Ecology of Otters in Northern Scotland: V. The Distribution of Otter (Lutra lutra) Faeces in Relation to Bankside Vegetation on the River Dee in Summer 1981

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Abstract
Spraint and spraint site densities with vegetation types on the banks of the River Dee in 3 summer months were compared on the assumption that densities of spraints gave an index of otter activity. The distribution of spraints was non random. There were no significant differences in the densities of spraints and spraint sites in relation to the occurrence of islands. Over the 3 sampling occasions, a consistent pattern of the distribution of spraints was found with more spraints on banks with a dense vegetation not only on the bank (i.e., 0-5 m from the river''s edge), but behind the banks (5-50 m) as well. This is an indication that stream banks in otter havens should have dense herbaceous vegetation and fringes of trees (e.g., alder) with branches hanging low near the water. Destruction of riveside vegetation, through for example grazing by domestic stock and access by people, should be prevented. The influence on spraint densities of the vegetatin on the 2 banks of the river, which is about 20 m wide in this area, is apparently independent. Conserving one bank may provide a good start for an otter haven. Vegetation up to 50 m behind the bank should be protected as well as within 0-5 m of the river''s edge.

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