Title
Distribution and population status of the giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia / Distribución y estado de las poblaciones de londra Pteronura brasiliensis en Bolivia
Author(s)
Van Damme, P.A.; Ten, S.; Wallace, R.; Painter, L.; Taber, A.; Gonzáles Jiménes, R.; Fraser, A.; Rumiz, D.; Tapia, C.; Michels, H.; Delaunoy, Y.; Saravia, J.; Vargas, J.; Torres, L.
Published
2002
Publisher
Revista Boliviana de Ecología y Conservación Ambiental
Abstract
The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is one of the most charasmatic mammal species in the Amazon, but at the same time it is one of the most endangered. It has been reduced to very low population numbers as a result of uncontrolled hunting in the 50s and 60s. Until recently it was thought that no viable populations existed in Bolivia. However, recent surveys indicate that populations are recovering in the Iténez-Guaporé river basin, in the north-east of Bolivia. In this review, we present new data on the distribution and population status of this species in the Del Plata and Amazon river basins. The total population in the Iténez-Guaporé basin probably exceeds 350 individuals. A discussion on habitat preferences, conservation and research strategies is presented. / Pteronura brasiliensis (londra) is one of the most striking mammal species in the Amazon. According to IUCN it is the rarest otter in the world and is endangered throughout its range. Due to indiscriminate hunting in the 1950s and 1960s its population has been reduced to very low densities. Until recently, it was thought that viable populations no longer existed in Bolivia. However, recent studies indicate that they are gradually recovering in the Iténez-Guaporé river basin, in the northeastern part of the country. In this summary, we present data on the distribution and population status of this species in the Amazon and Del Plata basins. The population size in the Iténez-Guaporé river basin possibly exceeds 350 individuals. The article concludes with a discussion of habitat preferences, and some recommendations for the development of conservation and research strategies for this species are presented.

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PUB35803