Some Aspects of the Feeding Ecology of Otters (Lutra lutra) in Turkey

Food of otters Lutra lutra was studied by the analysis of 100 spraints collected in Turkey in summer 1994. The aim of the study was to show whether or not there is an impact of otters on local domestic animals and on game species or not. Fish (mostly Anguilla anguilla and Leuciscus sp.) were the most important prey items (55,7 %). Additionally the study showed that otters were feeding on marine fish. Other important prey categories were amphibians (up to 51,9 %), crustaceans (4,8 %), reptiles (up to 9,1 %) and birds (2,4 %). The study showed that there is no reason for condemning the otter as a pest for domestic animals and game species