Patterns of northern river otter (Longra canadensis) habitat selection, diel activity, group size and activity at latrine sites in Newfoundland, Canada

Lawrence, Chelsey (2016) Patterns of northern river otter (Longra canadensis) habitat selection, diel activity, group size and activity at latrine sites in Newfoundland, Canada. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

I investigated the presence and activity of northern river otters (Lontra canadensis) at latrines in relation to anthropogenic disturbances. I examined the validity of spraints as an index for latrine use and determined if diel activity or group size was related to anthropogenic disturbance. Latrine data were collected using boat surveys, and motion-activated camera traps were used to observe otter activity and group size. I found that disturbances such as logging, cabins or roads, did not differ between the locations of northern river otter latrine sites. However, the level of activity was higher at latrines that were distant from them. I found that spraint counts are not a good index for latrine use intensity, but there is potential for them to be useful when investigating otter abundance within a large landscape. Diel patterns of otters were not influenced by disturbances, but overall amount of activity was low in areas with disturbances meaning otters tend to avoid latrines in such areas.

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