Intensive agriculture as the main limiting factor of the otter's return in southwest France

Rewilding has become a new paradigm to promote the natural recovery of many flagship species, including large carnivores. A better understanding factors that drive rewilding processes would allow predicting these in order support them where desirable. Yet large-scale assessments favor or limit mammal populations conservation concern remain rare Europe. This study sought monitor changes Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) occupation over years identify limiting its recolonization. To this end, we monitored signs and spraints 1238 sampling sites southwest France from 2003 2005 then 615 2011–2012. We modeled dataset multi-season occupancy framework using biotic abiotic covariates identified as potentially affecting detection, distribution and/or colonization rates. As otters are cryptic mobile mammal, integrated detection probability spatial autocorrelation (contagion) into modeling design. Otter occurrence was detected at 31 % surveyed 2003–2005 37 Occupancy probabilities were strongly negatively correlated proportion cultivated areas. Contagion interacted with other variables. These results suggest that, despite recent colonization, population is still constrained expansion, notably by intensive agriculture. Natura 2000 schemes should incorporate approaches further potentiate species. Actions focus on riparian habitats organic