A Comparison of the diet and distribution of southern river otter (Lutra provocax) and mink (Mustela vison) in Southern Chile

In Chile, between latitudes 39d̀S and 43d̀30'S, southern river otter (Lutra provocax) and introduced mink (Mustela vison) scats were collected. Mink sign was recorded in 29% of the aquatic habitat where otter sign was found. Sixty‐eight per cent of mink scats were collected at otter rest sites. A significant difference between the diets and low percentage of habitat use overlap of the two species (5‐22%) suggest that, in Chile, river otter and mink coexist with little competition for space or food. There are no data supporting a relationship between the introduction of mink and the decline of southern river otters.