Translocations , transmitter effects , and veterinary care of otters ( Mustelidae ) during reintroduction

This bibliography synthesizes selected literature (e.g., abstracts, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles) relevant to the capture, veterinary care, and translocation success of river otters and other meso-bodied vertebrates. Coverage of this bibliography encompasses two broad subject areas: 1) a primary emphasis on veterinary aspects related to the specific care of otters and similar mustelids, and 2) and a secondary emphasis on contrasts in veterinary care with other animals of similar size, lifestyle, or taxonomy. Most citations are accompanied by an abstract or short annotation that summarizes the major findings or interpretations. Those portions of the annotation which contain the most striking findings for river otter reintroduction are indicated with bold-faced, blue font. Literature available Ågren, E.O., L. Nordenberg, and T. Mörner. 2000. Surgical implantation of radiotelemetry transmitters in European badgers (Meles meles). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 31: 52–55. -The suitabilities of two subcutaneous and two intra-abdominal surgical approaches were evaluated for implantation of telemetry transmitters in the European badger (Meles meles). Two transmitters, one for heart rate and the other for body temperature, were needed in each badger. Five wild badgers were trapped, housed in an outdoor pen, anesthetized, and surgically implanted with one or two transmitters per procedure. A total of 16 transmitters were implanted, 10 subcutaneously and six intra-abdominally, and each badger had up to three procedures performed. Six subcutaneous transmitters were placed over the chest wall and four on the dorsal aspect of the neck. Three intra-abdominal transmitters were placed free in the abdomen and three were fixed to the abdominal wall. Eight of the subcutaneous transmitters were later damaged or dislodged, probably by mechanical friction, injuries from fighting, or wound licking. The intra-abdominal implantation procedures were easier and faster to perform compared with subcutaneous procedures. Two of the free intra-abdominal transmitters became thinly encapsulated, with some omental adhesions. The fixed intra-abdominal approach for transmitter implantation is preferable in badgers. Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2003. State of Colorado River Otter Recovery Plan, 6060 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80216. 51 pp. -River otters often do not transplant easily and stress-related deaths may occur prior to transport, during transit, and soon after release. Of 40 river otters captured in Oregon, only 27 (15 males, 12 females) survived to release in the Dolores River. Within the first 2 weeks postrelease, 6 river otters died in the canyon, 2 climbed out of canyon and died, and another became trapped on a cliff and would have died had he not been recaptured. Within 6 months, 2 otters had moved into the San Miguel and Colorado rivers where they established ranges. They had moved 125 miles and 190 miles from the release site. Thus the new population had to develop from an effective start of 17 river otters.