29/05/2024
Biodiversity Files No.243: Let’s talk about otters in the Amazon. The Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the largest (if not the heaviest) of the world’s otter species. It is found in lowland regions of the Orinoco, Amazon, and La Plata river basins in South America. A powerful carnivore reaching up to 5 ½ feet in length (~1.7m), this is a social animal, and its penchant for living in family groups has made the species an easy target for fur hunters. Habitat destruction, of course, has also taken its toll. These can be exceptionally tough animals to see but there are a couple of preserves in Loreto, Peru, where encounters can be had and other sites in Brasil that regularly produce sightings.
The Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis) ranges from Central- and South America to Trinidad. Of all otter species, it may be the least known species. Aspects of its biology and ecology remain unclear. It inhabits lowland tropical regions where it is usually found in forest streams and small rivers. Owing to hunting pressure (skins) and habitat destruction, this beautiful creature has been classified by the IUCN as 'near threatened.' One study of the species found that it does best in drainage systems where there are few people and lower boat traffic. Otters feed primarily upon fishes and mollusks but will opportunistically take other small vertebrates.
Amazonian wildlife is as diverse as any other assemblage of wildlife on the planet - these are things worth fighting for; now is the time to fight for them. How can you help? Funding is the key issue with every conservation initiative out there. Find one that speaks to you and financially support it. Any amount helps. Please see the link to our program in the Amazon where we work with indigenous groups to help them conserve rainforest on their traditional lands (Project Selva).
Thank you.
