Food niche of the neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) in a modifi ed environment, Temascaltepec, México

Abstract

Spatial and temporal changes in the diet of the river otter in Temascaltepec, Mexico were analyzed on 2rivers that present important human disturbance caused by aquaculture of commercial fish. 157 scats were collected, the principal prey was trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (92.4%) followed by invertebrates (3.5%), amphibians (2.9%) and plants (1.8%). Between climatic stations the diet of the river otter did not vary significantly, whereas between rivers it presented significant variation. The river otter showed specialization in the consumption of trout. The trout farms have influenced the diet of the river otter, and appear as key for the permanence of the otter in the study zone.