Characterization of diet Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis, Carnivora: Mustelidae) in three rivers of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil: an analysis of spatial and temporal

A dieta de Lontra longicaudis foi caracterizada por anÃlise fecal e aspectos espaciais e temporais no consumo de suas presas principais foram analisados. O estudo foi realizado sistematicamente em trÃs rios do Parque Nacional do IguaÃu, uma reserva de Mata AtlÃntica localizado no sul do Brasil. Durante um ano, foram amostragens realizadas mensalmente ao longo de trÃs trechos, totalizando 46 km, a fim de encontrar amostras fecais. A anÃlise de 367 amostras fecais coletadas apresentaram uma dieta piscÃvoro, que inclui quatro principais famÃlias de peixes: Characidae, Cichlidae, Pimelodidae e Loricariidae, com consumo de crustÃceo pertencente à famÃlia Trichodactilidae. Moluscos, aves, mamÃferos, rÃpteis e insetos foram detectados na dieta. Sementes, fibras vegetais e materiais de origem antrÃpica tambÃm foram encontradas. DiferenÃas na composiÃÃo da dieta foram encontradas entre rio IguaÃu e os outros, que provavelmente està relacionado com as caracterÃsticas fÃsicas desses rios refletindo distinta presa disponibilidade itens. Os caranguejos foram utilizados como recursos complementares para as lontras neotropicais, quando o consumo de sua principal presa (peixes) diminuiu. Uma freqÃÃncia aumentado da ocorrÃncia de categorias de presas foi registrada na primavera e no verÃo, com exceÃÃo de caranguejos e moluscos, em dois dos trÃs rios, o que contrasta com o elevado consumo de peixes ao longo todas as estaÃÃes. CorrelaÃÃo foi encontrada entre a precipitaÃÃo eo consumo de famÃlias de peixes, o que por sua vez parece ser changings devido o rio e os hÃbitos da lontra e essas presas. Nesta regiÃo, as lontras dependem dos recursos do ambiente aquÃtico, prevendo a atenÃÃo prefeito para a manutenÃÃo dos rios, margens e caracterÃsticas naturais (como fluxo e regimes de Ãgua), em especial do rio GonÃalves Dias, fronteiras do leste lado do Parque Nacional do IguaÃu, com Ãreas de uso da terra pesada antrÃpicaThe diet of Otter longicaudis was characterized by fecal analysis and spatial and temporal aspects in their main prey consumption were analyzed. The study was conducted systematically in three rivers of the IguaÃu National Park, an Atlantic forest reserve located in southern Brazil. For a year, samples were taken monthly along three sections totaling 46 km, in order to find fecal samples. The analysis of 367 fecal samples collected showed a piscivorous diet, which includes four main fish families: Characidae Cichlidae, Pimelodidae and Loricariidae, with consumption of crustacean belonging to the family Trichodactilidae. Mollusks, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects were found in the diet. Seeds, vegetable fibers and materials of anthropogenic origin were also found. Differences in diet composition were found between the IguaÃu River and the other, which is probably related to the physical characteristics of these rivers reflecting distinct prey items available. The crabs were used as complementary resources for neotropical otters, when the consumption of their main prey (fish) decreased. An increased frequency of occurrence of prey categories was recorded in spring and summer, except for crabs and molluscs in two of the three rivers, which contrasts with the high consumption of fish during all seasons. Correlation was found between precipitation and consumption of fish families, which in turn seems to be due changings and the river otter and the habits of those arrested. In this region, otters depend on the features of the aquatic environment, forecasting the Mayor attention to the maintenance of rivers, shores and natural features (such as flow regimes and water), especially the river GonÃalves Dias, borders the east side of the National Park IguaÃu, with areas of heavy anthropogenic land us