Red Book. Caucasian otter: description, features and habitat Category of the threat of extinction of the global population in the IUCN red list

Abstract on the topic:

Plan:

Introduction

• 1 Appearance
• 2 Spreading
• 3 Lifestyle and nutrition
• 4 social structure and reproduction
• 5 Economic importance
• 6 Population status and protection
Notes

Introduction

Or common otter, or river otter, or piston(lat. lutra lutra) - a species of predatory mammals of the weasel family, leading a semi-aquatic lifestyle; one of three types kind of otter ( Lutra). In the literature, the word "otter" usually refers to this particular species. According to statistics in Russia in 2006, the population of otters was about 15 thousand individuals. In America, in Alaska and the state of Washington, as well as Columbia, there are about 70 thousand, 2.5 thousand off the coast of California and about ten sea otters in Japan. In total, there are approximately 88 thousand sea otters in the world, which is only a fifth of the number in the middle of the 18th century.

1. Appearance

The otter is a large animal with an elongated, flexible, streamlined body. Body length - 55-95 cm, tail - 26-55 cm, weight - 6-10 kg. Paws are short, with swimming membranes. The tail is muscular, not fluffy.

Fur color: dark brown above, light silver below. The guard hairs are coarse, but the underfur is very thick and delicate. The structure of her body is adapted for swimming under water: a flat head, short legs, a long tail and not wet fur.

2. Distribution

The most widespread member of the otter subfamily. It is found in a vast area covering almost all of Europe (except the Netherlands and Switzerland), Asia (except the Arabian Peninsula) and North Africa. In Russia, it is absent only in the Far North.

3. Lifestyle and nutrition

The otter leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle, perfectly swimming, diving and getting its food in the water.

It lives mainly in forest rivers, rich in fish, less often - in lakes and ponds. Found on the coast. Prefers rivers with whirlpools, with rapids that do not freeze in winter, with washed-out, littered with windbreak banks, where there are many reliable shelters and places for burrowing. Sometimes he makes his lairs in caves or, like a nest, in thickets near the water. The entrance holes of its holes open under water.

The hunting grounds of one otter in summer make up a section of the river from 2 to 18 km long and about 100 m deep into the coastal zone. In winter, with the depletion of fish stocks and the freezing of polynyas, it is forced to roam, sometimes crossing high watersheds straight across. At the same time, the otter descends from the slopes, rolling down on its belly and leaving a characteristic trace in the form of a gutter. It travels up to 15-20 km per day on ice and snow.

The otter feeds mainly on fish (carp, pike, trout, roach, gobies), and prefers small fish. In winter it eats frogs, quite regularly - caddisfly larvae. In summer, in addition to fish, it catches water voles and other rodents; in some places systematically hunts waders and ducks.

4. Social structure and reproduction

Otters are solitary animals. Mating depending on climatic conditions occurs in the spring (March - April) or almost all year round (in England). Otters mate in the water. Pregnancy - with a latent period reaching up to 270 days; the gestation period itself is only 63 days. There are usually 2-4 blind cubs in a brood.

Sexual maturity in otters occurs in the second or third year.

5. Economic importance

Otter fur is very beautiful and durable. His wear in the fur business is taken as 100%. In the process of processing, the coarse awn is plucked out and a short, dense, delicate underfur remains. One of the most valuable species of otters with fur, which is highly valued, lives in Alaska. Otter fur coats are one of the most durable and wearable - you can wear up to thirty seasons. Especially if the otter is sea.

6. Population status and protection

Hunting and the use of agricultural pesticides have reduced the number of otters. In 2000, the common otter was redlisted by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as a "vulnerable" species.

The species is listed in the Red Book Sverdlovsk region.

Notes

1. Sokolov V. E. Five-language dictionary of animal names. Mammals. Latin, Russian, English, German, French. / under the general editorship of acad. V. E. Sokolova. - M .: Rus. yaz., 1984. - S. 99. - 10,000 copies.
2. Regulations on the Red Book of the Sverdlovsk Region - www.rbcu.ru/information/3668/. Russian Bird Conservation Union.

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This abstract is based on an article from the Russian Wikipedia. Synchronization completed on 07/09/11 15:29:47
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Lutra lutra meridionalis

Squad Carnivores - Carnivora
Cunya family - Mustelidae

STATUS. Rare species (category III)

Habitat
A rare, little-studied geographical form; in Russia there is a peripheral, northern part of the subspecific range.
Body length 70-75 cm, tail - 50 cm. An inhabitant of the foothills and forest belt of the Caucasus Mountains.

Spreading. The boundary of the range of the subspecies in Russia has changed little over the past century. In the south, the area of ​​​​distribution of the otter extends beyond the borders of our country. The eastern and western borders are the coasts of the Caspian and Black Seas. The northern border, apparently, runs along the rivers Kuban and Kuma; it is possible that in the past there was no complete isolation by the steppes and the Caucasian otter lived along the rivers between the Don and Kuban, and in the east - along the reservoirs between the Kuma and the Volga. Within this region, the otter was widespread in the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, and was found everywhere in various types reservoirs rich in fish, rising along the rivers to the mountains up to 2 thousand meters above sea level. seas. The details of the former distribution of the otter in the territory of the Caucasus were not indicated in the literature due to the poor study of this predator, which leads a hidden lifestyle. For the same reasons, it is impossible to describe a detailed picture of modern distribution. In the North Caucasus, the otter lives in the delta of the Terek and along its right tributaries (Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria); in the Stavropol Territory, it lives throughout the Kuma, along the rivers Teberda, Bolshoi and Maly Zelenchuk, and others. It is widely settled in the Krasnodar Territory; found along numerous rivers on the left bank of the Kuban, such as Urup, Sinyukha, Chamlyk, Fars, Bolshaya and Malaya Laba, Urushten, Kocherga, Beskes, Zagedanka, Belaya, Bzykh, Kish, Pshekha, Pshish, Shebsh, Severnaya, etc. The otter inhabits the Kuban delta and many rivers flowing from the Greater Caucasus into the Black Sea - Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, Ashe, Nechepsugo, Dzhubga, Vulan and others. Russian Federation the same subspecies is distributed in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, as well as in Iran, possibly in Iraq, Syria, Israel, and some parts of Asia Minor. The otter lives in mountain and lowland rivers and lakes, preferring water bodies with forested shores, in floodplains of rivers and on the sea coast, in lowland swampy forests. It also inhabits artificial reservoirs - irrigation and drainage canals, reservoirs, large ponds. In places where the otter is not disturbed, it can live in close proximity to large population centers. The main condition is the presence of fish. The winter regime of the reservoirs of the Caucasus is favorable for the predator. In summer, especially in dry years, many lowland and mountain rivers dry up and the otter is forced to migrate, often over long distances, sometimes over ridges.

Number. Within its vast species range, the Caucasian otter does not form large aggregations anywhere. In the Caucasus, at the beginning of this century, in some places it was relatively numerous, for example, in lakes and rivers rich in trout, in particular on the Malka and Chegem rivers south of Pyatigorsk, along the river. Malaya Labe and others. The trade was poorly developed, an experienced hunter harvested 4 - 6 pieces per year, despite the high cost of the skin. However, there has been a decline in the number of otters for quite a long time due to unscheduled logging and immoderate trout fishing. In 1948 - 1949, when the settling of furs was not yet widespread, in the regions and republics North Caucasus(RSFSR) 199 skins of this subspecies were harvested; in Armenia - 64, Georgia - 235, Azerbaijan - 209, which in total amounted to 11% of the all-Union procurement of otter skins. By 1957, the output of skins in the region under consideration decreased by 56%, which indicates a further decline in the number of the Caucasian otter. In 1988 in Checheno-Ingushetia, there were 100-130 individuals, in Dagestan - 70.

limiting factors. The habitat conditions of the Caucasian otter were adversely affected by the deterioration of the hydrological regime of water bodies due to deforestation in the territory of drainage basins and the regulation of the flow of some rivers, as well as a decrease in the number of fish - the main food of this predator. Pollution of water bodies greatly reduced the number of fish, which led to a sharp deterioration in the food supply of the otter. For the same reason, the beast disappeared, in particular, in the river. Anchez, and along the river. Psekups caught only single specimens. The change in the regime of rivers has a negative effect due to the increasing water intake for the needs of Agriculture, reduction in the area suitable for otters due to the drainage of floodplains and swampy lowland forests. Dangerous widespread poaching, stimulated by the high price of the skin.

Security measures. As private measures to counteract the decline in the number of the Caucasian otter in the RSFSR, bans on its production were practiced. At present, along with the complete cessation of fishing, it is necessary to strengthen the fight against the illegal extraction of otters and fish, increase responsibility for the slaughter of the otter and for the trade in its skins. Great importance has the restoration of the optimal hydro regime in the lands inhabited by the otter, the organization of rational water use, taking into account the needs of nature protection, as well as the prevention of pollution water areas industrial wastewater harmful to fish, strengthening environmental awareness among the local population. It is also advisable to create long-term reserves in places most suitable for this predator.

CAUCASIAN OTTER
Lutra lutra (subsp. meridionalis) Spreading: The range of the Caucasian otter covers the territory from the West. Caucasus up to Talysh inclusive, the upper limit of distribution is 2000 m a.s.l. Sev. the border runs along the river. Kuban and Kume, app. and east. - along the coasts of the Black and Caspian Seas, and in the south, apparently, it goes beyond the borders of the country. Within Zap. Caucasus is widely found along numerous tributaries major rivers: Kuban, Belaya, Teberda, Ust-Labinskaya, Zelenchuk and others, as well as in all deltas; on many rivers Black Sea coast flowing into the Black Sea (Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, etc.). Here in the mountains it rises to a height of 2000 m above sea level. In the Central Caucasus (within the Elbrus and Terek variants), the Caucasian otter is found along the river valleys. Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Urvan, Urukh, Cherek, Terek, etc. In Dagestan, it is registered in the lower reaches of the river. Sulak, Four-Kasteu, Samur. It is found on many rivers of the Caspian coast, flowing into the Caspian Sea. It rises up to 2000 m in the mountains. Outside of Russia, it is found in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
Habitat: The Caucasian otter prefers foothill and mountain rivers with fast current, wooded shores and an abundance of the main food - fish (trout). Active at dusk and at night. It usually stays alone. For housing chooses fresh water. Burrows arrange in the roots of trees, under snags, on the depressions of washed-out banks. The entrance to the burrows is hidden under water. Sometimes the otter makes large transitions to other water bodies, while overcoming high watersheds, passing tens of kilometers. The biology of reproduction is not well understood. Estrus occurs at the beginning of winter. Pregnancy with a latent period lasts 9-10 months. Juveniles, usually 2 to 4, are found mostly in May. The young are raised by both parents. Maturity occurs, apparently, in the third year of life.
Number: Within its range, the number of otters is not the same, and the otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. On Sev. Caucasus at the beginning of this century, in some places it was normal view(In the West and Central Caucasus). The number within the entire range seems to be declining. However, this figure is not the same in different parts of the region. On the Zap. Caucasus (Krasnodar and partially Stavropol Territories), it is the most stable according to the accounting data recent years. About 260 individuals live on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory, mainly in the Caucasian Reserve. In the Teberdinsky Reserve, at present, as in the past, it is a rare species in terms of abundance. The number of otters is somewhat higher in the Central Caucasus, especially in the riverbed. Terek and its tributaries, where, according to the state hunting and North Ossetia there are about 100 animals. In Dagestan, the abundance data are close to those known for the Elbrus variant (bass of the Malka River), i.e. no more than 10-50 individuals. In the territories of the Transcaucasian republics, judging by the literature data, the otter is also rare. Its number is somewhat higher in Georgia, especially in western. parts. On the territory of Georgia in 1980, about 4.5 thousand individuals were counted. The main limiting factors in the number of otters in the Caucasus include the deterioration of the hydrological regime in the territories of spillways, the regulation of the flows of many rivers, the decrease in the number of fish due to pollution of water bodies, poaching, the reduction of tree and shrub vegetation along river banks, their strengthening with various engineering structures, etc.

Security: Listed at the species level in Appendix 1 of CITES. It is protected by all the reserves of the Caucasian region, as well as various reserves. As private measures to counteract the decline in the number of predators, it is necessary to strengthen the education of the population on the protection of the species and the fight against poaching. The Caucasian otter reacts extremely quickly to protection measures, of course, if they also cover its biotopes with their food resources and protective conditions. Sources: 1. Rossikov, 1887; 2. Satunin, 1916; 3. Turov, 1926; 4. Ognev, 1931; 5. Boehme, 1928; 6. Krasovsky, 1932; 7. Geptner et al., 1941; 8. Geptner et al., 1967; 9. Dvoychenko, 1955; 10. Ahrens, 1957; 11. Inyakova, 1957; 12. Vereshchagin, 1959; 13. Ryabov, 1959; 14. Tembotov, 1960; 15. Tembotov, 1972; 16. Tembotov, 1982; 17. Tembotov, 1984; 18. Kotov and Ryabov, 1963; 19. Gromov et al., 1963; 20. Bobrinsky, 1965; 21. Weisfeld, 1977; 22. Khahin, 1984; 23. Kolosov, 1982; 24. Dzuev, 1989; 25. Plotnikov, 1994; 26. Rukovsky, 1953; 27. Arabuyan, 1979; 28. Yenukidze et al., 1979; 29. Lavrov, 1985; 30. Spassky, pers. message Compiled by: R.I. Dzuev, A.A. Guketlova

Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Type:

Class:

Squad:

PREDATORY - Carnivora

Systematic position

Mustelidae family - Mustelidae.

Status

3 "Rare" - 3, RD. In the Red Book of the Russian Federation, it is classified as “3 - Rare” with the status of a rare little-studied subspecies. In the Red Book of the USSR, it is included in the category “III. Species declining in numbers "with the status of a rare subspecies.

Global population endangered category on the IUCN Red List

Near Threatened - Near Treated, NT ver. 3.1 (2001).

Category according to IUCN Red List criteria

Regional population categorized as Near Threatened - Near Treated, NT. A. M. GINEEV

Belonging to the objects of action of international agreements and conventions ratified by the Russian Federation

Included in CITES Appendix I at the species level.

Brief morphological description

Relatively large predator. The body length with a tail reaches 1.2 m. The weight of adults is from 5 to 9.5 kg. Elongated and relatively thin body, short neck, ears not protruding from the fur with closing auditory canals, short paws, fingers interconnected by membranes, and also flattened in the dorso-ventral direction, a small head and a long tail, strongly tapering towards the end , - everything is adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle of the beast. The hairline throughout the body is dense, low and even, light brown on the back, light on the belly with a silvery sheen. Downy hair is whitish at the base and brown at the end.

Spreading

The global range includes the aquatic ecosystems of the North Caucasus, Transcaucasia and certain regions of Asia Minor. Previously, the rivers Kuma and Kuban were considered the northern border of the distribution of the otter in the Caucasus. Occasionally, she entered the floodplains of the Kuban. Now found in all mountainous (up to 2500 m above sea level), steppe rivers and rivers, Kuban floodplains, artificial canals, ditches, rice systems. However, it was not present in the floodplains of the Terek until 1992. In KK, the otter used to inhabit all the rivers flowing into the Black Sea, entering along them to a height of 2000 m above sea level. seas, and left-bank tributaries of the Kuban. Most likely, some reports about the meeting of traces in the deltas of the Kuban and Terek refer to random visits of this animal. According to the harvesting materials, since 1959, the fur products of this animal came to KK only from the foothill and mountain-forest regions. In the floodplains of Kuba-ni, the otter reappeared in 1971, merging with the population of this species inhabiting the basins of the Kuban and Don, Kuma and Volga due to the expansion of the Caucasian part of the range of this animal. Such an intensive expansion of the otter on the right bank of the Kuban occurred due to the appearance of various anthropogenic water bodies, including urban stormwater. By now, she has populated the transformed reservoirs near Sea of ​​Azov and on the Kuban plain, artificial reservoirs on the plane and in the foothills. At the same time, it periodically appears in fishery spawning and nursery and pond farms, and lives permanently on rice checks. Despite the fact that its solitary individuals appeared in the water bodies of the Yeysk region since 1986, this animal became a relatively common species only after 20 years. The Caucasian otter inhabits 24 districts of KK. Including: 7 flooded and rice systems, 3 steppe, 5 forest-steppe and 9 mountain-forest districts. The animal relatively intensively develops new habitats, and due to this, the area of ​​its ecological range increases.

Features of biology and ecology

Leads a secretive, semi-aquatic and sedentary lifestyle. When unfamiliar objects are detected, it stands up in a column and emits a characteristic whistle. In autumn, often in search of food objects, it enters the upper reaches of the rivers and from one river system enters another. In areas with an abundance of food (pond farms), up to five individuals can accumulate. Most likely, these are family groups. In steppe rivers and floodplains, in addition to fish, it eats crayfish, in rice systems - amphibians. In the presence of relatively dark bypass structures, frog hunting could be observed in the daytime. It uses bypass pipes as shelters in rice systems, in natural natural environment- basal voids, washouts in the banks, along the channels uses the old blurry burrows of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethica). In the upper reaches of the rivers during the rut, pairs of animals can be seen in the daytime. There are 1–4 pups in a brood, with an average of 2.6 puppies. ♀
Up to a year, young ones stay together with, the rest of the time, adults lead a solitary lifestyle. Sexual maturity is reached at 2-3 years. Food competitors in the Caucasus include the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and the European mink (Mustela lutreola). Diseases of the Caucasian otter have not been studied.

Numbers and trends

As a result of the transformation of the floodplain ecosystems, the species, which previously lived only on the left bank of the Kuban, populated all the water bodies of the right bank of the Kuban, including rice and fishery systems. In KK in 1955 there were 1100 individuals of this animal only in the mountain-forest part. In the mid-1980s, 250–300 individuals remained. In subsequent years, its livestock was estimated: 1986-1990 - 0.3; 1991–1995 - 0.26; 1996–2000 - 0.2 and 2001–2005 - 0.8 thousand individuals. The number and range of this exceptionally plastic species is constantly increasing. Currently, there are at least 700 otters in KK.

Limiting factors

The decline in the population of the Caucasian otter in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the flat part of the KK was influenced by the construction of reservoirs, rice systems, pond farms, etc.; in the foothill and mountain regions - deforestation, which led to an increase in surface water runoff and a decrease in fish productivity, with the death of the inhabitants of freshwater reservoirs (frogs, crayfish, their food supply), etc. An important influence on the reduction in the number of this animal had an increase reduction of pollution of water bodies by pesticides, pesticides, oil, etc. In addition, poaching still has a significant impact on its population.

Necessary and additional security measures

The state of the population of the Caucasian otter does not cause concern. It is protected in the KGPBZ, SNP, SFPZ, as well as Tuapse, Goryacheklyuchevsky, Krymsky, Psebaysky, Sredne-Labinsky, Krasnogorsky, Priazovsky reserves of regional significance. The organization of a single chain of reserves for the GKH and an increase in the area of ​​the Goryacheklyuchevsky reserve in connection with the construction of the Russia-Turkey gas pipeline will improve the protection of many species of mountain and forest animals and their habitats, including otters. It is necessary to intensify the fight against illegal hunting of animals, to increase the responsibility for poaching and the trade in its fur.

Information sources

1. Aristov, Baryshnikov, 2001; 2. Vereshchagin, 1959; 3. Geptner et al., 1967; 4. Gineev, 1985; 5. Gineev et al., 1988; 6. Gineev et al., 2000; 7. Gineev et al., 2001; 8. Kotov and Ryabov, 1963; 9. Red Book of the RSFSR, 1983; 10. Red Book of the Russian Federation, 2001; 11. Red Book of the USSR, 1984; 12. Hunting resources of Russia…, 2004; 13. Tembotov, 1972; 14. Tumanov, 2003; 15. Personal communication of I. Ya. Rozhkov; 16. IUCN, 2004; 17. Unpublished data of A. M. Gineev.

■ Systematic position

Kingdom: animals (Animalia).

Type: chordates (Chordata).

Class: mammals (Mammalia).

Order: predatory (Carnivora).

Family: marten (Mustelidae).

Genus: otters (Lutra).

Species: otter (Lutra lutra).

Subspecies: Caucasian (meridionalis).

■ Why is it listed in the Red Book

Today, the Caucasian otter is listed in the Red Book as rare view with declining numbers. What could have influenced the fact that these dexterous, strong, hardy and resourceful animals are becoming less and less? There is only one answer - serious changes in nature under the influence of man. The impact on population size was especially mass felling forests, which led to changes in the hydrological balance of mountain rivers. industrial pollution led to death a large number fish - and otters were left practically without food. And, of course, there is a great demand for the wonderful fur of the animal. Look at that adorable face! Even the most chic fur coat not worth the life of an otter!
The otter digs its own hole in a secluded place, most often under a snag.

■ Where does it live

The range of this animal covers the territory from the western Caucasus to Talysh. It lives in the valleys of most rivers flowing into the Black and Caspian Seas. Most of all, fast mountain rivers with a strong current and an abundance of trout in them, which is the main food of the Caucasian otter, suit her best. Representatives of this species are found in the mountains at an altitude of up to 2 thousand meters above sea level.

The otter settles along the banks of fresh water bodies. Here, having found a suitable snag that can reliably protect it, the animal digs a hole for itself. But it is unlikely that anyone will be able to find the entrance to it: it is carefully hidden and, moreover, is under water.

■ How to know

An otter can be recognized by several signs. Firstly, it is a fairly large animal, up to 70 cm in length. She has special swimming membranes on her paws, like a mink. After all, she spends most of her life in the water. The otter's tail is long and muscular, with short hair. This animal has a very beautiful fur coat: brown on top and pale silver below. The body of the otter is noticeably elongated, flexible and plastic.

■ Lifestyle and biology

Otters are very secretive animals, it is not easy to spot them. They are especially active at night. Their sensitivity is extremely high. Vision, hearing and sense of smell become reliable assistants in the most extreme situations. The otter has many temporary shelters, but there is also a permanent hole, which serves to breed offspring. Pregnancy lasts about nine weeks. Babies are born blind, but grow very quickly and after two months they can go hunting with their mother. Otters are very devoted mothers. There is a known case when a female disturbed by fishermen rushed to protect her family. She even had to fight back with a pole. And only after the people left the place, the otter returned to her cubs. By the way, parents bring up kids together.

Otters live alone or form families. Each individual or family has its own small feeding area, approximately 200-300 m of the coast. But when some kind of danger threatens the otters, or the amount of food decreases sharply, the animals gather together for survival, and the question of dividing the territory disappears by itself. Despite its short legs, the otter can move very quickly on land - at a speed of 25 km / h.
The otter is a mobile and very graceful animal.

■ It's interesting

The otter is a wild animal, but it is easy to tame it. This friendly creature in many southern countries kept as a pet or used as a fish catcher. But there is another side to the relationship between the otter and the human. Active fishing for otters for skins reached unprecedented proportions at the beginning of the last century. On the Kuril Islands, for example, the animals were completely destroyed. Previously, it was believed that the otter causes great damage to fish farms. Lack of human knowledge even about the fact that the basis of the otter's diet is the so-called weed fish, led to sad consequences for this wonderful beast. While the Caucasian otter has not yet been completely exterminated, we have a chance to save this amazing animal.

The Caucasian otter is a predatory animal that looks like a marten or mink. The animal has an elongated body, is an active hunter, belongs to the Mustelidae family. This subspecies is found in the Western Caucasus, found in the Kuban and in the Kuma regions, near sea ​​coasts. Today, the Caucasian otter is listed in the Red Book of Russia.

In this article, we will talk about this endangered species, about the animal's habits and habitat, about interesting facts associated with these amazing animals.

Caucasian otter: description

This is a fairly large predator. With a tail, its body length is one hundred and twenty centimeters. Adults weigh from five to nine and a half kilograms. An elongated and relatively thin body, a short neck, ears that practically do not protrude from the fur with closing auditory canals, webbed fingers, short paws, a small head and a rather long tail, which tapers noticeably towards the end - everything in the body of this animal is adapted to life in water and on land.

The body is covered with a dense, even and low hairline. The back of the animal is painted light brown, on the abdomen - lighter with a beautiful silvery sheen. Downy hairs are whitish at the base and brown at the ends. You have learned what a Caucasian otter looks like. It's time to get acquainted with the features of her behavior and habitat.

Spreading

The Caucasian otter is common in the aquatic ecosystems of the Transcaucasus, the North Caucasus, and in some regions of Asia Minor. Today, the beast is found in mountain rivers, at an altitude of up to 2500 meters above sea level, in artificial channels, steppe rivers, rice systems and ditches. Previously, the Caucasian otter inhabited almost all the rivers that flowed into the Black Sea.

The otter lives in the lower reaches of the Terek, in the floodplains of the Kuban and Rioni. It is seen in Abkhazia and Ciscaucasia, in the rivers that carry their waters to the Caspian Sea. There is a Caucasian otter in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Nutrition

In the diet of the Caucasian otter, fish makes up almost 80%. The animal feeds on frogs and crayfish, in rice systems it eats amphibians. Often attacks rodents and birds. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy some types of plants. The Caucasian otter is a very fast predator. An interesting way of hunting this otter - often she catches fish almost by the tail, and does it somehow lazily and gracefully, without any haste.

In the Kuban, the otter hunts leisurely crucian carp, will not refuse pike, and easily catches up with nimble trout. But it is interesting that this aquatic hunter, under no circumstances, catches the next fish until he has eaten the one he has caught.

Activity

The Caucasian otter is a rather secretive animal, leading a nocturnal lifestyle, more precisely, twilight. Due to the fact that she lives on the banks of fresh water bodies, it is easy to guess that the animals build their holes in places hidden by water: in the roots of trees, under snags. It can settle in old muskrat burrows on rice systems, washouts in the banks.

Lifestyle

Caucasian otters are secretive animals, it is not easy to notice them. Animals are active at night. They are endowed with high sensitivity: hearing, smell and vision are reliable assistants in the most difficult situations. The otter has many temporary shelters, but there is always a permanent hole in which offspring are hatched.

The pregnancy lasts almost nine weeks. Babies are born completely helpless, blind, but grow rapidly and after two months they go hunting with their mother. Otters are very caring mothers. A case was recorded when a disturbed female rushed to the fishermen, protecting her offspring. And only after people left the place where the hole was located, the female returned to the cubs.

Caucasian otters are solitary animals. Pairs build only during the rut. During this period, pairs of animals are found even in the daytime. A brood averages four puppies. Young individuals stay together for about a year, after which they return to a solitary lifestyle.

Protective status

In Russia, the Caucasian otter is under state protection. These animals are included in the Red Books of the Kuban, Krasnodar Territory and the Russian Federation as a rare species, the number of which is declining. What caused the decrease in the population of these strong, dexterous, resourceful and hardy animals? The answer is quite obvious - changes in nature associated with human activities.

Massive deforestation, which led to changes in the balance of mountain rivers, strongly affected the number of these animals. Pollution from industrial enterprises caused the death of a huge number of fish, and aquatic predators were left with virtually no food. And, of course, the huge demand for animal fur played a negative role.

There are no exact indicators of the number of Caucasian otters, since the animals can migrate. In the Krasnodar Territory, there are now about 260 individuals, most of which live in the Caucasian Reserve. But there are also optimistic forecasts. The reserves of the North Caucasus in the region of Tuapse, Greater Sochi, where clean and transparent mountain rivers flow, are gradually inhabited by the otter, where it is under human protection.

• The otter is an easily tamed animal. This friendly animal is kept in many countries as pet or used as a fish catcher.
• Otters have excellent memories. These animals remember their name, follow the owner like a cat or a dog and remember him all his life.
• There is an opinion that otters are beneficial fisheries, since they feed on non-commercial, weedy fish. This is probably due to the fact that defective or diseased fish are easier to catch.
• It is believed that the Caucasian otter is a loner, and does not live in families, like, for example, the North American one. However, fishermen meet near (Dagestan) whole families of otters.

A few words in conclusion

At a distance from settlements, this subspecies still feels quite comfortable today, but even there, due to the expansion of the recreational zone in the North Caucasus, there is less and less space left for it. If certain territories are not separated for this animal today, if they are not taken into account when developing tourist areas, then several more populations may disappear forever. Moreover, populations that are poorly studied, as, for example, in Dagestan, where the otter hunts both in estuaries and in sea ​​water Caspian.