Eurasian otter <i>Lutra lutra</i> distribution and habitat use in a Mediterranean catchment managed for the control of invasive giant reed <i>Arundo donax</i>

We assessed the distribution and habitat use of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra on middle course River Segura its tributaries (Murcia, SE Spain) within framework project LIFE13BIO/ES/001407 RIPISILVANATURA (2014–2019). Between April 2016 June 2018, we surveyed for spraints 42 sampling stretches (mean length ± SD = 0.5 0.2 km), covering a 109.8 km long section river. The study time frame coincided with main restoration activities LIFE project, consisting in eradication widespread, invasive alien giant reed Arundo donax plantation autochthonous riparian vegetation. Otter preferences were by measuring ten environmental parameters potentially affecting occurrence. relationship between presence/absence variables was evaluated both linear multiple regression non-parametric random forest model. Otters preferred river crossing forested areas, avoided polluted waters their occurrence inversely related to width emerged aquatic vegetation, mostly beds. Moreover, managed stretches, marking intensity increased after removal reeds higher restored transects (1.18 spraints/100 m) than downstream, unmanaged half watercourse (0.76 m). combined effects water pollution spread may alter fish abundance, reducing prey availability otters. improvement chemical physical quality streams through seems thus pivotal enhance recovery otter's populations south-eastern Iberian Peninsula.