Mercury in Nova Scotia river otter, Lutra canadensis: geographic, age, and sex patterns, and in relationship to blastocyst production

Spencer, S. H. (2006). Mercury in Nova Scotia river otter, Lutra canadensis: geographic, age, and sex patterns, and in relationship to blastocyst production. https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3031

Search for this publication on Google Scholar

Details:

Title

Mercury in Nova Scotia river otter, Lutra canadensis: geographic, age, and sex patterns, and in relationship to blastocyst production

Author
Spencer, Sarah Huberta
Call Number

LE3 .A278 2006

Date

2006

Supervisor

Shutler, Dave
O'Brien, Michael

Degree Grantor

Acadia University

Degree Name

Master of Science

Degree Level

Masters

Discipline

Biology

Affiliation

Biology

Abstract

Fur from both live-captured otter ('Lutra canadensis ') and trapper-provided otter carcasses in Nova Scotia was analyzed for total mercury (Hg). Live-captured otters and carcasses had Hg as high as 92 ppm, and 137 ppm, respectively. Live-captured otters from inland habitats had significantly higher fur Hg than those from coastal habitats. In female carcasses, reproductive potential was measured by counting the number of blastocysts in each reproductive tract. Age was measured by sectioning canine teeth. Reproductive potential and age were not related to fur Hg. Fur Hg was higher in otters from western versus eastern Nova Scotia, in otters inhabiting dammed versus undammed watersheds, and in otters from watersheds with bedrock from the Meguma Terrane versus the Avalon Terrane. Although fur Hg exceeded the criterion for toxicity in Nova Scotia, no population effects (e.g. reduced reproductive rate) were apparent.

Rights

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

Permanent Link

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3031

Bookmarks: