New data on presence and distribution of the otter (Lutra lutra) in two Natura 2000 Sites of Community Interest (SCI), from Iași county (Romania)

Abstract

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), listed in Annex II and IV of the Habitats Directive and in IUCN Red List as near threatened, used to be widespread till XXth Century through Europe. Now its distribution is scarce as result of pollution and habitat loss. In Romania, the industrial development, from socialist era, led to a decline of the otters population. The negative effect is increased by the lack of real interest in nature protection and biodiversity conservation. This fact led to serious damage of the inland waters. All of these unfortunate events caused the limitation of the otter distribution. After 1990s, many sources of pollution have dissapeared and has appeared the natural restocking of the inland waters which determined the increasing number and the expansion of the otter population in Romania. As a result of this improvement of habitats and natural restocking, I identified signs of otter presence (spraints, tracks, anal jellies, dens) in two Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SCI) from Iași County: Dealul Mare – Hârlau and Bârnova - Repedea Forest. Otter was not mentioned in the standard form of the sites. From December 2011 to August 2012, using the standard method in otter surveys recommended by the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group, I determined the area of otter distribution in the two sites.

Keywords

• Lutra lutra
• eurasian otter
• distribution
• presence
• Natura 2000
• Sites of Community Interest