Biological data from post mortem analysis of otters in Hungary

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2008
Authors:Lanszki, J, Sugar, L, Orosz, E, Nagy, D
Journal:Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Volume:54
Date Published:2008
Keywords:Lutra lutra
Abstract:

In this paper we examined the characteristics of reproduction parameters, stomach content and inner organ weights on carcasses (male, n = 67, female n = 57, unknown n = 3) of otters (Lutra lutra) collected in Hungary between 1999 and 2006. Most otter carcasses (90.6%) were collected as road casualties. In breeding females (n = 28), the mean (±SE) number of placental scars was 2.22±0.17. One female was pregnant (3 embryos). Suckling were detected at four females, the number of active teats (2-4) equalling the number of placental scars. Reproduction period, calculated from the age of juveniles, was long (from winter to summer). No seasonal difference was found in the gonado-somatic index values of adult males, and births were estimated to have occurred from winter to summer. The stomach was empty in 31% of the cases, while mean weight of the stomach content was 49 g the main food eaten by otters was small-size, non-commercial fish. In the adult age group, the organ weight index of the kidneys (P < 0.01) and adrenal glands (P < 0.05) was greater in females, while in case of the other organs: heart, liver, spleen, tyroid glands and lungs no significant difference was found.

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