Complex post mortem analysis of the strictly protected otter

Informations

Funding country

Hungary

Acronym

-

URL

-

Start date

3/31/2006

End date

12/31/2007

Budget

15,295 EUR

Fundings

Abstract

The otter (Lutra lutra) is an ambiguous top predator from the viewpoint of nature conservation and economic aspects. Using the detailed post mortem analysis, various population parameters are measurable that are not available via other methods. The main aim of this two-year study is to improve the Hungarian conservation programme of the actually threatened otter. We examine dead and frozen-stored otter bodies collected by the staff of National Parks. In the post mortem examination we record morphologic data of the body, measure the size and weight of the internal organs, register the different types of wounds, score the fat deposition, the reproduction status (e. g. placenta scars, gonado-somatic indices), examine the mortality causes, age, the health status and infection with parasites. We plan to quantify the accumulation of important heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Hg, Cd) and total PCBs, from frozen stored inner organs, mainly liver tissue samples by chemical analysis. From the samples we plan to analyse the genetic diversity of otter population in Hungary with the application of a molecular genetic method, applying nine, existing Lut microsatellite primers. We compute data with multifactor analyses. The expected results are applicable in the otter conservation, in the practice of the management of aquatic habitats and also in the sustainable fish farming. We plan to publish results in international and national journals, in popular scientific reports and on conferences.