Caucasian otter
Lutra lutra meridionalis
Order Carnivores - Carnivora
Family Mustelidae - Mustelidae

Habitat
A rare, poorly studied geographic form; in Russia, the peripheral, northern part of the subspecies range is located.
Body length 70-75 cm, tail - 50. Inhabitant of foothills and forest belt of the Caucasus Mountains.

Spreading. The range border of the subspecies in Russia has changed little over the past century. In the south, the area of ​​distribution of the otter extends beyond the borders of our country. The eastern and western borders are the coast of the Caspian and Black Seas. The northern border, apparently, runs along the Kuban and Kuma rivers; it is possible that in the past there was no complete isolation by the steppes and the Caucasian otter lived along the rivers between the Don and the Kuban, and in the east - along the reservoirs between the Kuma and the Volga (1). Within this area, the otter was widespread in the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, it was found everywhere in various types of reservoirs rich in fish, rising along rivers to the mountains up to 2 thousand m above sea level. seas. Details of the past distribution of the otter across the Caucasus have not been reported in the literature due to the poor study of this predator, which leads a hidden lifestyle. For the same reasons, it is impossible to describe a detailed picture of modern distribution. In the North Caucasus, the otter lives in the Terek delta and along its right tributaries (Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria); in the Stavropol Territory, she lives throughout Kuma, along the Teberda, Bolshoy and Maly Zelenchuk rivers, and others (2, 3). Widely settled in the Krasnodar Territory; occurs along the numerous rivers of the left bank of the Kuban, such as Urup, Sinyukha, Chamlyk, Fars, Bolshaya and Malaya Laba, Urushten, Kocherga, Beskes, Zagedanka, Belaya, Bzykh, Kish, Pshekha, Pshish, Shebsh, Severnaya, etc. the Kuban delta and many rivers flowing from the Greater Caucasus into the Black Sea - Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, Ashe, Nechepsugo, Dzhubga, Vulan, etc. (3, compiler's data). Outside the Russian Federation, the same subspecies is common in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia (3, 4), as well as in Iran, possibly in Iraq, Syria, Israel, and some parts of Asia Minor (5). The otter lives in mountain and lowland rivers and lakes, preferring reservoirs with forested banks, in river floodplains and on the sea coast, in lower waterlogged forests. It also inhabits artificial reservoirs - irrigation and drainage canals, reservoirs, large ponds. In places where the otter is not disturbed, it can live in the immediate vicinity of large settlements. The main condition is the presence of fish. The winter regime of the reservoirs of the Caucasus is favorable for the predator. In summer, especially in dry years, many lowland and mountain rivers dry up and the otter is forced to move, often over a long distance, sometimes over ridges.

The number. Within its vast species range, the Caucasian otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. In the Caucasus, at the beginning of this century, in places it was relatively numerous, for example, in lakes and rivers rich in trout, in particular on the Malka and Chegem rivers south of Pyatigorsk, along the river. Malaya Labe and others. The trade was poorly developed, an experienced hunter hunted 4 - 6 pieces a year, despite the high cost of skins. However, for a long time there has been a decrease in the number of otters due to unscheduled logging and excessive fishing of trout. In 1948 - 1949, when the subsidence of furs was not yet widespread, 199 skins of this subspecies were harvested in the territories and republics of the North Caucasus (RSFSR); in Armenia - 64, Georgia - 235, Azerbaijan - 209, which in total accounted for 11% of the all-Union harvests of otter skins. By 1957, the yield of skins in the region under consideration had decreased by 56%, which indicates a further decline in the population of the Caucasian otter (6 - 7). In 1988. in Checheno-Ingushetia there were 100-130 individuals (8), in Dagestan - 70 (9).

Limiting factors. The habitat of the Caucasian otter was adversely affected by the deterioration of the hydrological regime of water bodies due to deforestation in the territory of drainage basins and the regulation of the flow of some rivers, as well as a decrease in the number of fish, the main food of this predator. Pollution of water bodies has greatly reduced the number of fish, which led to a sharp deterioration in the food supply of the otter. For the same reason, the beast disappeared, in particular, in the river. Anchez, and along the river. Only single specimens were caught (3). The change in the regime of rivers in connection with the increasing withdrawal of water for agricultural needs, a decrease in the area of ​​land suitable for otters due to the drainage of floodplains and swampy low-lying forests, has a negative effect. Dangerously widespread poaching, stimulated by the high price of skins.

Security measures. As private measures to counteract the decline in the population of the Caucasian otter in the RSFSR, bans on its production were practiced. Currently, along with the complete cessation of fishing, it is necessary to strengthen the fight against illegal hunting of otters and fish, increase responsibility for the slaughter of otters and the trade in its skins. It is of great importance to restore the optimal water regime in the lands inhabited by the otter, to organize rational water use that takes into account the needs of nature protection, as well as to prevent the pollution of water bodies by industrial waste waters harmful to fish, and to strengthen environmental propaganda among the local population. It is also advisable to create long-term sanctuaries in places most suitable for this predator.

Sources of information. 1. Pavlov, 1953; 2. Vereshchagin, 1959; 3. Ryabov, 1959; 4. Rukovsky, 1953; 5. Geptner et al., 1967; 6. Arabuli, 1979; 7. Yenukidze, Kapanadze, 1979, 8. Batkhiev, 1990, 9. Pishvanov, Prilutskaya, 1988. Compiled by NP Lavrov.

Appearance. Medium-sized short-legged animal (body length 70-75 cm, tail 40-50 cm). The body is elongated, the tail is strong, thick at the base, gradually tapering towards the end. The head is flattened, the muzzle is wide, blunt, the ears barely protrude from the fur. The color is dark brown, shiny, slightly darker above, below with a silvery tint. The fingers are connected by a membrane. The eyes glow faintly with a copper-red light at night.

Spreading. The otter is widespread everywhere, except for the tundra and waterless areas, but almost everywhere it is rare or has disappeared due to hunting, water pollution and a decrease in fish stocks. Relatively often found only in some places in the north and north-west of the European part of Russia, in the middle Ob, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, in the Amur basin and nature reserves of Primorye. It was completely exterminated in the South Kuriles.

Inhabits the shores of fish rivers and lakes, in winter it keeps near wormwood and non-freezing areas. In some places it is also found along the wooded coasts of the seas.

Biology and behavior. Digs holes in the washed-out banks near the water or uses various shelters.

The otter is a very mobile animal that spends a significant part of the time in games. On land, it looks awkward, but in the water it moves rapidly, catching even the fastest fish. She loves to run on smooth ice or steep slopes, where characteristic grooves remain on the clay or snow. Otters have special "roller coasters" that animals have been using for games for decades. On the reservoirs where otters live, you can also find areas on the shore with trampled grass, where otters rest during the day, as well as feeding and viewing tables with food leftovers and droppings.

Traces. The tracks are very distinctively shaped, with teardrop-shaped fingerprints and an elongated heel on the hind feet. The first toe is often not imprinted, especially on the front paws, but even in not very deep snow, a furrow from the tail usually remains. The size of the track is approximately 12 x 10 cm. The tracks are arranged in oblique rows of three or four. Jump length 60-90 cm.

Nutrition. It feeds on fish, frogs and crayfish, occasionally eats rodents and birds. It hunts at night, very careful.

Reproduction. Rut is usually in early spring, but mating can occur at any time of the year. There are 3-4 cubs in a brood. They see clearly earlier than other mustelids, but usually they stay with their mother for quite a long time (about a year). The female bravely protects the cubs from predators, sometimes even rushing at a person.

Economic value. It is widely believed among fishermen and hunters that the otter is harmful. But careful research has shown that fish catches are rapidly increasing in areas where the otter settles. It "removes" sick and weakened fish from the reservoir and in mass destroys weed fish, thereby protecting the eggs of commercial species from eating. It is estimated that in Sakhalin, otters, protecting salmon eggs, increase their catch by the same amount as all the fish farms of the island combined.

In the past, the otter was an important game animal; nowadays, serious commercial value has been preserved only in the north of the European part of Russia and the Far East.

Lutra lutra (meridionalis) Ognev, 1931

Spreading: The range of the Caucasian otter covers the territory from the West. Caucasus up to Talysh inclusive, the upper limit of distribution - 2000 m above sea level. North. the border runs along the river. Kuban and Kume, west. and east. - along the coasts of the Black and Caspian Seas, and in the south, apparently, it goes beyond the borders of the country. Within the West. The Caucasus is widely found along the numerous tributaries of large rivers: Kuban, Belaya, Teberda, Ust-Labinskaya, Zelenchuk, etc., as well as in all deltas; on many rivers of the Black Sea coast flowing into the Black Sea (Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, etc.). Here the mountains rise to an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. In the Central Caucasus (within the Elbrus and Terek variants), the Caucasian otter is found along the valleys of the river. Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Urvan, Urukh, Cherek, Terek, etc. In Dagestan, it is registered in the lower reaches of the river. Sulak, Chetyrekh-Kasteu, Samur. Occurs on many rivers of the Caspian coast, flowing into the Caspian Sea. It rises up to 2000 m in the mountains. Outside of Russia, it is found in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.

Habitat: The Caucasian otter prefers foothill and mountain rivers with fast currents, wooded shores and an abundance of the main food - fish (trout). It is active at twilight and at night. It usually keeps one by one. He chooses fresh water bodies for housing. Burrows are arranged in the roots of trees, under snags, in the depressions of the washed-out banks. The entrance to the holes is hidden under water. Sometimes the otter makes long transitions to other bodies of water, overcoming high watersheds, passing tens of kilometers. The biology of reproduction is not well understood. The heat takes place at the beginning of winter. Pregnancy with a latency period lasts 9-10 months. Juveniles, usually from 2 to 4, are found mainly in May. Both parents bring up the young. Sexual maturity occurs, apparently, in the third year of life.

Number: Within its range, the number of otters is not the same and the otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. To the North. In the Caucasus at the beginning of this century, in some places it was a common species (In the West and Central Caucasus). The abundance within the entire range is apparently decreasing. However, this figure is not the same in different parts of the region. On the West. In the Caucasus (Krasnodar and partly Stavropol Territories), it is the most stable according to the accounting data of recent years. About 260 individuals live on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory, mainly in the Caucasian Reserve. In the Teberda Nature Reserve, at present, as in the past, it is one of the rare species in terms of numbers. The number of otters in the Central Caucasus is somewhat higher, especially in the river bed. The Terek and its tributaries, where, according to the State Game Management Agency and the inspection of Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia, there are about 100 animals. In Dagestan, the abundance data are close to that known for the Elbrus variant (basin of the Malka River), i.e. no more than 10-50 individuals. On the territories of the Transcaucasian republics, judging by the literature data, the otter is also rare. Its number is slightly higher in Georgia, especially in the west. parts. In 1980, about 4.5 thousand individuals were counted on the territory of Georgia. The main limiting factors of the otter population in the Caucasus include the deterioration of the hydrological regime in the territories of spillways, the regulation of the flows of many rivers, a decrease in the number of fish due to pollution of reservoirs, poaching, the removal of trees and shrubs along the banks of rivers, their strengthening by various engineering structures, etc.

Security: Listed at the species level in Appendix 1 of CITES. It is protected by all nature reserves of the Caucasus region, as well as by various sanctuaries. As private measures to counteract the decline in the number of predators, it is necessary to strengthen the education of the population to protect the species and combat poaching. The Caucasian otter reacts extremely quickly to conservation measures, of course, if they also cover its biotopes with their food resources and protective conditions.

Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Type of:

Class:

Detachment:

PREDATORS - Carnivora

Systematic position

Mustelidae family.

Status

3 "Rare" - 3, RD. In the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, it is assigned to the category “3 - Rare” with the status of a rare little-studied subspecies. In the Red Book of the USSR it is included in the category “III. Decreasing species ”with the status - a rare subspecies.

Threat category of the global population on the IUCN Red List

Near Treatened, NT ver. 3.1 (2001).

Category according to the criteria of the IUCN Red List

The regional population is classified as Near Treatened, NT. A. M. Guineev.

Belonging to the objects of action of international agreements and conventions ratified by the Russian Federation

Included in CITES Appendix I at the species level.

Brief morphological description

Relatively large predator. The body length with tail reaches 1.2 m. The weight of adults is from 5 to 9.5 kg. An elongated and relatively thin body, a short neck, ears that do not protrude from the fur with closed auditory canals, short paws, fingers interconnected by membranes, as well as flattened in the dorso-ventral direction, a small head and a long tail, strongly tapering towards the end , - everything is adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle of the animal. The hairline throughout the body is dense, low and even, light brown on the back, on the belly - light with a silvery sheen. Downy hair is whitish at the base and brown at the end.

Spreading

The global area includes aquatic ecosystems of the North Caucasus, Transcaucasia and certain regions of Asia Minor. Previously, the rivers Kuma and Kuban were considered the northern border of the distribution of the otter in the Caucasus. From time to time she went to the floodplains of the Kuban. Now it is found in all mountain (up to 2500 m above sea level), steppe rivers and rivers, floodplains of the Kuban, artificial canals, ditches, rice systems. However, in the floodplains of the Terek until 1992, it did not exist. In KK, the otter used to populate all the rivers flowing into the Black Sea, going along them to an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. seas, and left-bank tributaries of the Kuban. Most likely, some reports about the meeting of tracks in the Kuban and Terek deltas refer to random visits of this animal. According to the procurement materials, since 1959, the fur products of this animal came to KK only from the foothills and mountain-forest regions. In the floodplains, the Kuba-ni otter reappeared in 1971, merging with the population of this species inhabiting the Kuban and Don, Kuma and Volga basins due to the expansion of the Caucasian part of the range of this animal. Such an intensive expansion of the vydra on the right bank of the Kuban occurred due to the emergence of a variety of anthropogenic water bodies, including urban storm drains. To date, she has populated the transformed water bodies near the Sea of ​​Azov and on the Kuban plain, artificial reservoirs on the plane and in the foothills. At the same time, it periodically appears in fishery spawning and growing and pond farms, and in rice paddies it constantly lives. Despite the fact that solitary specimens appeared in the reservoirs of the Yeisk region since 1986, this animal became a relatively common species only 20 years later. The Caucasian otter inhabits 24 KK districts. Including: 7 flooded and rice systems, 3 steppe, 5 forest-steppe and 9 mountain-forest districts. The animal relatively intensively assimilates new habitats, and due to this, the area of ​​its ecological range is increasing.

Features of biology and ecology

Leads a secretive, semi-aquatic and sedentary lifestyle. When unfamiliar objects are detected, it stands up in a column and emits a characteristic whistle. In autumn, in search of food objects, it often enters the upper reaches of rivers and from one river system enters another. In areas with an abundance of forage (pond farms), up to five individuals can accumulate. Most likely, these are family groups. In steppe rivers and floodplains, besides fish, it eats crayfish, in rice systems - amphibians. In the presence of relatively dark bypass structures, it was possible to observe the hunt for frogs in the daytime. It uses bypass pipes as shelters in rice systems, in the natural environment - root voids, wash-outs in the banks, and uses old washed-out burrows of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicа) along the canals. In the upper reaches of the rivers during the rut, a pair of animals can be seen in the daytime. There are 1–4 puppies in a litter, on average - 2.6 puppies. ♀
Up to a year, the young keep together with, the rest of the time the adults lead a solitary lifestyle. They reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years. Food competitors in the Caucasus include the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the striped raccoon (Procyon lotor), and the European mink (Mustela lutreola). Diseases of the Caucasian otter have not been studied.

Population and its trends

As a result of the transformation of the flooded ecosystems, the species, which previously lived only on the left bank of the Kuban, inhabited all water bodies of the right bank of the Kuban, including rice and fishery systems. In the KK in 1955, only in the mountain-forest part there were 1100 individuals of this animal. In the mid-1980s, 250–300 individuals remained. In subsequent years, its livestock was estimated: 1986–1990 - 0.3; 1991-1995 - 0.26; 1996-2000 - 0.2 and 2001-2005 - 0.8 thousand individuals. The number and range of this extremely plastic species are constantly increasing. Currently, there are at least 700 otters in the KK.

Limiting factors

The decline in the number of Caucasian otters in the late 1960s - early 1970s in the flat part of the KK was influenced by the construction of reservoirs, rice systems, pond farms, etc .; in the foothill and mountain areas - deforestation, which led to an increase in surface water runoff and a decrease in fish productivity, with the death of inhabitants of freshwater reservoirs (frogs, crayfish, their food base), etc. the increase in the pollution of water bodies with pesticides, pesticides, oil, etc. In addition, poaching still has a significant effect on its population.

Necessary and additional security measures

The state of the population of the Caucasian otter is not a cause for concern. It is guarded in KGPBZ, SNP, SFPZ, as well as Tuapse, Goryacheklyuchevsky, Krymsky, Psebaysky, Sredne-Labinsky, Krasnogorsky, Priazovsky reserves of regional significance. The organization of a single chain of zakazniks in the GKH and an increase in the area of ​​the Go-ryacheklyuchevsky zakaznik in connection with the construction of the Russia-Turkey gas pipeline will improve the protection of many species of mountain forest animals and their habitats, including otters. It is necessary to strengthen the fight against illegal hunting of animals, to increase the responsibility for poaching and trade in its fur.

Sources of information

1. Aristov, Baryshnikov, 2001; 2. Vereshchagin, 1959; 3. Hept-ner and others, 1967; 4. Guineev, 1985; 5. Guineev et al., 1988; 6. Guineev et al., 2000; 7. Guineev et al., 2001; 8. Kotov, Ryabov, 1963; 9. Red Book of the RSFSR, 1983; 10. Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, 2001; 11. Red Book of the USSR, 1984; 12. Hunting resources of Russia ..., 2004; 13. Tembotov, 1972; 14. Tumanov, 2003; 15. Personal communication of I. Ya. Rozhkov; 16. IUCN, 2004; 17. Unpublished data of A. M. Gineev.

Lutra lutra meridionalis

Squad Carnivores - Carnivora
The Cunyi family - Mustelidae

STATUS. Rare species (III category)

Habitat
A rare, poorly studied geographic form; in Russia, the peripheral, northern part of the subspecies range is located.
Body length 70-75 cm, tail - 50. Inhabitant of foothills and forest belt of the Caucasus Mountains.

Spreading. The range border of the subspecies in Russia has changed little over the past century. In the south, the area of ​​distribution of the otter extends beyond the borders of our country. The eastern and western borders are the coast of the Caspian and Black Seas. The northern border, apparently, runs along the Kuban and Kuma rivers; it is possible that in the past there was no complete isolation by the steppes and the Caucasian otter lived along the rivers between the Don and the Kuban, and in the east - along the reservoirs between the Kuma and the Volga. Within this area, the otter was widespread in the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, it was found everywhere in various types of reservoirs rich in fish, rising along rivers to the mountains up to 2 thousand m above sea level. seas. Details of the past distribution of the otter across the Caucasus have not been reported in the literature due to the poor study of this predator, which leads a hidden lifestyle. For the same reasons, it is impossible to describe a detailed picture of modern distribution. In the North Caucasus, the otter lives in the Terek delta and along its right tributaries (Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria); in the Stavropol Territory, she lives throughout the Kuma, along the Teberda, Bolshoy and Maly Zelenchuk rivers, etc. It is widely settled in the Krasnodar Territory; occurs along numerous rivers on the left bank of the Kuban, such as Urup, Sinyukha, Chamlyk, Fars, Bolshaya and Malaya Laba, Urushten, Kocherga, Beskes, Zagedanka, Belaya, Bzykh, Kish, Pshekha, Pshish, Shebsh, Severnaya, etc. the Kuban delta and many rivers flowing from the Greater Caucasus into the Black Sea - Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, Ashe, Nechepsugo, Dzhubga, Vulan, etc. Outside the Russian Federation, the same subspecies is common in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia , as well as in Iran, possibly in Iraq, Syria, Israel, some parts of Asia Minor. The otter lives in mountain and lowland rivers and lakes, preferring reservoirs with forested banks, in river floodplains and on the sea coast, in lower waterlogged forests. It also inhabits artificial reservoirs - irrigation and drainage canals, reservoirs, large ponds. In places where the otter is not disturbed, it can live in the immediate vicinity of large settlements. The main condition is the presence of fish. The winter regime of the reservoirs of the Caucasus is favorable for the predator. In summer, especially in dry years, many lowland and mountain rivers dry up and the otter is forced to move, often over a long distance, sometimes over ridges.

The number. Within its vast species range, the Caucasian otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. In the Caucasus, at the beginning of this century, in places it was relatively numerous, for example, in lakes and rivers rich in trout, in particular on the Malka and Chegem rivers south of Pyatigorsk, along the river. Malaya Labe and others. The trade was poorly developed, an experienced hunter hunted 4 - 6 pieces a year, despite the high cost of skins. However, for a long time there has been a decrease in the number of otters due to unscheduled logging and excessive fishing of trout. In 1948 - 1949, when the subsidence of furs was not yet widespread, 199 skins of this subspecies were harvested in the territories and republics of the North Caucasus (RSFSR); in Armenia - 64, Georgia - 235, Azerbaijan - 209, which in total accounted for 11% of the all-Union harvests of otter skins. By 1957, the yield of skins in the region under consideration had decreased by 56%, which indicates a further decline in the population of the Caucasian otter. In 1988. in Checheno-Ingushetia there were 100-130 individuals, in Dagestan - 70.

Limiting factors. The habitat of the Caucasian otter was adversely affected by the deterioration of the hydrological regime of water bodies due to deforestation in the territory of drainage basins and the regulation of the flow of some rivers, as well as a decrease in the number of fish, the main food of this predator. Pollution of water bodies has greatly reduced the number of fish, which led to a sharp deterioration in the food supply of the otter. For the same reason, the beast disappeared, in particular, in the river. Anchez, and along the river. Only a few specimens were caught. The change in the regime of rivers in connection with the increasing withdrawal of water for agricultural needs, a decrease in the area of ​​land suitable for otters due to the drainage of floodplains and swampy low-lying forests, has a negative effect. Dangerously widespread poaching, stimulated by the high price of skins.

Security measures. As private measures to counteract the decline in the population of the Caucasian otter in the RSFSR, bans on its production were practiced. Currently, along with the complete cessation of fishing, it is necessary to strengthen the fight against illegal hunting of otters and fish, increase responsibility for the slaughter of otters and the trade in its skins. It is of great importance to restore the optimal water regime in the lands inhabited by the otter, to organize rational water use that takes into account the needs of nature protection, as well as to prevent the pollution of water bodies by industrial waste waters harmful to fish, and to strengthen environmental propaganda among the local population. It is also advisable to create long-term sanctuaries in places most suitable for this predator.

CAUCASIAN OTTRA
Lutra lutra (subspecies meridionalis) Spreading: The range of the Caucasian otter covers the territory from the West. Caucasus up to Talysh inclusive, the upper limit of distribution - 2000 m above sea level. North. the border runs along the river. Kuban and Kume, west. and east. - along the coasts of the Black and Caspian Seas, and in the south, apparently, it goes beyond the borders of the country. Within the West. The Caucasus is widely found along the numerous tributaries of large rivers: Kuban, Belaya, Teberda, Ust-Labinskaya, Zelenchuk, etc., as well as in all deltas; on many rivers of the Black Sea coast flowing into the Black Sea (Psou, Mzymta, Khosta, Sochi, Dagomys, etc.). Here the mountains rise to an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. In the Central Caucasus (within the Elbrus and Terek variants), the Caucasian otter is found along the valleys of the river. Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Urvan, Urukh, Cherek, Terek, etc. In Dagestan, it is registered in the lower reaches of the river. Sulak, Chetyrekh-Kasteu, Samur. Occurs on many rivers of the Caspian coast, flowing into the Caspian Sea. It rises up to 2000 m in the mountains. Outside of Russia, it is found in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
Habitat: The Caucasian otter prefers foothill and mountain rivers with fast currents, wooded shores and an abundance of the main food - fish (trout). It is active at twilight and at night. It usually keeps one by one. He chooses fresh water bodies for housing. Burrows are arranged in the roots of trees, under snags, in the depressions of the washed-out banks. The entrance to the holes is hidden under water. Sometimes the otter makes long transitions to other bodies of water, overcoming high watersheds, passing tens of kilometers. The biology of reproduction is not well understood. The heat takes place at the beginning of winter. Pregnancy with a latency period lasts 9-10 months. Juveniles, usually from 2 to 4, are found mainly in May. Both parents bring up the young. Sexual maturity occurs, apparently, in the third year of life.
Number: Within its range, the number of otters is not the same and the otter does not form large concentrations anywhere. To the North. In the Caucasus at the beginning of this century, in some places it was a common species (In the West and Central Caucasus). The abundance within the entire range is apparently decreasing. However, this figure is not the same in different parts of the region. On the West. In the Caucasus (Krasnodar and partly Stavropol Territories), it is the most stable according to the accounting data of recent years. About 260 individuals live on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory, mainly in the Caucasian Reserve. In the Teberda Nature Reserve, at present, as in the past, it is one of the rare species in terms of numbers. The number of otters in the Central Caucasus is somewhat higher, especially in the river bed. The Terek and its tributaries, where, according to the State Game Management Agency and the inspection of Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia, there are about 100 animals. In Dagestan, the abundance data are close to that known for the Elbrus variant (basin of the Malka River), i.e. no more than 10-50 individuals. On the territories of the Transcaucasian republics, judging by the literature data, the otter is also rare. Its number is slightly higher in Georgia, especially in the west. parts. In 1980, about 4.5 thousand individuals were counted on the territory of Georgia. The main limiting factors of the otter population in the Caucasus include the deterioration of the hydrological regime in the territories of spillways, the regulation of the flows of many rivers, a decrease in the number of fish due to pollution of reservoirs, poaching, the removal of trees and shrubs along the banks of rivers, their strengthening by various engineering structures, etc.

Security: Listed at the species level in Appendix 1 of CITES. It is protected by all nature reserves of the Caucasus region, as well as by various sanctuaries. As private measures to counteract the decline in the number of predators, it is necessary to strengthen the education of the population to protect the species and combat poaching. The Caucasian otter reacts extremely quickly to conservation measures, of course, if they also cover its biotopes with their food resources and protective conditions. Sources: 1. Rossikov, 1887; 2. Satunin, 1916; 3. Turov, 1926; 4. Ognev, 1931; 5. Boehme, 1928; 6. Krasovsky, 1932; 7. Geptner et al., 1941; 8. Geptner et al., 1967; 9. Dvoichenko, 1955; 10. Ahrens, 1957; 11. Inyakova, 1957; 12. Vereshchagin, 1959; 13. Ryabov, 1959; 14. Tembotov, 1960; 15. Tembotov, 1972; 16. Tembotov, 1982; 17. Tembotov, 1984; 18. Kotov, Ryabov, 1963; 19. Gromov et al., 1963; 20. Bobrinsky, 1965; 21. Weisfeld, 1977; 22. Khakhin, 1984; 23. Kolosov, 1982; 24. Dzuev, 1989; 25. Plotnikov, 1994; 26. Rukovsky, 1953; 27. Arabuyan, 1979; 28. Yenukidze et al., 1979; 29. Lavrov, 1985; 30. Spassky, personal. message Compiled by: R.I. Dzuev, A.A. Guketlova