Advances in the study of giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis): ecology, behavior, and conservation: a review

Authors

  • Nicole Duplaix Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, IUCN Species Survival Commission
  • Emanuela Evangelista Amazônia Onlus
  • Fernando C. W. Rosas Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA). Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos (LMA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00200

Keywords:

Lutrinae, Mustelidae, anthropogenic pressures, apex predator, ecotourism, endangered species.

Abstract

Giant otters, once targeted by the pelt trade to near extinction, are now legally protected and have made a comeback in some parts of their range. Our state of knowledge about the behavior and ecology of this apex predator has increased substantially since the first studies in the 1970s but remains incomplete. Negative anthropogenic pressures and conflicts affecting giant otters are intensifying and now take many forms, from extensive habitat loss and degradation, pollution, ecotourism with heavy impacts, to gold mining. We review the corpus of giant otter field research and findings since 1980 and discuss new findings and our shortfall of knowledge and its implications for the long-term conservation of the species.

Author Biography

Nicole Duplaix, Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, IUCN Species Survival Commission

Chair, IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group

Instructor, Fisheries and Wildlife

Doctorate, Univeristy of Paris-Sud, Orday, France

 

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Published

2015-12-28

How to Cite

Duplaix, N., Evangelista, E., & Rosas, F. C. W. (2015). Advances in the study of giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis): ecology, behavior, and conservation: a review. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 10(2), 75-98. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00200