to marine litter pollution during the breeding period, and further shows that these birds mainly forage in fishing areas close to their breeding colonies during this period.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lorna E. Drake, Jordan P. Cuff, Sergio Bedmar, Robbie McDonald, William O. C. Symondson, Elizabeth A. Chadwick
Summary: By studying the feces of 300 dead Eurasian otters in England and Wales, it was found that otters exploit a wide range of prey, and the variation in their diet reflects changes in prey distribution and availability in freshwater ecosystems. This study provides important insights into the trophic adaptability and recent population recovery of otters in Britain, and may increase their resilience to future environmental changes.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fabio Leoncini, Paola Semenzato, Mirko Di Febbraro, Anna Loy, Caterina Ferrari
Summary: Assessing landscape connectivity is crucial for the survival of species, especially in the context of climate change and biodiversity crisis. By applying electrical circuit theory, this study analyzed the factors affecting connectivity and identified gaps in corridors for conservation. The results showed that the orography of the landscape and human activities significantly influenced animal movement. Therefore, expanding protected areas is important to ensure the recolonization of species like the Eurasian otter in the western Alps.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)