Spraint
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Spraint or scat is the dung of the otter.[1]
Spraints are typically identified by smell and are known for their distinct aromas, the smell of which has been described as ranging from freshly mown hay to putrefied fish.[2] The European otter's spraints are black and slimy, 3 to 10 cm ( 1 to 4 inches) long and deposited in groups of up to four in prominent locations near water. They contain scales, shells and bones of water creatures.[3] Because of the decline of otters in Britain, several surveys have been made to record the distribution of the animal, usually by recording the presence of spraint. [4] Further, there is some evidence that spraint density is correlated with otter density.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Matt Pagett (2007), What Shat That?: A Pocket Guide to Poop Identity, http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=gCkwEDBPg6UC&pg=PA69
- ^ http://www.ottersite.btinternet.co.uk/spraints.htm
- ^ Brown, RW, Lawrence, MJ & Pope, J (1984). Animals. Tracks & Signs. Hamlyn. p. 225. ISBN 0 600 57444 X.
- ^ "The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)". Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers. English Nature. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090214170740/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/lifeinukrivers/species/otter.html. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
- ^ Chanin, Paul. "Monitoring the Otter". Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers. English Nature. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090214170740/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/lifeinukrivers/species/Otter_monitoring.pdf. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
[edit] Further reading
- Hans Kruuk (2006). Otters: ecology, behaviour, and conservation. Oxford biology. Oxford University Press. pp. 79–82. ISBN 0198565879.
- C. F. Mason and S. M. Macdonald (2009). Otters: Ecology and Conservation. Cambridge University Press. pp. 31–35. ISBN 0521101344.
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