The accuracy of five different methods used in spraint analysis for extimating prey proportions is tested through a feeding experiment with three otters in captivity. Estimated prey proportions are copared to the actual diet of the otters. The results of analysing 362 spraints and the time budget indicated a score‐bulk estimate to be the most appropriate method of estimating prey diet and it is concluded that dietary studies using different methods can be compared in broad outlines. The relatins between the methods are confirmed in the analysis of 978 spriaints, collected in the field.

In noninvasive genetic sampling, when genotyping error rates are high and recapture rates are low, misidentification of individuals can lead to overestimation of population size. Thus, estimating genotyping errors is imperative. Nonetheless, conducting multiple polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) at multiple loci is time-consuming and costly. To address the controversy regarding the minimum number of PCRs required for obtaining a consensus genotype, we compared consumer-style the performance of two genotyping protocols (multiple-tubes and 'comparative method') in respect to genotyping success and error rates. Our results from 48 faecal samples of river otters (Lontra canadensis) collected in Wyoming in 2003, and from blood samples of five captive river otters amplified with four different primers, suggest that use of the comparative genotyping protocol can minimize the number of PCRs per locus. For all but five samples at one locus, the same consensus genotypes were reached with fewer PCRs and with reduced error rates with this protocol compared to the multiple-tubes method. This finding is reassuring because genotyping errors can occur at relatively high rates even in tissues such as blood and hair. In addition, we found that loci that amplify readily and yield consensus genotypes, may still exhibit high error rates (7-32%) and that amplification with different primers resulted in different types and rates of error. Thus, assigning a genotype based on a single PCR for several loci could result in misidentification of individuals. We recommend that programs designed to statistically assign consensus genotypes should be modified to allow the different treatment of heterozygotes and homozygotes intrinsic to the comparative method.

Abstract. Population genetics can provide information about the demographics and dynamics of invasive species that is beneficial for developing effective control strategies. We studied the population genetics of feral cats on Hawai'i Island by microsatellite analysis to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure, assess gene flow and connectivity among three populations, identify potential source populations, characterise population dynamics, and evaluate sex-biased dispersal. High genetic diversity, low structure, and high number of migrants per generation supported high gene flow that was not limited spatially. Migration rates revealed that most migration occurred out of West Mauna Kea. Effective population size estimates indicated increasing cat populations despite control efforts. Despite high gene flow, relatedness estimates declined significantly with increased geographic distance and Bayesian assignment tests revealed the presence of three population clusters. Genetic structure and relatedness estimates indicated male-biased dispersal, primarily from Mauna Kea, suggesting that this population should be targeted for control. However, recolonisation seems likely, given the great dispersal ability that may not be inhibited by barriers such as lava flows. Genetic monitoring will be necessary to assess the effectiveness of future control efforts. Management of other invasive species may benefit by employing these population genetic tools.

Many studies have evaluated why male mammals form social groups; few however have investigated how these groups are formed and maintained. We observed behavioral interactions of 15 male river otters (Lontra canadensis) captured in Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska, and held in captivity for 10 mo. Because the otters were captured in various areas and differed in age and relatedness, we were able to test how kinship and age influenced social interactions. We also explored how kinship, age and social interactions in captivity related to geographic spacing after the otters were released back in PWS. In 284 h of observations, the otters exhibited more positive than negative interactions. Social network models indicated that in the early stage of captivity, there were more links among individuals than in the late stage. In the late‐stage period, older animals that had higher testosterone levels exhibited increased social distance and lower information centrality (a network connectivity metric). Social distance was not related to genetic distance, nor did it relate directly to age, although both social distance and age were correlated with post‐release geographic distance. Thus, the formation of male groups in coastal river otters is largely influenced by familiarity and past experience, rather than kinship. The maintenance of groups, especially during the mating season, is a function of reproductive status and age, with older animals withdrawing from the social network during that time. What other phenotypic characters may contribute to the formation and maintenance of river otter groups merit future exploration.