• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.413-418
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• 2012

In this study, both habitat use analysis by rumen contents of Eurasian river otter (Lutra lutra) were carried out to investigate the preference of habitat environment and diet using their fecal samples. As the target sites, two streams (the Naechon-cheon and the Koonup-cheon) were selected in the upstream of the Hongcheon river, Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province. A total of 478 track samples (e.g., feces, scent and footprint) were found during the survey periods (May to November, 2009 and November, 2010). The dominant points, where the tracks of river otters were observed, were areas with the low depth(0.5-1m) and the slow flow velocity (5m/sec). Also, both rocks and rock-beds were preferred but artificial facilities were avoided. This ecological study of river otters using habitat use analysis and diet analysis by rumen contents will be useful fundamental information to conserve the river otter populations, and to protect their habitats.