Caucasian otter drawing. Caucasian otter

Lutra lutra (meridionalis) Ognev, 1931

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 above sea level. North the border runs along the river. Kuban and Kume, west. and east - along the coasts of the Black and Caspian Seas, and in the south, apparently, beyond the borders of the country. Within Western Caucasus is widely found along numerous tributaries large rivers: Kuban, Belaya, Teberda, Ust-Labinsk, Zelenchuk, etc., as well as in all deltas; on many rivers Black Sea coast flowing into the Black Sea (Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, etc.). Here the mountains rise to a height of 2000 m above sea level. In the Central Caucasus (within the Elbrus and Terek variants), the Caucasian otter is found in the valleys of the river. Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Urvan, Urukh, Cherek, Terek, etc. In Dagestan, it is recorded in the lower reaches of the river. Sulak, Four-Kasteu, Samur. It is found on many rivers of the Caspian coast that flow into the Caspian Sea. It rises up to 2000 m in the mountains. Outside 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 during twilight and night time. Usually keeps alone. For housing it chooses fresh water bodies. It makes burrows in the roots of trees, under snags, and in the depressions of washed-out banks. The entrance to the burrows is hidden under water. Sometimes the otter makes long journeys to other bodies of water, overcoming high watersheds, covering tens of kilometers. The biology of reproduction has not been sufficiently studied. Estrus occurs at the beginning of winter. Pregnancy with a latent period lasts 9-10 months. The young, usually 2 to 4, are found mainly in May. Both parents raise the young. Sexual maturity apparently occurs in the third year of life.

Number: Within its range, the number of otter varies and the otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. To the North In the Caucasus at the beginning of this century, in some places it was normal look(In the Western and Central Caucasus). The number within the entire range appears to be declining. However, this figure is not the same in various parts region. To the West Caucasus (Krasnodar and partly Stavropol region) it is the most stable according to credentials recent years. On the territory Krasnodar region About 260 individuals live, mainly in the Caucasus Nature Reserve. In the Teberdinsky Nature Reserve, at present, as in the past, it is among rare species. The otter population is slightly higher in the Central Caucasus, especially in the riverbed. Terek and its tributaries, where, according to the State Game Management and Inspectorate of Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia there are about 100 animals. In Dagestan, the population data is close to the figure known for the Elbrus variant (basin of the Malka river), i.e. no more than 10-50 individuals. In the territories of the Transcaucasian republics, judging by the literature, the otter is also rare. Its numbers are somewhat higher in Georgia, especially in the west. parts. About 4.5 thousand individuals were counted on the territory of Georgia in 1980. The main limiting factors for the number of otters in the Caucasus include the deterioration of the hydrological regime in the territories of spillways, regulation of the flows of many rivers, a decrease in the number of fish due to pollution of water bodies, poaching, removal of tree and shrub vegetation along the banks of rivers, their strengthening with various engineering structures, etc.

Security: Listed at species level in Appendix 1 of CITES. It is protected by all nature reserves of the Caucasus region, as well as various reserves. As a private measure 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 conservation measures, of course, if they also cover its biotopes with their food resources and protective conditions.

Otter is one of the species of mammalian predators that belongs to the mustelid family. The size of the mammal directly depends on the variety.

On average, they range from 50 cm to 95 cm, the length of its fluffy tail is from 22 cm to 55 cm. This animal is quite flexible and has a muscular body. Interesting feature The point is that an animal measuring about a meter weighs only 10 kg.

All types of otters have one color - brown or brown. Their fur is short, but thick, which makes it very valuable. In spring and summer, the otter has a molting period.

Otters are one of those who care for and care for their fur, combing it and cleaning it. If they do not do this, the wool will become dirty and will no longer retain heat, and this will certainly lead to death.

Due to its small eyes, the otter sees perfectly on land and under water. They also have short legs and sharp nails. The toes of the paws are connected by membranes, which makes it possible to swim well.

When an otter dives into water, its ear openings and nostrils are closed by valves, thus blocking the penetration of water there. In pursuit of prey underwater, an otter can swim up to 300 m.

When the mammal senses danger, it makes a hissing sound. While playing with each other, they squeal or chirp. Interesting fact The fact is that in some parts of the world the otter is used as a hunting animal. They are able to drive fish into nets.

The otter has a lot of enemies. Depending on their habitat, these may be birds of prey, crocodiles, bears, stray dogs, wolves and jaguars. But man remains the main enemy; he not only hunts her, but pollutes and destroys her living environment.

Habitat and lifestyle of the otter

The otter can be found on every continent, the only exception being. Due to the fact that their habitat is connected with water, they live near lakes, rivers and other bodies of water, the water must also be clean and have a strong current. During the winter (cold) period, the otter can be seen in those parts of the river that are not frozen.

At night the animal hunts, and during the daytime it prefers to rest. It does this in the roots of trees that grow near water or in their burrows. The entrance to the hole is always built under water. For otters beaver brings benefits, she lives in the holes that he dug, since she does not build her own. If nothing threatens the otter, they are active during the day.

If an otter becomes unsafe in its usual place, it can easily travel 20 km in search of new housing (regardless of the time of year). The paths she tramples have been used by her for several years. It's interesting to watch the animal in winter period, he moves through the snow by jumping, alternating with sliding on his stomach.

Depending on the species, otters react differently to captivity. Some become despondent, stop taking care of themselves, and ultimately may die. The latter, on the contrary, are very friendly, quickly adapt to a new environment, and are quite playful.

Types of otters

In total there are 17 species of otters and 5 subfamilies. The most popular of them:

River otter(ordinary).
sea otter(sea otter).
Caucasian otter.
Brazilian otter (giant).

The sea otter is marine mammal, kind of otter beaver, So sea otter also called sea beaver. It is distinguished by its large size, reaching up to 150 cm and weighing up to 45 kg.

They have fairly dense fur, which makes it possible to not freeze in the water. At the beginning of the 20th century otter population(sea otters) has decreased significantly due to the high demand for fur.

At this stage, their numbers have increased significantly, but they cannot be hunted. It is very interesting to watch them, because sea otters store their food in a “pocket”, which is located under their front limb on the left. And in order to split, they use stones. Their lifespan is 9-11 years; in captivity they can live more than 20 years.

The giant otter can reach up to 2 meters, 70 cm of which is in the tail. Its weight is up to 26 kg. At the same time, the sea otter weighs much more, but is smaller in size. Brazilian otters live in families of up to 20 individuals, the head of the family is the female.

They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. Their life expectancy is up to 10 years. The Caucasian otter is listed in the Red Book. The population decline is due to pollution of water bodies, a decrease in the number of fish and poaching. Otter photo and their relatives can be found on the pages of our website.

Nutrition

The otter's diet includes mainly fish, but they can also eat mollusks, eggs, crustaceans and even some terrestrial rodents. Also not a friend otters and muskrat, which can easily end up with a predatory animal for lunch.

Otters spend a very large part of their lives in search of food; they are quite agile and fast. Due to their gluttony, their habitats must be fishy. This animal is a wonderful hunter, so after eating, the hunt does not end, and the caught fish act as a kind of toy.

Otters are of great benefit to fisheries, as they feed on non-commercial fish, which in turn eat eggs and fry. An otter eats about 1 kg of fish per day, with the small ones being kept in the water and the large ones being pulled out onto sushi. She feeds in water in this way: she places it on her stomach and eats.

After finishing the meal, it carefully spins in the water to cleanse the body of food debris. He is a clean animal. The animal does not respond to baits left by hunters, so it is extremely difficult to attract an animal in this way, unless it must be very hungry.

Otter reproduction and lifespan

The period of puberty in a female otter occurs after two years, in a male otter after three. They are solitary animals. Mating takes place in water. The otter breeds once a year, this period falls in the spring.

The female has a very interesting period gestation, after fertilization it may stop in development and then begin again. For this reason, a female can give birth both at the beginning of winter and in mid-spring (latent gestation can last up to 270 days). The gestation period lasts from 60 to 85 days.

The litter ranges from 2 to 4 babies. They are born blind and covered in fur; sight appears after a month of life. In the second month of life, babies develop teeth and learn to swim; by 6 months they become independent. After about a year, the babies leave their mother.

Average duration The life of an otter lasts on average about 15-16 years. The ranks of these wonderful animals are thinning significantly. The reason is not only polluted water bodies, but also poaching. Otter hunting prohibited by law. In some countries, this wonderful animal is listed in the book.

The main value for hunters is otter fur– it is of quite high quality and durable. Beaver, otter, muskrat are the main sources of fur, which they love to use for sewing various products.

Caucasian otter
Lutra lutra meridionalis
Order Carnivora - Carnivora
Mustelidae family

Habitat
Rare, little-studied geographical form; in Russia the peripheral, northern part of the subspecies range is located.
Body length 70-75 cm, tail - 50. Inhabitant of the foothills and forest belt of the Caucasus Mountains.

Spreading. The boundary of the subspecies' range in Russia has changed little over the last century. In the south, the otter's distribution area 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 Kuban and Kuma rivers; 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 Volga (1). 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 rivers into the mountains up to 2 thousand m above sea level. seas. Details of the otter's former distribution throughout the Caucasus were not indicated in the literature due to poor knowledge 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 Terek delta and along its right tributaries (Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria); in the Stavropol Territory, it lives throughout Kuma, along the Teberda, Bolshoy and Maly Zelenchuk rivers, etc. (2, 3). Widely distributed in Krasnodar region; 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, etc. (3, data from the compiler). Outside the Russian Federation, the same subspecies is distributed in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia (3, 4), as well as in Iran, possibly Iraq, Syria, Israel, and some parts of Asia Minor (5). The otter lives in mountain and lowland rivers and lakes, preferring reservoirs with forested banks, in river floodplains and on sea coast, in lower swamp 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 settlements. 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 move, often over long distances, sometimes across ridges.

Number. Within its extensive species range, the Caucasian otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. In the Caucasus, at the beginning of the current 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 fishery was poorly developed, an experienced hunter caught 4 - 6 pieces per year, despite the high cost of the skin. However, for quite some time now there has been a decline in the otter population due to unscheduled logging and excessive fishing of trout. In 1948 - 1949, when fur settlement was not yet widespread, 199 skins of this subspecies were harvested in the regions and republics of the North Caucasus (RSFSR); in Armenia - 64, Georgia - 235, Azerbaijan - 209, which in total accounted for 11% of the all-Union procurement of otter skins. By 1957, the yield of skins in the region under consideration decreased by 56%, which indicates a further decline in the number of Caucasian otter (6 - 7). In 1988 in Checheno-Ingushetia there were 100-130 individuals (8), in Dagestan - 70 (9).

Limiting factors. The living conditions of the Caucasian otter were adversely affected by the deterioration of the hydrological regime of water bodies due to deforestation in the drainage basins and regulation of the flow of some rivers, as well as a decrease in the amount of fish - the main food of this predator. Pollution of water bodies has greatly reduced the number of fish, which has led to a sharp deterioration in the otter's food supply. For the same reason, the beast disappeared, in particular, in the river. Anchez, and along the river. Only a few specimens of Psekups were caught (3). Changes in river regimes due to increasing water intake for agricultural needs and a reduction in the area of land suitable for otters due to drainage of floodplains and swampy lowland forests have a negative impact. Widespread poaching, stimulated by the high price of skins, is dangerous.

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

Sources of information. 1. Pavlov, 1953; 2. Vereshchagin, 1959; 3. Ryabov, 1959; 4. Rukovsky, 1953; 5. Heptner et al., 1967; 6. Arabuli, 1979; 7. Enukidze, Kapanadze, 1979, 8. Batkhiev, 1990, 9. Pishvanov, Prilutskaya, 1988. Compiled by: N. P. Lavrov.

Appearance. A medium-sized short-legged animal (body length 70-75 cm, tail 40-50 cm). The body is elongated, the tail is strong, thick at the base, gradually tapering towards the end. The head is flattened, the muzzle is wide, blunt, the ears barely protrude from the fur. The color is dark brown, shiny, slightly darker above, with a silvery tint below. The fingers are connected by a membrane. The eyes glow faintly at night with a copper-red light.

Spreading. The otter is distributed everywhere except the tundra and arid areas, but is rare or extinct almost everywhere due to hunting, water pollution and declining fish stocks. Relatively common only in some places in the north and north-west of the European part of Russia, on the middle Ob, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, in the Amur basin and nature reserves of Primorye. In the Southern Kuril Islands it has been completely exterminated.

It lives along the banks of fishing rivers and lakes; in winter it stays near wormwood and ice-free areas. In some places it is also found along wooded sea coasts.

Biology and behavior. Digs holes in washed-out banks near the water or uses various shelters.

The otter is a very active animal that spends a significant part of its time playing. On land it looks clumsy, but in water it moves quickly, catching even the fastest fish. She loves to run around smooth ice or steep slopes where characteristic grooves remain in the clay or snow. Otters have special “roller coasters” that the animals have been using for games for decades. In reservoirs where otters live, you can also find areas on the shore with trampled grass, where otters rest during the day, as well as feeding and viewing “tables” with food remains and droppings.

Traces. Traces are very characteristic shape, with teardrop-shaped toe marks and an elongated heel on the hind legs. The first toe is often not imprinted, especially on the front paws, but even in not very deep snow there is usually a furrow from the tail. The size of the footprint is approximately 12 x 10 cm. The footprints are arranged in oblique rows of three or four. Jump length 60-90 cm.

Nutrition. It feeds on fish, frogs and crayfish, and occasionally eats rodents and birds. Hunts at night, very careful.

Reproduction. Gon usually early spring, but mating can occur at any time of the year. There are 3-4 cubs in a litter. They mature earlier than other mustelids, but usually stay with their mother for quite a long time (about a year). The female bravely protects the cubs from predators, sometimes even throwing herself at a person.

Economic importance. There is a widespread belief among fishermen and hunters that the otter is harmful. But careful research has shown that in places where the otter settles, fish catches increase rapidly. It “removes” sick and weakened fish from the reservoir and destroys trash fish en masse, thereby protecting the eggs of commercial species from being eaten. It is estimated that on Sakhalin, otters, by protecting salmon eggs, increase their catch by as much as all the fisheries on the island combined.

In the past, the otter was an important commercial animal; now serious commercial importance remains only in the north of the European part of Russia and the Far East.

Abstract on the topic:

Plan:

1 Appearance
2 Spreading
3 Lifestyle and nutrition
4 Social structure and reproduction
5 Economic importance
6 Population status and conservation

Introduction

Or common otter, or river otter , or raspberry(lat. Lutra lutra) - view carnivorous mammals mustelidae family, leading semi-aquatic image life; one of three types genus of otters ( Lutra). In the literature, the word “otter” usually means this species. According to statistical data in Russia in 2006, the otter population was about 15 thousand individuals. In America, in Alaska and Washington state, as well as Colombia, there are approximately 70 thousand, 2.5 thousand off the coast of California and about ten sea otters in Japan. There are approximately 88 thousand sea otters in the world, which is only a fifth of the number in the mid-18th century.

1. Appearance

Otter - large animal with an elongated, flexible, streamlined body. Body length - 55-95 cm, tail - 26-55 cm, weight - 6-10 kg. The paws are short, with webbed swimming. The tail is muscular and 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 underwater: flat head, short legs, long tail and non-wetting fur.

2. Distribution

The most widespread representative of the otter subfamily. It is found over a vast area, covering almost all of Europe (except the Netherlands and Switzerland), Asia (except 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, swimming, diving and getting food in the water.

She lives mainly in forest rivers, rich in fish, less often - in lakes and ponds. Found on the sea coast. It prefers rivers with whirlpools, with rapids that do not freeze in winter, with banks washed away by water, littered with windbreaks, where there are many reliable shelters and places for making burrows. Sometimes it makes its lairs in caves or, like a nest, in thickets near the water. The entrance holes of its burrows open under water.

The hunting grounds of one otter in summer comprise a section of the river ranging from 2 to 18 km long and about 100 m deep coastal zone. In winter, when fish stocks are depleted and wormwood freezes, it is forced to wander, sometimes directly crossing high watersheds. 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. On ice and snow it travels up to 15-20 km per day.

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

4. Social structure and reproduction

Otters are solitary animals. Pairing depending on climatic conditions occurs in 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 litter.

Otters reach sexual maturity in their second or third year.

5. Economic importance

Otter fur is very beautiful and durable. Its wearability in the fur industry is taken as 100%. During the processing process, the coarse awn is plucked out and a short, thick, delicate underfur remains. One of the most valuable species otters with fur that is highly prized live in Alaska. Otter fur coats are one of the most durable and durable - they can be worn for up to thirty seasons. Especially if the otter is a sea otter.

6. Population status and conservation

Hunting and use in agriculture pesticides have reduced the number of otters. In 2000, the common otter was listed as a "vulnerable" species on the IUCN Red List.

The species is listed in the Red Book of the Sverdlovsk Region.

Notes

Sokolov V. E. Five-language dictionary of animal names. Mammals. Latin, Russian, English, German, French. / under the general editorship of academician. V. E. Sokolova. - M.: Rus. lang., 1984. - P. 99. - 10,000 copies.
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 Russian Wikipedia. Synchronization completed 07/09/11 15:29:47
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