River Otter - Kouchibouguac

River otters (Lontra canadensis) are semi-aquatic mammalian predators closely associated to freshwater resources but also linked to terrestrial habitat features, at the aquatic-terrestrial interface of riparian zones. This species is an indicator of freshwater ecosystem conditions as healthy tributaries should be able to sustain populations of this resident top-level predator with two main ecological requirements: the availability of food and shelter opportunities. The purpose of the river otter monitoring program at Kouchibouguac National Park is to determine the total number of distinct groups as an indication of population status. The sampling methods for this measure involve an annual census in winter, usually between the end of January to early March, where transects are conducted on the entire lengths of the main watercourses from the estuaries to the Park’s border. A transect is initiated after a minimum 24 to 48-hour waiting period succeeding snowfall, and is stopped after 5 days however can resume following the next snow precipitation. All sites with river otter activity signs (e.g., tracks, water access, refuges, slides, faeces, latrines, burrows and other shelters, visual observation) detected during the census are recorded with a global positioning system, along with the count of individuals or groups (when possible) at each site determined from visible snow tracks.