Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Historically, river otters (Lontra.candensis) were distributed widely in Kentucky (Barbour and
Davis 1974, Toweill and Tabor 1982). Otter populations declined during early 1900s due to
unregulated harvest and anthropogenic destruction of riparian habitat. By the 1950s, otter
distribution in Kentucky likely was limited to the Jackson Purchase physiographic region in the
far western portion of the state (Barbour and Davis 1974, Cramer 1995).
In 1991, the KDFWR initiated efforts to restore otter populations in suitable habitats throughout
the central and eastern portions of Kentucky (Cramer 1995). During 1991-1994,355 otters were
released among 14 sites in central and eastern Kentucky (Cramer 1995). At the present time it is
too early to fully assess the success of otter reintroductions in central and eastern Kentucky.
Nonetheless, incidences of sightings and reports of nuisance otters have increased recently in
areas where otters were reintroduced throughout central and eastern portions of the state.
Likewise, the remnant otter population in the western portion of the state appears to have become
well-established (M. Cramer, pers. commun.). Increased ftequency ofsightings, incidental
trappings, roadkills, and complaints of nuisance otters throughout Kentucky during the past
several years likely are indicative of increasing populations. This proposal outlines research
efforts to better determine the status, distribution, and reproductive characteristics of river otter
populations in Kentucky. An overall goal of this research is to determine whether a carefully
regulated otter harvest would be an appropriate management option in the Commonwealth.
B. Objectives
1. Determine the distribution and relative abundance of otters in Kentucky.
2. Determine population demographics, including age and sex ratios, and reproductive
characteristics of otter populations in Kentucky.
3. Submit annual reports and a final report upon project completion.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 7/1/03 → 6/30/04 |
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