abstract |
The Lower
Bug region is the habitat of the Eurasian otter
(Lutra lutra), which, relying on channel
reservoirs as reserves, also exploits the seasonal
and permanent resources of small steppe rivers.
With the climate-driven decrease in surface runoff,
small rivers have become subject to complete or
partial drying up, making it difficult for semi-aquatic
mammals to live. The survival of the otter in the
Southern Steppe is ensured by its use of the static
and foraging potential of channel reservoirs and
ponds. The latter are the key sites that serve as
permanent and off-season reserves for the species,
ensuring the survival and sustainable existence
of otters in the small river network. The habitat
specificity of the otter's sustainable habitats
covers areas with different spatial and landscape
characteristics, and hydrological, and foraging
features, which allows us to distinguish three ecologically
and ethologically distinct forms of the species.
The first is the primary riverine form, represented
by animals inhabiting the Southern Bug, Syniukha,
and Ingul rivers, the second is the lyman-estuarine
form, and the third is the river-pond form associated
with small rivers. The current number of otters
in the Lower Pobuzhzhia is estimated at 86–108 individuals,
which is 38.5% more than in 2000–2005 and 58.1%
more than in 1992–1995. The average breeding density
is 0.489 individuals/10 ha of water area (excluding
the coastal and marine zone). In some habitats,
the local density of otters ranges from 0.181 (Berezansky
estuary) to 1.14 individuals/10 ha (lower reaches
of the Syniukha River, Kovalivsky plains). At the
same time, the main reserves of the species generally
remain unchanged—the channel-floodplain habitats
of the Southern Bug, Ingul, and Ingulets, from which
the animals disperse to the tributaries of these
rivers and adult males migrate through local watersheds.
Some small otter habitats are associated with the
peaks and banks of the Tiligul and Berezan estuaries.
The least studied was and remains the Ingulets centre
of existence of the species, which was significantly
affected by the consequences of hostilities. |
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