Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong
Abstract Lack of data on population sizes and resource requirements are major impediments to the effective conservation of rare species globally. The conservation of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong reflects many of these key challenges for elusive and difficult‐to‐study mammals. It is...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Conservation Science and Practice |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12851 |
| _version_ | 1797959778361671680 |
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| author | Sharne E. McMillan Anson Tsz Chun Wong Sally Shui Yan Tang Eugene Yu Hin Yau Thomas Gomersall Portia Y. H. Wong Andy Ka Hei Vu Simon Yung Wa Sin Billy C. H. Hau Timothy C. Bonebrake |
| author_facet | Sharne E. McMillan Anson Tsz Chun Wong Sally Shui Yan Tang Eugene Yu Hin Yau Thomas Gomersall Portia Y. H. Wong Andy Ka Hei Vu Simon Yung Wa Sin Billy C. H. Hau Timothy C. Bonebrake |
| author_sort | Sharne E. McMillan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Lack of data on population sizes and resource requirements are major impediments to the effective conservation of rare species globally. The conservation of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong reflects many of these key challenges for elusive and difficult‐to‐study mammals. It is a rare carnivore that has narrowly escaped extirpation, now surviving within a human‐dominated environment. Using sign surveys and spraint analysis, we recorded only 40 fresh spraints from 246 otter signs locations, over 4 months of intensive sampling across 2 years. Records were restricted to the Mai Po wetlands, confirming this as the core area for Hong Kong's otter population. Molecular analysis and microsatellite genotyping identified a minimum of seven individuals, two pairs of which were likely related. The genetic and sign data together strongly indicate a small population. Fish dominated the otter diet, highlighting the importance of fishpond habitats as a premium foraging resource. Given the rapid changes surrounding the Mai Po area (especially the new Northern Metropolis Development Strategy), maintaining quality and connected habitats, in addition to sustaining commercial fishponds will be key to otter recovery and long‐term population viability in Hong Kong. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T00:36:34Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ffcc4215c9394a7a852ea14133042576 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2578-4854 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T00:36:34Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Conservation Science and Practice |
| spelling | doaj.art-ffcc4215c9394a7a852ea141330425762023-01-06T17:55:01ZengWileyConservation Science and Practice2578-48542023-01-0151n/an/a10.1111/csp2.12851Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong KongSharne E. McMillan0Anson Tsz Chun Wong1Sally Shui Yan Tang2Eugene Yu Hin Yau3Thomas Gomersall4Portia Y. H. Wong5Andy Ka Hei Vu6Simon Yung Wa Sin7Billy C. H. Hau8Timothy C. Bonebrake9School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaSchool of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong ChinaAbstract Lack of data on population sizes and resource requirements are major impediments to the effective conservation of rare species globally. The conservation of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong reflects many of these key challenges for elusive and difficult‐to‐study mammals. It is a rare carnivore that has narrowly escaped extirpation, now surviving within a human‐dominated environment. Using sign surveys and spraint analysis, we recorded only 40 fresh spraints from 246 otter signs locations, over 4 months of intensive sampling across 2 years. Records were restricted to the Mai Po wetlands, confirming this as the core area for Hong Kong's otter population. Molecular analysis and microsatellite genotyping identified a minimum of seven individuals, two pairs of which were likely related. The genetic and sign data together strongly indicate a small population. Fish dominated the otter diet, highlighting the importance of fishpond habitats as a premium foraging resource. Given the rapid changes surrounding the Mai Po area (especially the new Northern Metropolis Development Strategy), maintaining quality and connected habitats, in addition to sustaining commercial fishponds will be key to otter recovery and long‐term population viability in Hong Kong.https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12851difficult‐to‐study speciesEurasian otter (Lutra lutra)Hong Kongmolecular analysisotter dietrare species management |
| spellingShingle | Sharne E. McMillan Anson Tsz Chun Wong Sally Shui Yan Tang Eugene Yu Hin Yau Thomas Gomersall Portia Y. H. Wong Andy Ka Hei Vu Simon Yung Wa Sin Billy C. H. Hau Timothy C. Bonebrake Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong Conservation Science and Practice difficult‐to‐study species Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) Hong Kong molecular analysis otter diet rare species management |
| title | Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong |
| title_full | Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong |
| title_fullStr | Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong |
| title_short | Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong |
| title_sort | spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for eurasian otter lutra lutra in hong kong |
| topic | difficult‐to‐study species Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) Hong Kong molecular analysis otter diet rare species management |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12851 |
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