An estimate of numbers and habitat preferences of otters Lutra lutra in Shetland, UK

The number of otter Lutra lutra dens (‘holts’) in 100 m wide strips along the coast of Shetland was estimated in a survey of a stratifiked sample of 35% of the coast. The calculated total number of holts was 1185, with 95% confidence limits of 13%. Otter holts were associated especially with peaty c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological conservation 1989, Vol.49 (4), p.241-254
Main Authors: Kruuk, H., Moorhouse, A., Conroy, J.W.H., Durbin, L., Frears, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Lutra lutra
Marine
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Summary:The number of otter Lutra lutra dens (‘holts’) in 100 m wide strips along the coast of Shetland was estimated in a survey of a stratifiked sample of 35% of the coast. The calculated total number of holts was 1185, with 95% confidence limits of 13%. Otter holts were associated especially with peaty coasts and with fresh water. The number of otters associated with these holts was estimated from a regression of number of adult females on holts, and from the proportion of adult females in the otter population, derived in a smaller, intensive study area. It is suggested that there were 700–900 adult otters in Shetland. The assumptions underlying our approximations are discussed. The population is relatively vulnerable because of its small size and its isolation.
ISSN:0006-3207
1873-2917
DOI:10.1016/0006-3207(89)90046-3