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<p>Assessing the trophic ecology of endangered species, such as the southern river otter (<i>Lontra provocax</i>) in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago (TDF), provides important knowledge about these species with implications for their conservation. To gain insight into this otter’s niche, we analyzed their spraints and stable isotopes in the Argentine sector of TDF. Between 2020 and 2023, we collected 532 spraints from three different sites: Tierra del Fuego National Park (TFNP), Mitre Peninsula (MP), and Isla de los Estados (IDLE); and identified prey items to the lowest possible taxonomic level. We also measured stable carbon (<i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C) and nitrogen (<i>δ</i><sup>15</sup>N) isotopes in otter spraints and hairs. <i>L. provocax</i> mainly consumed fish species from the <i>Patagonotothen</i> genus and the crustacean <i>Grimothea gregaria</i>, while echinoderms, mollusks, and polychaetes were less important in its diet. TFNP and IDLE had similar diet composition and isotopic niche breadth. Meanwhile, MP showed a narrower niche with a different prey proportion; it was the only site where sea urchin consumption was recorded. Seasonal diet differences were detected at TFNP. The trophic positions indicated that southern river otters behave as meso- to apex-predators in Fuegian coastal food webs. These data suggest that this otter behaves as a flexible specialist consumer. While it favors fish and crustaceans, it can adapt its diet based on prey availability, like sea urchins. Considering its trophic niche, conserving this species requires protecting critical habitats (e.g., kelp forests) and ensuring prey presence to support its marine population recovery in Argentina.</p>

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Trophic ecology of the endangered southern river otter (Lontra provocax) in the Fuegian Archipelago, Argentina: knowledge and implications for conservation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月11日

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  • Alfredo Ñ. Claverie,
  • Luciana Riccialdelli,
  • Guillermina Massaccesi,
  • Nora Jara,
  • Christopher B. Anderson,
  • Alejandro E. J. Valenzuela

摘要

Assessing the trophic ecology of endangered species, such as the southern river otter (Lontra provocax) in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago (TDF), provides important knowledge about these species with implications for their conservation. To gain insight into this otter’s niche, we analyzed their spraints and stable isotopes in the Argentine sector of TDF. Between 2020 and 2023, we collected 532 spraints from three different sites: Tierra del Fuego National Park (TFNP), Mitre Peninsula (MP), and Isla de los Estados (IDLE); and identified prey items to the lowest possible taxonomic level. We also measured stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes in otter spraints and hairs. L. provocax mainly consumed fish species from the Patagonotothen genus and the crustacean Grimothea gregaria, while echinoderms, mollusks, and polychaetes were less important in its diet. TFNP and IDLE had similar diet composition and isotopic niche breadth. Meanwhile, MP showed a narrower niche with a different prey proportion; it was the only site where sea urchin consumption was recorded. Seasonal diet differences were detected at TFNP. The trophic positions indicated that southern river otters behave as meso- to apex-predators in Fuegian coastal food webs. These data suggest that this otter behaves as a flexible specialist consumer. While it favors fish and crustaceans, it can adapt its diet based on prey availability, like sea urchins. Considering its trophic niche, conserving this species requires protecting critical habitats (e.g., kelp forests) and ensuring prey presence to support its marine population recovery in Argentina.