First data on the helminth fauna of the European otter Lutra Lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lithuania

Abstract

The European otter Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) is a semi-aquatic mustelid belonging to subfamily Lutrinae. During the last century otter populations sharply declined all over the world. Since 2004 otter is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN Red List. It could be the main reason why parasitofauna of wild otter populations are poorly understood. From the parasitological aspect, otters also play an important role in the life cycles of parasites associated with aquatic environment. Currently European otter population is widely distributed across Lithuania (covered 95 % territory); however, no helminths were previously reported. The aim of this study was to explore helminth fauna of road-killed otters in Lithuania for the first time. Helminth fauna was compared with results from other European countries. Trematodes Pseudamphistomum truncatum, Isthmiophora melis, Phyllodistomum folium (fish parasite), and one unidentified nematode species were found