Assessing The Distribution Of Reintroduced Populations Of River Otters In Pennsylvania (USA) - Development Of A Landscape- Level Approach

Since 1982, 153 river otters have been reintroduced into central and western Pennsylvania. The reintroduction project is now in its final phase, but has largely seen the long-term survival of the reintroduced population. This research used indicators of otter presence (spraints and footprints), which have on the whole been successful in studying the distribution of the otter. A protocol based on GIS has been developed to enable the changes in otter population to be followed, and this will continue to be used to monitor future population changes. This was achieved through collaboration with wildlife conservation officers (WCOs).