Spraint

Spraint or scat is the dung of the otter.^[1]

Spraints are typically identified by smell and are known for their distinct aromas, the smell of which has been described as ranging from freshly mown hay to putrefied fish.^[2] The European otter's spraints are black and slimy, 3 to 10 cm ( 1 to 4 inches) long and deposited in groups of up to four in prominent locations near water. They contain scales, shells and bones of water creatures.^[3] Because of the decline of otters in Britain, several surveys have been made to record the distribution of the animal, usually by recording the presence of spraint. ^[4] Further, there is some evidence that spraint density is correlated with otter density.^[5]

References

1. ^ Matt Pagett (2007), What Shat That?: A Pocket Guide to Poop Identity, http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=gCkwEDBPg6UC&pg=PA69 
2. ^ http://www.ottersite.btinternet.co.uk/spraints.htm
3. ^ Brown, RW, Lawrence, MJ & Pope, J (1984). Animals. Tracks & Signs. Hamlyn. p. 225. ISBN 0 600 57444 X. 
4. ^ "The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)". Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers. English Nature. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090214170740/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/lifeinukrivers/species/otter.html. Retrieved 27 July 2010. 
5. ^ Chanin, Paul. "Monitoring the Otter". Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers. English Nature. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090214170740/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/lifeinukrivers/species/Otter_monitoring.pdf. Retrieved 27 July 2010. 

Further reading

• Hans Kruuk (2006). Otters: ecology, behaviour, and conservation. Oxford biology. Oxford University Press. pp. 79–82. ISBN 0198565879. 
• C. F. Mason and S. M. Macdonald (2009). Otters: Ecology and Conservation. Cambridge University Press. pp. 31–35. ISBN 0521101344.