Telefone: +55 (97) 3343-9782. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Brasília, 2010. We aimed at assessing whether these interferences could compromise the maintenance of the giant river otter population in the area. IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, Luxembourg, v. 16, p. 90-96, 1999. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. Conflicts between humans and giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) in Amanã Reserve, Brazilian Amazonia1, Danielle dos Santos LimaI; Miriam MarmontelII; Enrico BernardIII, IPrograma de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical (PPGBio), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP). may not be the largest otter. The giant river otter is a charismatic species, with a successful example of ecotourism in Peru (SCHENCK and STAIB, 2001). ; Taxonomy Local and direct interferences were analyzed through fish samples using gillnets and comparing capture efficiency with and without giant otters’ presence. 80 p.         [ Links ], AYRES, J. M.; FONSECA, G. A. AltaMira Press, United States of America, 2005. Winged refers to the fin-like shape of the giant otter's tail. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. For the other interviewees (72%, n = 60), the giant river otter is a poorly known species. E-mail: limadanielle@terra.com.br IIGrupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos Amazônicos (GPMAA), Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá. The result of this is the modification and destruction of the otter’s habitat, over-fishing, contamination of aquatic ecosystems, domestic animal diseases, and mismanaged tourism Giant river otter populations are specially threatened by diseases transmitted by domestic animals in riverine communities, such as parvovirus and canine distemper (SCHENCK, 1999). Looking for giant otters in mined areas of the Peruvian Amazon By Adi Barocas . Giant otter sightings were obtained from a total of 198.9 km of rivers (river length measured via GPS) surrounding the National Forest of Amapá. Post 11:41 AM - May 27 #1 2020-05-27T11:41. Who wins? [ Links ], VARGAS, C. E. R.; MARMONTEL, M. Projeto Ariranhas do Pantanal: estudos de ariranhas na região de Miranda (MS). Production in the region was based until the 1970s on plant extraction and commercial hunting, mainly for the trade of animal skin, including otters (Lontra longicaudis and P. brasiliensis) and jaguars (Panthera onca). However, it is necessary to consider the disperse use of habitats by otters, mobility of groups, and rarity of direct sightings, even during the dry season in the region. Boletin Tecnico de la Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina, Buenos Aires, n. 21, p. 1-38, 1996. Diário Oficial do Estado do Amazonas, Poder Executivo, Manaus, 6 ago. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. SEA OTTER RECOVERY TEAM, 2003; GROENENDIJK et al., 2005; Figure 3). The first sightings were made by 78% (n = 47) of the residents after the recolonization of the streams located in the headwaters of the Amanã Lake by giant river otters. Winged refers In those regions, protected areas are important instruments to conserve populations of giant river otters, shielding the species from the human pressures and favoring population recovery in natural environments, and, thus, increasing its chances of survival (ICMBio, 2010). They form cohesive family groups, usually with 3-12 individuals, composed by one reproductive couple and several young from different generations (DUPLAIX, 1980; SCHWEIZER, 1992; CARTER and ROSAS, 1997; STAIB, 2005). Measures for the prevention and control of these threats must be included in the management plan of the Amanã Reserve. degree. The giant otter frequents rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps of tropical lowland rainforests and the species is particularly vulnerable to human disturbance. Completely diurnal, these large animals live and hunt in family It was observed that river margins, key-areas for giant river otters, are being converted into annual crops (locally known as roças), contributing to change the availability of areas once used as dens, campsites or resting sites by the animals (see LIMA et al., 2012). Plano de ação nacional para a conservação dos mamíferos aquáticos: pequenos cetáceos. GIANT OTTER FINAL REPORT Nicole Duplaix, PhD WWF-Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project FG-40 FY2002Executive Summary Like the … 2013. This adorable video of a baby otter munching on ice cubes will MELT your heart. Although only a few kills were confirmed, it is recognized that collateral death caused by hunting may also be significant (Peres, 2000). Study area – The present study was carried out in the surroundings of the Amanã Lake (Figure 1), within the Amanã Reserve (IUCN Category VI), one of the largest protected areas of tropical forest in South America. Through the streams (igarapés) located in the lake's headwaters it was possible to access areas with non-timber and wildlife products. Giant otters are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and were last assessed in June 2014. Sampling procedures – Forty field sessions were carried out, between October 2004 and September 2008, searching for records of otters in the basin of the Amanã Lake. Years ago, they lived in tropical forests and wetlands, but the presence of human beings has drastically changed this situation. From September 2001 to September 2010, field excursions of ∼6 days, typically involving 3 … A special emphasis was given to the characterization of negative human impacts resulting from the growth in human and animal populations and from the recolonization of historical areas of occurrence by giant river otters in the reserve. Livro Vermelho da Fauna Brasileira Ameaçada de Extinção. Giant otters have also been known to Adults can reach nearly 1.8 m in total length, and 30 kg in weight, with males slightly larger than females (DUPLAIX, 1980). most direct threats from humans arise from habitat destruction, over The giant otter diet was assessed from fecal samples, and the human diet through questionnaires. Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis, Brasília, 2001. Back to Top. [ Links ], VIANA, J. P.; CASTELLO, L.; DAMASCENO, J. M. B.; AMARAL, E. S. R.; ESTUPIÑAN, G. M. B.; ARANTES, C.; BATISTA, G. S.; GARCEZ, D. S.; PEREIRA, S. B. Manejo Comunitário do Pirarucu Arapaima gigas na Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá - Amazonas, Brasil. CHIZZOTI, 2000). Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Brasília, 2011. protect them from poachers. Cria a Unidade de Conservação denominada Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Amanã, RDS Amanã, e dá outras providências. Two days after capturing the cub, the residents agreed to give it back to its group, after a successful intervention by our research group. 1998. v. 104, n. 28978. Munich, 1999. 4 ed. 2001. Studies in the region suggest that the species is recolonizing areas where it previously occurred, i.e. While in the past, poaching for pelts was the giant otters gravest threat, they are now most threatened by increase human settlement and activity throughout the species range. Content provided by Mitigação e monitoramento dessas ameaças são de extrema importância para a manutenção das ariranhas na área. Rodovia Juscelino Kubitschek s/n, km 2, Jardim Marco Zero, 68.902-280, Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. family group for a period time after. Flagship species: case studies in wildlife tourism management. According to interviewees, in this scenario, legalized hunting would be encouraged as an economical alternative for local communities, and would exert a control on the otter population, minimizing the damages caused by these animals. This interference results mainly from the use of slash-and-burn for the implementation of crops. Naming The giant otter has a handful of other names. Conversely, during high water periods, animals may have to move to higher places, due to the flooding of dens or campsites. 2010. Carter and Rosas (1997) identified this practice as one of the threats to giant river otters, because the low quality of nutrients in Amazonian soils associated with rudimentary agriculture practices are responsible for a high turnover in the areas used for subsistence agriculture, with the constant opening of new areas. As such understanding and resolving otter-human conflicts is vital for both sustainable socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation. 1984. C. Lobo del río: un gigante bajo presión gigantesca. Adult Giant Otters can range from 5-6 ft in length and weigh from Komododo. [ Links ], PARERA, A. Las "nutrias verdadeiras" de la Argentina. Such a thought probably results from well-succeeded experiences of sustainable management of the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) in the Mamirauá Reserve, adjacent to Amanã, whose profits are converted into material goods that improve the life quality of the residents (see VIANA et al., 2007). groups called holts. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Cambridge, Cambridge. Fax: +55 (97) 3343-9718. Black Ice. Giant river otters are one of the largest freshwater carnivores in South America, and the largest among the subfamily Lutrinae (DUPLAIX, 1980; CARTER and ROSAS, 1997). In previous assessments, they were listed as Vulnerable (1982-1996) and then Endangered (2000 onwards). Depois de cerca de trinta anos de ausência, ariranhas foram avistadas no lago Amanã em 2000, após a criação da Reserva Amanã. Canisius College students under the direction of Fish consumption by giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) in the North Rupununi Wetlands. Nine residents used firearms to kill giant river otters, but only two confirmed the death. Áreas aquáticas protegidas como instrumento de gestão pesqueira. 7,155 1,175. 527 p.         [ Links ], ROCHA-CAMPOS, C. C.; GUSMÃO-CÂMARA, I.; PRETTO, D. J. (Org.). During the reports, the conversation was guided to obtain some information on (1) perception of residents towards giant river otters, (2) level of knowledge about the species, (3) past and current hunting, (4) events of interaction with fishing activities, and (5) other types of negative interactions (e.g. LIMA et al., 2012), frequently with easy access to humans, they are vulnerable to hunting (FOSTER-TURLEY et al., 1990). The species is classified by the IUCN as endangered (A3cd) due to its small populations, restricted occurrence areas, and local extinctions recorded along its historical geographic range (DUPLAIX et al., 2008). Their vulnerability to human impacts together with an intensive hunting pressure in the past century led giant river otters to a worrisome conservation status (CARTER and ROSAS, 1997; DUPLAIX et al., 2008). 7 fascinating facts about giant otters As the name suggests, the giant otter is the world's largest otter species and is well-known from wildlife documentaries. Phone/fax: +55 (81) 2126 8353. 132 p.         [ Links ], ROCHA-CAMPOS, C. C.; GUSMÃO-CÂMARA, I. 2011. During low water season, individuals use main rivers, which retain larger water surfaces and food availability. Total votes: 12. NEXT> 2. One intentional capture was recorded in the region, favored by the low level of the watercourses, which restricted the home range of the giant river otter group to the main riverbed. The giant otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are ... Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. 256 p.         [ Links ], BERNARD, H. R. Research methods in anthropology: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Informações acerca do impacto humano sobre essa população foram compiladas a partir de entrevistas com 83 moradores. Photo by: Frank Hajek. Giant otter Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits Maximum longevity 17.3 years (captivity) Source ref. The population of the Amanã Reserve in 2011 was ca. eat small caiman—a relative of alligators—when they cannot find In addition to the perception that giant river otters compete with humans for food, it was unanimously believed that fish disappear from watercourses explored by giant river otters. Hence, in the present study, we intend to advance the knowledge on threats to giant river otters in the Brazilian Amazonia, more specifically in the Amanã Reserve. 164 p.         [ Links ], DUPLAIX, N. Observations on the ecology and behaviour of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Suriname. For this reason, seven residents shot giant river otters when they were spotted trying to remove fish from nets. 96 p.         [ Links ], Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio. They are also the smallest of all species of otter. food is eaten at 3-4 months of age. Disponível em: . [ Links ], SCHENCK, C.; STAIB, J. Quito, Resumos... Quito: PUCE, SOLAMAC, 2004. p. 205. Palavras-Chave: conflitos de pesca, floresta alagada, Lutrinae, Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Brasil. The highest incidence of negative interactions occurred near areas occupied by humans either close to community organizations, where there is higher human population density, or in the vicinity of isolated residences located in igarapés upstream of the Amanã Lake (Figures 2 and 3). The unique human-in-the-loop algorithm at its core is designed to be scalable, flexible and efficient -- enabling you to construct a robust model of any conversation from small numbers of examples without any special expertise in bots, language, or even the topic of the conversation. In: REUNIÓN DE TRABAJO DE ESPECIALISTAS EN MAMÍFEROS ACUÁTICOS DE AMÉRICA DEL SUR, 11., 2004. These people were identified during occasional encounters and, from the first approach on, we used snowball sampling (BERNARD, 2005), i.e., the interviewee could indicate other people with possible useful information. Plano de ação nacional para conservação da ariranha (Pteronura brasiliensis). 2010. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. In this channel, you will discover the wild world in all its splendor. Scientific name: Pteronura brasiliensis Population. 16 p.         [ Links ], ROSAS, F. C. W.; SOUSA-LIMA, R. S.; DA SILVA, V. M. F. Avaliação preliminar dos mamíferos do baixo rio Purus. [ Links ], Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis - IBAMA. During the reports, it was observed that these interviewees had knowledge about the behavioral patterns of giant river otters and the ecological requirements that determine their presence in a watercourse. As an alternative to avoid constant damage to the nets, the residents affirmed that they alternate fishing sites with those least used by giant river otters. Once two giant sea caves, this now collapsed sandstone structure resembles a giant punchbowl, bright orange and yellow in color, that's partially filled at high tide. Local residents reported that giant river otters frequently damage gillnets in an attempt to remove fish, which causes economic loss and a negative attitude towards otters. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Three sea otter pups are now in the care of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. The information obtained was organized and analyzed qualitatively, considering all contributions provided by the interviewees, without exclusions. They are often mistaken for beavers though. Likewise Staib and Schenck (1994), who described entanglement followed by death of giant river otters in nets of commercial fishermen, our study shows that subsistence fishing was also responsible for otter mortality. Spotted necked otter. Brasília, 2007. p. 239-261. (Eds.). While swimming, when the otter needs oxygen it swims towards the water's surface and emerges with it's head and noise pointed upward for better vision and easier breathing. The two-month-old was found near a bald eagle that was scavaging the carcass of an adult otter. Nuestro equipo desarrolló un estudio de campo de cuatro años con el objetivo de confirmar y cuantificar la presencia de la especie y de levantar las amenazas locales. together in deeper water, earning the giant otter the local nickname A way to conciliate the expectation of income by the local population with the purposes of the reserve could be the exploration of giant river otters as a touristic attraction. Animals - Weasels - Sea Otter. the South American rainforests of Brazil. B.Sc. The North American river otter is unique to the continent. Giant otters are also found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, and are believed to have become extinct in Argentina and Uruguay. However, their numbers have declined due to human impacts, and these animals are now listed as endangered, both by the US Fish and Wildlife and by the IUCN . These negative interactions include an increase in the number of casual encounters between otters and humans during fishing, humans trying to scare away the otters, entanglement followed by death in gillnets, conversion of environments used by otters into crop fields, capture of cubs, and increase in the possibility of transmission of zoonoses from domestic animals to giant river otters (see ICMBio, 2010). Giant otters can live as large families or only with four individuals in a group in any case in each of these groups, there's the main one see this otter. Commercial hunting was determinant in the disappearance of giant river otters along areas of historical occurrence in the Brazilian Amazonia. Heterotrophic Organism. [ Links ], SCHENCK, C. Lobo de río (Pteronura brasiliensis): presencia, uso del hábitat y protección en el Perú. Áreas de sobreposição utilizadas tanto pela ariranha quanto pelo homem resultaram em interações negativas. 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