Habitats, Distribution And Population Density Otter Survey In the Western Rhodopes Mountains (Southern Bulgaria)

The aim of our study was to investigate the otter habitats, their conditions in the Rhodopes Mountains (Bulgaria) and the effect on the otter distribution and population density. The investigation was carried out during the period 2004-2006.The continually used (core) habitats were: 1. large high mountain dams combined with headstreams. These were all at altitudes above 1000 meters. The effect of ecotone between the two habitats (dams and headstreams) ensures food supply, shelter and space throughout the year. The otter was found in all such dams in the Western Rhodopes: Golyam Beglik, Shiroka Polyana and Batak. When all the bankside of Golyam Beglik Dam (21.8 km) was searched, only one possible resident female was found. On Batak Dam (30.0 km), there were three possible resident females and one adult male; 2. Medium sized rivers. The otter was found in all such rivers in the Rhodopes. On a stretch of Chaya River between Jugovsko Hanche and Asenovgrad Town (14.5 km), two possible resident females, one adult and one sub-adult male, were recorded. On the Parvenetzka River, there were 2 possible resident female otters per 24 river kilometres; 3. Large Dams with steep banks in the lower parts of the mountain. The otter was found at Dospat Dam; no data for the population density was estimated.Temporarily used habitats and bank vegetation associations were also assessed according to their usage by the otters in the area and their conservation status.