• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2015

The bleaching phenomenon of otter spraints is indicates that the age of spraints (fresh or old spraints). As previous studies on the old otter faeces (spraint) have focused only on the external changes of spraints, it has been difficult to explain the difference of the decomposition rates among old spraints. We hypothesized that the micrometeorology difference caused by various characteristics of sprainting sites such as porosity and consistency of soil could affect the extent of the decomposition rate, the solar bleaching phenomenon of spraints used as a measure of the patterns of old spraints. Sprainting sites were classified into four types (Clay, Sand, Rock and Concrete spot) and each type was divided into two groups according to the sunlight condition (Sunny site and Shady site) to measure the effect of solar radiation. Micrometeorology of the sites were evaluated by measuring temperatures and humidities of the sites during the whole season. The variations in micrometeorology of the sunny sites according to the sprainting site types were examined with correlation analyses between the factors of micrometeorology. The analyses on the bleaching phenomenon of the spraints by micrometeorology showed that the highest rate of bleaching was found at the 'Rock spot' and 'Concrete spot' of the sunny site and especially in summer, the highest rate of bleaching ($63.4{\pm}7.6%$) was found at the 'Clay spot' of the sunny sites. The lowest rate of bleaching was found at the 'Sand spot' of the sunny sites. The above findings show that the difference in bleaching rates among sprainting sites was due to the seasonal or sunny condition. In addition, we found that the differences in thermal conductivity among sprainting site characteristics have resulted in different sprainting site temperature which have affected the rate of bleaching of spraints. In conclusion, this study suggests that studies of otters on their population size and home ranges using spraints as an indirect sign, should consider the effects of sprainting site characteristics and weather conditions.

• Spatial Information Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.29-42
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• 2004

This Study was Analysis about Habitat of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra L. In October 2002 during September 2003, Otter Spraints and Sprainting site were searched in river Unkog of North-Kyongsang Province for taking the GPS coordinates. For Analysis of habitat, This data were used by Arcview ver. 3.2 with 1/25000 Topology Map and Other Field data. The result of Habitat Analysis meant that Habitat use was strongly related to Fish diversity and richness also vegetation and cover were connected with otter habitat. In other hand, The Human interferences including dense structures like House acted as factor of disturbance. This study suggest that The preceding about Suitable habitat having free of Human disturbance, abundant fish and good vegetation is essential In Trial for Conservation or Recovery of Otter like Trans-location.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.24 no.1 s.61
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• pp.89-94
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• 2006

This study was conducted to infer habitat distribution of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in Korea. We recognized trace or presence of otter spraints from 254 of 750 pixels (pixel size: 13.75X11 km) used in this survey, amounting to 34%. The highest frequency of localities, with the spraints present, occurred in Gyeongsangbuk-do (49.62%) and the lowest one was observed in Gyeonggi-do (7.36%). The other regions were as follows: Gangwong-do (49.56%), Chungcheong buk-do (41.67%), Gyeongsangnam-do (38.00%), Jeolabuk-do (37.93%), Jeolanam-do (24.24%), Chungchengnam-do (20.29%). The counted number of the spraints was very low level in most of the localities where they were found (1.7spraints per sprainting site). It may indicate that small size of local populations would be expected in most of the localities. The habitat distribution of Korean otter, inferred from the distribution pattern of the spraints, will provide valuable basic information required for conserving and managing Korean otter.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.377-385
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• 2005

The Eurasian otter(Lutra lutra) is listed as No. 330 in natural monument. To manage and conserve habitat for otters, it is critical to understand which habitat components are important for otters. The objectives of this study were to analyze otter habitat characteristics in accordance with land-cover map. We investigated otter spraints and sprainting site in Geoje Island from January to December, 2004. with GPS coordinates. The analysis of otter habitat use pattern was used by Arcview ver. 3.2 with 1: 25,000 Topology Map and field data. Otter habitat use was strongly related to sites in riparian vegetation riparian(dam or river) structures. In this study, Gucheon was a site with high coverage of riparian vegetation and unconfined channels, thus recording higher number of spraint densities than those of Yeonchocheon. Yeonchocheon was under construction at lower stream areas so that otter habitat use was limited. This study suggests that securing suitable forests and riparian vegetation zone is essential for conservation of otters.