Genetic diversity and individual identification of reintroduced otters (Lutra lutra) in north-eastern Spain by DNA genotyping of spraints
Published source details Ferrando A., Lecis R., Domingo-roura X. & Ponsà M. (2008) Genetic diversity and individual identification of reintroduced otters (Lutra lutra) in north-eastern Spain by DNA genotyping of spraints. Conservation Genetics, 9, 129-139.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
Hold translocated mammals in captivity before release Action Link |
Hold translocated mammals in captivity before release
A study in 1995–2004 in three riparian and wetland sites in north-eastern Spain (Ferrando et al. 2008) found that following translocations of European otters Lutra lutra that were held in captivity before release, animals reproduced and offspring had similar genetic diversity to that of donor populations. By nine years after the first releases, at least 19 offspring had been born to translocated otters. Genetic diversity in these offspring was similar to that of the donor populations (data reported as genetic heterozygosity). In 1995–2002, forty-two otters were released into three wetland and river areas. All otters were caught in western Iberia and were quarantined before release. Blood samples were collected from 23 translocated otters. In February–March 2004, the study area was divided into eight zones, each of which was surveyed over five consecutive days. In total, 104 otter faeces and anal secretion samples were collected from release areas. Samples were genetically analysed and compared to samples from translocated otters.
(Summarised by: Paul Gerlach)
