New records of Neotropical otter, Lontra annectens, in Arroyo Romerillos and Santa Catarina River, Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo, México

Abstract

There are scarce published records of Neotropical otter (Lontra annectens) for the state of Hidalgo, México.  This work expands the knowledge of its distribution in the state.  Fieldwork consisted of the evaluation of 2 sites in search of evidence of the presence of the species: Arroyo Romerillos and Santa Catarina River.  Records were obtained through evidence observed during walks along both streams; indirect evidence was identified based on specialized literature and corroborated in the field.  The first record in Arroyo Romerillos was an otter spraint found on a rock.  Three records were observed in the Santa Catarina River: the first was an otter individual observed entering in the water; the second, a feeding site with crayfish remains (Procambarus sp.) on a rock; the third was a den next to the river where offspring sprains were found.  This work highlights the importance of continuing to study the species using direct and indirect sampling methods to know the ecological aspects of the habitat of otters and the state of conservation of these water bodies in the state of Hidalgo to help on the generation of conservation strategies for the Neotropical otter and its habitat.