Seasonal and spatial differences in feeding habits of the Neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in a coastal catchment of southeastern Brazil
AUTOR(ES)
Rheingantz, Marcelo L, Waldemarin, Helen F, Rodrigues, Lívia, Moulton, Timothy P
FONTE
Zoologia (Curitiba)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO
2011-02
RESUMO
The diet of the Neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) is one of the best known aspects of its biology throughout its distribution range. However, most dietary studies have been undertaken during short time periods, making it difficult to identify temporal patterns in the feeding behavior of the species. The present study aimed to describe the diet of L. longicaudis in the lower region of the Mambucaba Catchment, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a three year period, based on analyses of spraints (feces). The results show fish as the main prey item (frequency of occurrence, FO = 85.78%), as already described in previous studies. Crustaceans were the second main prey (FO = 70.67%), occurring in the spraints during the whole year, however presenting a higher frequency of occurrence than fish in samples collected during some months. Anurans were the third most important prey item (FO = 9.56%) and mammals, birds and reptiles were preyed upon only rarely (less than 4%). Fish and crustaceans were present in the diet of the species throughout the year and frogs were important mostly from June to August (dry season). This higher rate of predation on amphibians during the drier months was probably related to the decrease of the main prey.
Documentos Relacionados
- Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) (carnivora: mustelidae) : dieta em ambientes lóticos e lêntico
- Diet of Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in three limnic systems in Southern Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
- Abrigo em copa de árvore de filhote de lontra neotropical (Lontra longicaudis - Carnivora: Mustelidae) em floresta inundável amazônica
- Feeding habits of giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in the Balbina hydroelectric reservoir, Central Brazilian Amazon
- Diversidade Genética e Padrões Filogeográficos da Lontra Neotropical (Lontra longicaudis [Olfers, 1818]); (Mammalia: Mustelidae)