What is being done to save the giant otter?
As with most endangered species, conserving the giant river otter means more than simply making sure its forests aren’t cut down explains Groenendijk: it means dealing with the artisanal, and often illegal, gold mining trade; education and awareness programs for people living near otter families; more research on the …
Where can I see giant otters?
Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America).
Why has the giant otter become endangered?
Currently, the main threats to giant river otter populations are habitat degradation, river contamination due to mining and agriculture, overharvesting of fish, and hunting for its skin. In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI.
How many giant otters are left in the world 2020?
The current total population is estimated to be somewhere between 1000-5000 individuals.
What is the conservation status of sea otters?
Endangered (Population decreasing)Sea otter / Conservation status
What organizations are helping sea otters?
Founded in 1968 by pioneering environmentalist Margaret Owings of Big Sur, Friends of the Sea Otter has played a lead role in bringing the southern sea otter back from the brink of extinction. For more than 50 years, they worked tirelessly to ensure that sea otters are properly protected under federal and state law.
Do giant otters live in the Amazon?
Endangered. This South American otter is the world’s largest, at some 6 feet long. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems.
Is the giant otter extinct?
Endangered (Population decreasing)Giant otter / Conservation status
Are River Otters protected?
River otters are protected under state law. Back in the 1960s, their numbers were desperately low from a combination of pollution, loss of habitat and hunting. California banned hunting and trapping, and environmentalists have been working to clean up the waterway, which has led the river otter population to recover.
Do 6 foot otters exist?
This South American otter is the world’s largest, at some 6 feet long. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems.
What is being done to save the giant otters?
Carol has also advised on the development of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Giant Otters coordinated by the Brazilian Environmental Agency (ICMBio) and the Global Strategic Plan for the Conservation of Otters carried out by the IUCN.
What is the mission of the giant otter research team?
The mission of the giant otter research team is to understand if and how the demography, behavior and health of giant otters are affected by the recent changes to their habitat.
Why are giant otters endangered?
The giant otter, an endangered apex predator in Amazon river ecosystems, was nearly driven to extinction because of demand for its fur. Following the banning of fur trade, giant otter populations have recovered across South America. However, there are several emerging threats to this sensitive species.
What are some interesting facts about giant otters?
Species fact: Giant otters are the largest otter species in the world. Adults can weigh up to 30 kilograms and reach a length of 6 feet. Problem: Human activities, particularly small-scale gold mining, are causing the destruction of the aquatic habitats inhabited by giant otters and a decrease in the quantities of fish giant otters depend on.