First Physical Evidence Of The Nearctic River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Collected In New Mexico, USA, Since 1953

On November 3rd, 2004, we collected what seems to be 3 North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) spraints on the San Juan river, Navajo Reservoir, Navajo State Park, San Juan County, New Mexico, USA. Given that the samples were collected on a hard substrate, not good for tracks, we then had them analyzed in the laboratory. DNA was extracted from the samples and the cytochrome b gene was amplified and sequences for 2 of the samples. The sequences were identified as being L. canadensis, after comparison with the NCBI Genebank. These spraints constitute the second data and the first concrete indicator of presence in this state for more than 50 years. Otter releases have been carried out in the past in the basin, without taking account of subspecies, and the presence of indigenous otters prior to these introductions from other areas means that the identification of subspecies is premature and additional analyses are necessary. More field surveys would indicate the distribution of the otter in the state and help to evaluate the quality of the wetlands.