Eurasian otters modify their trophic niche after the introduction of non-native prey in Mediterranean fresh waters

Biological invasions are a major driver behind disturbances in freshwater community structure. We investigated how the foraging strategy of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra (L.) has responded to this change in a Mediterranean catchment of the Iberian Peninsula, over a 30-year time span (1980 vs. 2010)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological invasions 2014-08, Vol.16 (8), p.1573-1579
Main Authors: Barrientos, Rafael, Merino-Aguirre, Raquel, Fletcher, David H, Almeida, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Applied ecology
Autoecology
Biological and medical sciences
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cambaridae
Carnivores
Community structure
Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife
crayfish
Crustacea
Crustaceans
Developmental Biology
diet
Drought
Ecology
Endemic animals
fish
Fish conservation
Food resources
foraging
Freshwater
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Indigenous species
Introduced species
Invasion Note
Invertebrates
Life Sciences
Lutra lutra
Mammals
Niches
Nonnative species
Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking
Plant Sciences
Predation
Prey
Summer
watersheds
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Summary:Biological invasions are a major driver behind disturbances in freshwater community structure. We investigated how the foraging strategy of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra (L.) has responded to this change in a Mediterranean catchment of the Iberian Peninsula, over a 30-year time span (1980 vs. 2010). We found that, despite continuing to feed on a considerable amount of native fish, this carnivore has adapted its trophic niche to accommodate non-native species. Prior to the massive introductions of these new food items (1980), otters diversified their diet during the limiting season (i.e. summer drought). However, otters had largely incorporated non-native prey into their diet in 2010, with red-swamp crayfish being their main food resource, especially in the summer. This increased crayfish consumption reflects a narrowing of trophic niche during the summer drought in 2010. We discuss how this heavy specialisation may compromise the conservation of otters and their endemic fish prey.
ISSN:1387-3547
1573-1464
DOI:10.1007/s10530-013-0622-9