Otter monitoring Nyhamna, Aukra. Results 2015

Abstract

Ulvund, K., Van Dijk, J., Kleven, O. and Dahle, S. 2017. Otter monitoring Nyhamna, Aukra. Results 2015. NINA Kortrapport 3. 18 p. In February and October 2015, fresh otter faeces were collected at the industrial area Nyhamna, the adjacent coastal zones and on the smaller island adjacent to Aukra. DNA was extracted from 270 samples. Of these 270 samples, 95 rendered a successful otter DNA profile representing 16 females and 12 males. Of the 16 females, ten individuals were picked up only in one of the sampling periods (February or October). Six of the females were picked up in both periods. The DNA results showed 12 different males during the two sampling periods, eight in October and six in February. Only two of the males were identified in both periods. Those individuals identified in both field periods may indicate established adults, but more study years needs to be included for more certainty. The opportunity, provided by Shell Norge AS to test this non-invasive method regarding collection and storage of otter faeces and jelly gives us a unique possibility to enhance this field and laboratory methodology. It also enables us to improve our understanding of local population density dynamics over time.