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Changes in otter numbers in Shetland between 1988 and 1993

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Jim Conroy  and
Hans Kruuk
Jim Conroy
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory Research Station, Glassel, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB31 4BY, UK.
Hans Kruuk
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory Research Station, Glassel, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB31 4BY, UK.
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Abstract

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The otter population in Shetland has increased significantly between 1988 and 1993, with more animals being found on all coastal strata and in all parts of the archipelago except South Mainland, the only area to show a decline. South Mainland is where the tanker Braer grounded in January 1993 and the subsequent oil spill might have affected the distribution of otters there. The causes of the changes are unknown and it is not known what happened to the otters in South Mainland after the spill, but it is is highly unlikely that the large increases recorded elsewhere on the archipelago were caused by the movement of animals away from South Mainland.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , July 1995 , pp. 197 - 204
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1995

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