Flexible habitat selection paves the way for a recovery of otter populations in the European Alps
  • We developed a novel approach to apply step-selection functions to linear habitats.
  • Otters preferred main riverbeds to abstracted water and tributaries.
  • Within the main riverbed, otters selected for stretches modified by hydropower.
  • Otters show a flexible habitat selection unintentionally supported by fish stocking.
  • The results indicate a lasting expansion of otters into former abandoned habitat.
Weinberger, I.C., Muff, S., de Jongh, A., Kranz, A. & Bontadina, F. 2016: Flexible habitat selection paves the way for a recovery of otter populations in the European Alps. Biological Conservation, 199: 88-95.