black sea red data book - Department of Biology

oots, rocky clefts or tunnels in peat. Largely nocturnal, with a period of inactivity in
the middle of the night.
Biology. Carnivorous. Catches fish and occasionally other vertebrates (water
rodents, especially Water voles, amphibians and invertebrates - crabs, worms,
insects). Lives in family groups of one or more females and cubs of the year
occupying a group territory, otherwise adults solitary and coming together only for a
few days for mating. Breeding any time of year but mostly in summer. Earliest
known breeding: male-1.5 year; female- 1 year 10 months. Gestation: 61-63 days.
Litter size - 1-5 (usually 2-3). Taken to water and encouraged to swim around three
months of age. Weaning age 16 weeks. Parental care by female only. Cubs remain
with mother for 10-12 months.
Population trends. Relatively stable in clear rivers but highly sensitive to water
pollution and poaching.
Threats. Environmental pollution, habitat fragmentation, poaching.
Conservation measures taken. Some of the habitats are included in reserves and
protected wetland areas.
Conservation measures proposed. Regular monitoring of numbers in the region;
water quality control.
References
Ellerman T. & C .S. Morrison-Scott, 1951. Checklist of Palaearctic and Indian
Mammals (1758 to 1946). London, Trustees of the British Museum: 275-276.
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