Reproductive tracts from 89 3-year-old female river otters (Lutra canadensis), from Louisiana were examined. Eighteen of these were in a reproductive phase out of synchrony with the expected population norms. Eight of 32 otters had fewer embryos than corpora lutea, indicating intrauterine mortality in 25% of the sample. Chemical analyses of liver tissue from 57 otters revealed a low prevalence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticide contamination. These low Ievels of organochlorine compounds were not associated with atypical reproductive synchrony or intrauterine mortality.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 1985 |
|---|---|
| Title | PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and reproduction in river otters from Louisiana |
| Authors | W. J. Fleming, C. M. Bunck, G. Linscombe, N. Kinler, C. J. Stafford |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies |
| Index ID | 5222197 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |