Diel activity patterns of a semiaquatic carnivore in human-modified landscapes: insights from Eurasian otter behaviour
The expansion of human activities into natural habitats significantly impacts wildlife, particularly through alterations in animal behaviour such as natural rhythms of activity. This study examines the diel activity patterns of the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, a semiaquatic carnivore, in human-modif...
| Autores: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Repositorio: | Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:dnet:biblosearchi::0be770f2e22b6ea8cbfafb34122e0fcc |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/10486/764780 https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2025.123312 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palavra-chave: | Anthropogenic landscape behavioural adaptation Eurasian otter human–wildlife coexistence Lutra lutra rhythms of activity spraint Biología y Biomedicina / Biología |
| Resumo: | The expansion of human activities into natural habitats significantly impacts wildlife, particularly through alterations in animal behaviour such as natural rhythms of activity. This study examines the diel activity patterns of the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, a semiaquatic carnivore, in human-modified landscapes across northern and central Spain. Using camera traps placed at 19 sprainting sites across 12 rivers, we recorded 1052 otter detections over 2 years. Our findings reveal that otters predominantly show nocturnal behaviour, with bimodal peaks in activity before sunrise and after sunset. However, during the fishing season, when human presence is highest, otters shift towards even increased nocturnality, particularly in wider rivers and near human settlements. During the nonfishing season, otters show more diurnal activity. These findings highlight the complex interplay between anthropogenic pressures and natural landscape features in shaping otter behaviour. Our study underscores the importance of understanding seasonal and spatial variations in otter activity, providing critical insights for conservation strategies in human-modified landscapes. |
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