Southern river otter

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Southern river otter
Southern River Otter.jpg
A southern river otter in Argentina
CITES Appendix I (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Lontra
Species:
L. provocax
Binomial name
Lontra provocax
(Thomas, 1908)
Southern River Otter area.png
Southern river otter range

The southern river otter (Lontra provocax), or South American river otter, is an otter species that lives in the southern regions of Argentina and Chile, including parts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. It is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as an endangered species.

Contents

Description

A medium-sized otter, the southern river otter's body can grow up to 70 cm (28 in) long, with the tail adding about 40 cm (16 in). Body weight averages about 5–10 kg (11–22 lb). Its fur is dark brown on the upper parts and a lighter cinnamon color or can be almost white on the underside.

Behavior

Family groups usually consist only of a female and her young, as males are usually solitary except for the breeding season. Litter sizes average one to two pups, but up to four can be born at a time. Their natural prey includes many types of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally birds or their eggs, particularly of ground-nesting species found near water. Occasional reptiles or amphibians may be hunted as well, including frogs, smaller turtles, lizards and even some snakes. [ citation needed ]

Habitat

The southern river otter can be found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats, but are mostly found in freshwater lakes and rivers having a significant amount of dense vegetation, especially along the shorelines, which must be present to use as cover. Their habitats also need the root systems of mature trees, as well as fallen tree debris.

Although referred to as a "river" (freshwater) otter, and sometimes considered a subspecies of the North American river otter (L. canadensis), the southern river otter is equally adapted to venturing into more brackish (even fully marine) waters to forage and hunt. This trait is similar to the South American marine otter (L. felina), a nearly fully marine, coast-inhabiting otter. The North American river otter, by comparison, largely inhabits inland freshwater riverine habitats, or lakes, preferring not to venture to the seashore to hunt, even in areas where its range is close to the ocean.

Threats

Southern river otters were vigorously hunted for their pelts throughout the last 100 years. This is the major cause of their current low population numbers and endangered conservation status. Since then, they have not been able to recover due to a number of other threats. At this point, only seven known populations of this species are found throughout Chile and Argentina, and all of the populations are isolated from each other.

The riparian forests and rivers in which these otters are mostly found have been disturbed by human presence. Dam and road construction, as well as stream canalization and drainage for agriculture destroy many acres of what could be habitat for this species. [3] Though Argentina began passing legislation in 1960 to outlaw the hunting of the southern river otter, hunting still does occur because of the lack of enforcement. Hunting is legal and does occur in Chile.[ dubious ]

The continual decrease in prey numbers also causes problems for the southern river otter. [4] Some invasive aquatic species that have been introduced into that area are limiting the mollusks and fish available for otter prey. This causes the otters to move to other freshwater systems to hunt for food.

Conservation

Several surveys and studies have been performed to better understand the southern river otter and its declining population, in an effort to prevent the species from facing a rapid extinction. Several of the known populations are found within protected national forests. In Argentina, the hunting and capture of the southern river otter has been outlawed since 1950. [5]

One survey was undertaken to determine if any southern river otters live within the protected bounds of three Argentine parks—Lanín, Puelo and Los Alerces National Parks. [6] The surveyors spoke with local residents near these areas, and looked for prints and scat, while also looking for signs of another, non-native mustelid, the American mink. Mink were introduced and/or escaped into the area over many years, and are thought to directly compete with the southern river otters for resources and habitat, as they lead similar amphibious lifestyles and hunt the same basic prey species. [7] The results found signs of the southern river otter in just 32/275 of surveyed sites within the three parks. Of these 32 confirmed locations, 31 were riverine habitats within dense forests, with thick riparian vegetation, indicating the importance of dense, overgrown riparian zones for sheltering the otters' riverbank burrows.

In 2022, the southern river otter was reported for the first time in Fonck Lake since inquiries began in the 1980s. [5]

Future directions

Future directions for conserving this species include obtaining better information on the southern river otter's population numbers and locations. If conservationists know where the individuals and families live, enforcement of antipoaching laws, as well as focusing on maintaining and protecting their habitats, will be easier. Captive breeding programs would also be beneficial for this species, to later reintroduce individuals into the areas where they were previously found in.

In culture

In Mapuche culture the southern river otter, or huillín, is associated with sexual prowess. [8] Its fat is said to help loncos to satisfy their multiple wives. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otter</span> Subfamily of mammals (Lutrinae)

Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic, or marine. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine mammal</span> Mammals that rely on marine environments for feeding

Marine mammals are mammals that rely on marine (saltwater) ecosystems for their existence. They include animals such as cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, sea otters and polar bears. They are an informal group, unified only by their reliance on marine environments for feeding and survival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keystone species</span> Species with a large effect on its environment

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. The concept was introduced in 1969 by the zoologist Robert T. Paine. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Some keystone species, such as the wolf and lion are also apex predators.

Dada Gottelli is a British Zoologist. She is a Senior Research Technician with the Institute of Zoology, the research division of the Zoological Society of London. She has worked with the endangered Ethiopian wolf, the Serengeti cheetah and the Atlantic salmon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American mink</span> Semiaquatic species of mustelid

The American mink is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to North America, though human introduction has expanded its range to many parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. The American mink was formerly thought to be the only extant member of the genus Neovison following the extinction of the sea mink (N. macrodon), but recent studies, followed by taxonomic authorities, have reclassified it and the sea mink within the genus Neogale, which also contains a few New World weasel species. The American mink is a carnivore that feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and birds. In its introduced range in Europe it has been classified as an invasive species linked to declines in European mink, Pyrenean desman, and water vole populations. It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding the silver fox, sable, marten, and skunk in economic importance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American river otter</span> Species of semi-aquatic mammal

The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that lives only on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurasian otter</span> Species of carnivore

The Eurasian otter, also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, European river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia and Maghreb. The most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), it is found in the waterways and coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa. The Eurasian otter has a diet mainly of fish, and is strongly territorial. It is endangered in some parts of its range, but is recovering in others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Los Alerces National Park</span> National park in Argentina

Los Alerces National Park is located in the Andes in Chubut Province in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Its western boundary coincides with the Chilean border. Successive glaciations have molded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques and clear-water lakes. The vegetation is dominated by dense temperate forests, which give way to alpine meadows higher up under the rocky Andean peaks. A highly distinctive and emblematic feature is its alerce forest; the globally threatened alerce tree is the second longest living tree species in the world. The alerce forests in the park are in an excellent state of conservation. The property is vital for the protection of some of the last portions of continuous Patagonian Forest in an almost pristine state and is the habitat for a number of endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giant otter</span> Species of mammal

The giant otter or giant river otter is a South American carnivorous mammal. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neotropical otter</span> Species of mammal

The Neotropical otter or Neotropical river otter is an otter species found in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the island of Trinidad. It is physically similar to the northern and southern river otter, which occur directly north and south of this species' range. Its head-and-body length can range from 36–66 centimetres (14–26 in), plus a tail of 37–84 centimetres (15–33 in). Body weight ranges from 5–15 kilograms (11–33 lb). Otters are members of the family Mustelidae, the most species-rich family in the order Carnivora.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine otter</span> Species of South American mammal (Lontra felina)

The marine otter is a rare and relatively unknown South American mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae). The scientific name means "feline otter", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat". The marine otter only lives in saltwater, coastal environments and rarely ventures into fresh water or estuarine habitats. This saltwater exclusivity is unlike most other otter species, except for the almost fully aquatic sea otter of the North Pacific.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquatic mammal</span> Mammal that dwells partly or entirely in bodies of water

Aquatic and semiaquatic mammals are a diverse group of mammals that dwell partly or entirely in bodies of water. They include the various marine mammals who dwell in oceans, as well as various freshwater species, such as the European otter. They are not a taxon and are not unified by any distinct biological grouping, but rather their dependence on and integral relation to aquatic ecosystems. The level of dependence on aquatic life varies greatly among species. Among freshwater taxa, the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins are completely aquatic and fully dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Semiaquatic freshwater taxa include the Baikal seal, which feeds underwater but rests, molts, and breeds on land; and the capybara and hippopotamus which are able to venture in and out of water in search of food.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park</span>

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is located in Los Lagos Region, Llanquihue Province, of Chile. Its western entrance is close to the Ensenada locality, 82 km (51 mi) northeast of the provincial capital of Puerto Montt, and 64 km (40 mi) from Puerto Varas along Ruta CH-225. This national park covers about 2,530 km2 (977 sq mi) and is almost entirely in the Andes mountain chain. The adjacent national parks Vicente Pérez Rosales and Puyehue National Park in Chile, and Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lanín National Park in Argentina, provide a continuous protected area of close to 15,000 km2 (5,792 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Andean deer</span> Species of deer

The south Andean deer, also known as the southern guemal, south Andean huemul, southern huemul, or Chilean huemul or güemul, is an endangered species of deer native to the mountains of Argentina and Chile. Along with the northern guemal or taruca, it is one of the two mid-sized deer in the Hippocamelus genus and ranges across the high mountainsides and cold valleys of the Andes. The distribution and habitat, behaviour, and diet of the deer have all been the subject of study. The viability of the small remaining population is an outstanding concern to researchers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congo clawless otter</span> Species of carnivore

The Congo clawless otter, also known as the Cameroon clawless otter, is a species in the family Mustelidae. It was formerly recognised as a subspecies of the African clawless otter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea otter conservation</span> Effort to increase sea otters

Sea otter conservation began in the early 20th century, when the sea otter was nearly extinct due to large-scale commercial hunting. The sea otter was once abundant in a wide arc across the North Pacific ocean, from northern Japan to Alaska to Mexico. By 1911, hunting for the animal's luxurious fur had reduced the sea otter population to fewer than 2000 individuals in the most remote and inaccessible parts of its range. The IUCN lists the sea otter as an endangered species. Threats to sea otters include oil spills, and a major spill can rapidly kill thousands of the animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mesocarnivore</span> Organism that eats mostly animal tissue

A mesocarnivore is an animal whose diet consists of 50–70% meat with the balance consisting of non-vertebrate foods which may include insects, fungi, fruits, other plant material and any food that is available to them. Mesocarnivores are from a large family group of mammalian carnivores and vary from small to medium sized, which are less than fifteen kilograms. Mesocarnivores are seen today among the Canidae, Viverridae (civets), Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Mephitidae (skunks), and Herpestidae. The red fox is also the most common of the mesocarnivores in Europe and has a high population density in the areas they reside.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nahuel Huapi National Park</span> National park in Argentina

Nahuel Huapi National Park is the oldest national park in Argentina, established in 1922 as Parque Nacional de Sud and reconfiguered in 1934. It surrounds Nahuel Huapi Lake in the foothills of the Patagonian Andes. The largest of the national parks in the region, it has an area of 7,050 km2 (2,720 sq mi), or nearly 2 million acres. Its landscapes represent the north Patagonian Andean Zone consisting of three types, namely, the Altoandino, the Andino-Patagónico and the Patagonian steppe. It also represents small parts of the Valdivian Rainforest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fonck Lake</span> Lake in Patagonia

Fonck Lake is a lake in the Andes of northern Patagonia in the Argentine Río Negro Province. The lake is named after the German naturalist Franz Fonck. Southern river otter has been reported in the lake for the first time in 2022.

References

  1. Sepúlveda, M.A.; Valenzuela, A.E.J.; Pozzi, C.; Medina-Vogel, G.; Chehébar, C. (2021). "Lontra provocax". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T12305A95970485. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12305A95970485.en . Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. Marcelo H. Cassini; Laura Fasola; Claudio Chehébar & David W. Macdonald (2010). "Defining conservation status using limited information: the case of Patagonian otters Lontra provocax in Argentina". Hydrobiologia . 652 (1): 389–394. doi:10.1007/s10750-010-0332-6. hdl: 11336/98948 . S2CID   24558132.
  4. M. A. Sepúlveda; J. L. Bartheld; C. Meynard; M. Benavides; C. Astorga; D. Parra & G. Medina-Vogel (2009). "Landscape features and crustacean prey as predictors of the southern river otter distribution in Chile". Animal Conservation . 12 (6): 522–530. doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00304.x. S2CID   83664773.
  5. 1 2 Pozzi, Carla; Ladio, Ana Haydeé; Rodríguez, Antonio; Vereertbrugghen, Tomas (2021). "Ampliación de ka distribución actual del huillín (Lontra provocax) en el Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, desde una aproximación etnozoológica". Ethnoscientia (in Spanish). 7 (1): 19. doi: 10.18542/ethnoscientia.v7i1.11384 . S2CID   256560153.
  6. Claudio E. Chehébar; Adriana Gallur; Guillermo Giannico; María D. Gottelli & Pablo Yorio (1986). "A survey of the southern river otter Lutra provocax in Lanin, Puelo and Los Alerces national parks, Argentina, and evaluation of its conservation status". Biological Conservation . 38 (4): 293–304. doi:10.1016/0006-3207(86)90056-X.
  7. L. Fasola; C. Chehébar; D. W. Macdonald; G. Porro & M. H. Cassini (2009). "Do alien North American mink compete for resources with native South American river otter in Argentinean Patagonia?". Journal of Zoology . 277 (3): 187–195. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00507.x.
  8. 1 2 Montecino Aguirre, Sonia (2015). Mitos de Chile: Enciclopedia de seres, apariciones y encantos (in Spanish). Catalonia. p. 469. ISBN   978-956-324-375-8.