First giant otter distribution survey in the southeast of Roraima, Brazil, with notes on the OSG Guidelines for a Standardization of Survey Methods

Authors

  • Emanuela Evangelista Amazônia Onlus
  • Chiara Tosi Amazônia Onlus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00206

Keywords:

Pteronura brasiliensis, distribution survey method, apex predator, Roraima, Lower Rio Branco APA

Abstract

A distribution survey of giant otter was conducted for the first time in the southeast corner of Roraima, bordering  the state of Amazonas, in Brazil (1° 4' S, 61°36' O). The region has recently been recognized as a protected area and is currently elaborating its own management plan. Our survey was carried out according to the guidelines for a standardisation of survey methods as recommended by the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group. The short expedition covered two squares of 100x100km on the UTM grid and interested tree different river basins, investigating black-water as well as white-water watercourses. With the aim of contributing to the optimisation of the standard survey methodology, we carried out some field tests during the survey and present the results in this paper. The expedition revealed the presence of giant otter in all the basins investigated and recorded a series of human activities that may represent a threat to the species survival in the future. Although the results presented are preliminary, we discuss the implication of the presence of the giant otter in the region from a conservation perspective and provide suggestions for the protected area management plan.

Author Biography

Emanuela Evangelista, Amazônia Onlus

Biologist, member of the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group. Programme Manager at the Brazilian section of the Amazônia Association, develops and coordinates projects of environmental conservation and sustenaible development. President at the Italian section of the Amazônia Association. Founder of the Amazon Charitable Trust, UK. Coordinator of the Giant Otter Xixuaú Project - Biology and Ecology of Pteronura brasiliensis in the Xixuaú Reserve, Roraima, Brazil.

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Published

2015-12-28

How to Cite

Evangelista, E., & Tosi, C. (2015). First giant otter distribution survey in the southeast of Roraima, Brazil, with notes on the OSG Guidelines for a Standardization of Survey Methods. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 10(2), 143-146. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00206