مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Distribution Records of Eurasian Otter, Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758), in Turkey

Abstract :

Genus Lutra belonging to Carnivora order of mammal class is represented by 13 species in the world. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) among these species has a wide distribution in Palearctic region. According to result of the first three symposiums held regarding condition of Eurasian otter in Turkey, Lutra lutra was determined to distribute all over Turkey. Lutra lutra was recorded in places where creeks, brooks, rivers, lakes, and streams flow into sea. According to fecal analysis; despite the fact that food preference rates of Eurasian otter vary in areas where it is distributed, it generally prefers to eat, particularly fish, invertebrate animals such as mussel, fresh water crab, and crayfish and species of vertebrates such as amphibian, reptile, small birds, and mammals. Destroying habitats, car crash, environmental pollution, pesticides, being killed by farm owners in order to protect fish pools, and partially hunting are among main factors threatening otter. While international conservation status of Lutra lutra was “Vulnerable” in early 2000s according to IUCN criteria, it has been changed as “Near Threatened” since 2004. This species is also involved in the category of “Near Threatened” in Turkey. Measures of conservation can be taken according to dimensions of the threats for otters found in various regions of Turkey. For this, it is required to exactly know habitats and ecological preferences of otters.