Distribution of Otters in Monroe County, NY

Distribution Patterns of River Otters, Lontra canadensis, within Monroe County, NY: A thesis by Darren Doherty

A recent article on the National Wildlife Federation Blog discusses the importance of water quality for river otter survival. This topic has also recently been investigated by graduate students at RIT.   A thesis project by Darren Doherty completed in 2010 was designed to determine what factors affected habitat selection in North American river otters and how water quality may play a role in this selection.

Confirmed otter latrine sites. There were 14 confirmed otter latrine sites based on DNA and spraint species analysis; 10 were located on Black Creek and 4 on Oatka Creek

In his thesis,  Distribution Patters of River Otters, Lontra canadensis within Monroe County, New York, Doherty studied the water quality along several creeks within Monroe County, New York.   Doherty compared water quality (determined through macroinvertebrate sampling and water chemistry analysis) between sites with known otter latrines and sites without known otter latrines to determine if there was any correlation between water quality and otter habitat selection. Otter latrines/spraint  sites were mapped using Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Doherty’s statistical analysis did not show a significant correlation.  However, due to a small number of known otter latrine sites it may be difficult to determine a statistically significant difference between locations.

Studies like these are extremely useful for other otter researchers in the field. Doherty’s mapping of latrine sites (see above) is a tool that can be used for others to track and monitor otter populations.  Also, if further steps are taken future studies like this may help researchers to more closely monitor otter populations and be more prepared for future reintroduction programs.