Resumo

ORTEGA-PADILLA, Alicia Andrea et al. Potential Distribution of the Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis annectens) in the State of Yucatán, México. Therya [online]. 2022, vol.13, n.2, pp.225-234.  Epub 21-Nov-2022. ISSN 2007-3364.  https://doi.org/10.12933/therya-22-2145.

Records of Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis annectens) are insufficient in the state of Yucatán, México, to determine the different habitat types where otters live, the conservation status of the species and the potential threats. Therefore, our objectives were to generate a map of the potential distribution of the Neotropical otter in Yucatán and verify the otter’s presence in sites predicted by the model. A potential distribution species model of the Neotropical otter was generated with MaxEnt using species’ records and EarthEnv environmental variables with 1 km² resolution. Otter’s presence was verified in seven sites predicted by the model by field surveys conducted during October months of 2017 to 2019 and 2021. The habitat was characterized, and biological samples and video-photographic evidence of otter’s presence and its habitat were collected. Potential distribution of the Neotropical otter covered 3,487 km2, 8 % of Yucatán State’s surface area, in rivers, lagoons, and coastal ecosystems with mangrove forest and wetlands; nevertheless, sites with suitable habitat and potential areas for the presence of otters were observed in epicontinental lagoons in the interior of the State. The potential distribution model allowed to identify the environmental suitability for otter’s habitat in the interior of the peninsula, whereas field surveys made to validate the sites predicted by the model led us to report the first records of the neotropical otter in cenotes (sinkholes) and epicontinental lagoons. The sites presented availability of prey species, high density of riparian vegetation for shelter and dens, and terrestrial-aquatic interconnectivity between freshwater springs. Direct observations of otters were obtained in two of the visited sites, as well as indirect signals in seven of them, which consisted of feces latrines, annal jellies, footprints, tracks, food residues, active resting dens, and shore trails. Our results point out the need to continue thorough monitoring in potential areas predicted by the model to be able to suggest conservation measures for the Neotropical otter and its habitat in Yucatán State.

Palavras-chave : Algorithm; potential distribution; monitoring; epicontinental; coastal lagoons.

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