Biology and conservation of the giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis

The Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis (Zimmermann, 1780) is endemic to South America, distributed throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River basins and numerous localities in the Guyanas. This otter is the largest member of the family Mustelidae, clearly distinguished from other South American otter species by morphological and behavioural characteristics. Large-scale pelt hunting in the 1950s and 1960s led to the classification of the species as 'vulnerable' by the World Conservation Union (IUCN, 1990). Habitat degradation and destruction now present the largest threat to remaining populations. The current distribution of the Giant Otter is presented, emphasizing recent information collected in the Amazon Basin. Morphology, systematics, habitat, behaviour, diet, predation, competition, reproduction, development and physiology are discussed. New data on habitat use and preference, behaviour and diet in northern Amazonia are included, and recommendations for future conservation measures are made. Because of the decimation of the Giant Otter in its southern distribution and the habitat destruction occurring in the remainder of its range, we recommend that this species be elevated to 'endangered' status in the IUCN Red Data Book.