Organochlorine compounds (pesticides and PCBs) in scats of the european otter (Lutra lutra) from an actual expanding population in central france

Scats of the European otter (Lutra lutra) were sampled along the Allier river (France) catchment for organochlorine toxic compounds (nine pesticides and 16 PCBs congeners) measurement. From early 2004 to June 2005, 90 sites of 40 rivers were twice investigated, and 71 scats samples collected, in four geographical areas being naturally re-colonized by the species since its legal protection. Detectable pesticides and PCBs were found in 100% of the samples. Mean values reached 2.72 and 13.58 mg kg(-1) (lipid weight) for pesticides and PCBs, respectively. Amounts were significantly different between the four areas investigated. A significant increase in medium and absolute values is noted by going downstream of the catchment. Potential medium-and long-term consequences on the observed population increase are discussed.