Ecological role of the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra (Mustelidae, Carnivora) as a seed dispersal species for riparian vegetation in Iberian fresh waters

Endozoochory is a mutualistic interaction between plants and animals. Such relationship has rarely been examined in the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra. This study aimed to assess use electivity of fruit by this carnivore, along with viability ingested seeds. Otter spraints were collected from River Bullaque (Guadiana basin, central Spain) June September 2018-2019. A high occurrence (> 40%) was found during September. Otters only one plant species: Iberian bushweed Flueggea tinctoria (Phyllanthaceae); whereas seeds belonged four apple mint Mentha suaveolens (Lamiaceae), common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, dog rose Rosa canina elmleaf blackberry Rubus ulmifolius (three Rosaceae species). According environmental availability, otters displayed avoidance for rose, neutral selection preference blackberry. Germination unsuccessful seeds, germination highest (37%; 49% blackbird Turdus merula, well-known frugivorous appear display an ecological role as seed dispersers riparian vegetation fresh waters. These findings provide insights into endozoochorous co-evolution Carnivora.