Ecología de la nutria (Lontra longicaudis) en el municipio de Temascaltepec, estado de México: estudio de caso

The neotropical river otter ( Lontra longicaudis ) is one of the least studied otter species, which makes it prioritary to conduct research on its ecology in order to identify key areas for the species conservation. The knowledge of otter ecology in Mexico has increased thanks to studies conducted by numerous researchers. However, very little is known about the ecology of the species in the State of Mexico, where habitat conditions might be less than ideal because of heavy anthropogenic disturbances. Given this scenario, the ultimate aim of this study is to present recent findings on the ecology of L. Longicaudis in Temascaltepec, State of Mexico. Key findings from studies conducted in the area between 2003 and 2007; include a strong association between otter density and specific riparian habitat characteristics, otter diet largely based on an invasive species and the existence of a striking otter-human conflict which could jeopardize the survival of the species in the area. Key words: carnivore, ecology, Estado de Mexico, Lontra longicaudis , Temascaltepec.