Evidence for persistence and a major range extension of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli; Mustelidae, Carnivora) in Iraq

Title:

Evidence for persistence and a major range extension of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli; Mustelidae, Carnivora) in Iraq

Creator:

Omer, Sawsan A., Wronski, Torsten, Alwash, Azzam, Elamin, Maha H., Mohammed, Osama B., and Lerp, Hannes

Identifier:

https://cdk.lib.cas.cz/client/handle/uuid:b7a1d448-70fe-44d8-baad-8789bef0038a
uuid:b7a1d448-70fe-44d8-baad-8789bef0038a

Subject:

Middle East, Tigris wetlands, Kurdistan, phylogenetic analysis, mitochondrial marker, and conservation status

Type:

article, model:article, and TEXT

Description:

The species IUCN conservation status of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is considered ‘Vulnerable’, due to an inferred future population decline caused by habitat loss and sustained exploitation. The status of the Arabian subspecies (L. p. maxwelli) occurring in the Tigris marshes of Iraq and Iran is uncertain due to political problems and limited access to this border region in recent years. With this study we could confirm the persistence of the smooth-coated otter in the marshlands of southern Iraq by using a mitochondrial marker (cytochrome b). Moreover, a second sample from Kurdistan was also identified to be L. perspicillata. This observation represents a major range extension of more than 500 km for this poorly known species. It is recommended to undertake further surveys of suitable habitat in the Tigris wetlands, as well as in Kurdistan, to obtain additional information on the distribution of smooth-coated otter in Iraq, and implement conservation measures in those areas.

Language:

English

Rights:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
policy:public

Source:

Folia zoologica | 2012 Volume:61 | Number:2

Harvested from:

CDK

Metadata only:

false