Raw reads obtained from environmental samples of otter (excrements) that represent what the animal has eaten.. otter diet

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) underwent a strong decline in large areas of the Central-Western part of its distribution range, during the second half of the twentieth century. In Italy, only residual fragmented nuclei survive in the Central-Southern part of the peninsula. Nowadays, the otter is one of the most endangered Italian mammals, increasing the knowledge about the ecology of this species is a key step in defining fitting management strategies. Here we provide information about the diet of otter on the Agri river system, one of the most important presence site in Italy, to understand both the species’ food requirement and the impact on fish community.