Presence of the Neotropical Otter in the Cubatão do Sul River, Santa Catarina, Brazil

This work represents an analysis of the presence Lontra longicaudis in Cubatão River, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The influence that temperature and precipitation can have on collection excrements species is examined. composition diet determined by collected excrement. From 2006 to 2007, 255 feces were using rafting boats study area, which characterized strong rapids waterfalls. Precipitation data from January September 2007 obtained. Kruskal-Wallis test was used determine seasonal difference between samples items consumed otter. Chi-square evaluate expected regarding precipitation. relationship average monthly rainfall, frequency occurrence food evaluated Spearman coefficient. fish group most abundant otters diet, representing 70% total, followed crustaceans (23%) mammals (4%). Birds accounted for 3%. Differences do Sul River observed hottest coldest months. number excrement lower than during rainier periods, demonstrating care must be taken research planning. otter basin important both environmental economic management region, especially as it source water thousands people.