Survey of Eurasian otter distribution in the Glenmore - Aviemore area, 2018: Camera trap mammal records
Citation
NatureScot (2020). Survey of Eurasian otter distribution in the Glenmore - Aviemore area, 2018: Camera trap mammal records. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/r9a5re accessed via GBIF.org on 2025-04-22.Description
The survey found widespread distribution of otters in the study area. Otters were detected across a range of waterbody types and habitats, from small burns to wider rivers, Loch an Eilein and Loch Morlich, and at elevations up to 628 metres. Camera trapping proved to be an effective tool for monitoring otter presence and added an important temporal dimension to activity patterns. 10% of otter detections occurred during daylight, 90% at night. Eleven of 15 camera sites provided photographic evidence of otter occupancy, including some video footage. A total of eight identifiable mammal species were recorded by the traps. The primary survey methodology used transect surveys; the results of these are not included in the present dataset. Bird species detected by the camera traps are also not included.
Purpose
Sampling Description
Quality Control
Fiona Pamplin, mammal specialist, was employed to undertake the work. Only mammal species that could be identified from images with certainty are included in the present dataset.Method steps
- A total of 19 Spypoint cameras were deployed at 15 selected sites known to be occupied by otters within the main study area. Cameras were set up following guidelines provided by Findlay et al. (2017) with a distance of 2ñ3 metres from target and about 30ñ40cm from ground level. Cameras were in situ for a minimum of four weeks and were serviced after the initial two weeks to check operation and to download images.
Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
originatorNatureScot
metadata author
NatureScot
distributor
NBN Atlas
27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
London
WC1N 3AX
London
GB
email: admin@nbnatlas.org
Colin McLeod
administrative point of contact
position: editor
email: Colin.McLeod@nature.scot