Wild Otters Predation and Populations [Hardcover]

Wild Ottersanswers the need for an up-to-date, scientifically-oriented introduction to theLutra lutraspecies. Based in part on the author's extensive field observations, the book provides a superb basis for active conservation management of a species faced with an increasingly hostile environment. Topics include social organization and behavior, food and foraging strategies, ecological information on their main prey fish, problems of energetics and thermo-insulation, population structure, mortality and reproduction, and the impact of humans. Packed with illustrations and photographs,Wild Ottersis perfect for students and researchers in ecology, conservation, zoology, and animal behavior.

1. Introduction
2. Spatial Organization, Holts, and Habitat
3. Social Behavior
4. Diet
5. Fish as Prey: Numbers, Behavior, and Availability
6. Otters Fishing: Hunting Behavior and Strategies
7. Thermo-insulation of Otters in the Sea and Fresh Water
8. Populations, Survival, and Mortality
9. Synthesis: Some Generalizations and Speculations
10. Otters, Man, and Conservation