Abstract

The Neotropical otter (
Lontra longicaudis
) faces population decline across its range due to habitat loss, fishing gear, pollution, roadkill, and domestic dog interactions. In Southern Santa Catarina Island, Brazil, a 36-year monitoring study at Lagoa do Peri revealed a consistent negative population trend, with at least four otter deaths registered in 2018. It created and put into effect a reintroduction protocol that combined controlled wild preparation with captive breeding in order to address this decline. Between June 2024 and June 2025, a female otter (Nanã) and male (Lucky) produced three cubs under controlled conditions at Instituto Ekko Brasil, a facility with consistent births of
L. longicaudis
. Two cubs (one male, one female) survived to release age. Our protocol comprised three phases: (1) biological safety screening (genetic matching, pathology testing, and deworming); (2) predatory training and dehabituation (live prey conditioning, aversion training, and “invisible keeper” strategy to prevent human imprinting); and (3) post-release monitoring using subcutaneous microchips for identification and remote camera traps. On June 4, 2025, the pair was released at Peri Lagoon under authorization from the Government State Environmental Institute (IMA) and Local Government Environmental Foundation (FLORAM). Initial monitoring indicates adaptation, with documented den usage and foraging behavior. This case demonstrates that captive-born otters can be prepared for wild reintroduction when protocols prioritize behavioral autonomy and minimal human contact.

Addeddate

2026-09-22 06:08:58

Bhl-macaw

SLA / 2.10.8

Bhl_virtual_titleid

216583

Bhl_virtual_volume

v.3 (2026)

Call number

10_3897_emt_3_191084

Call-number

10_3897_emt_3_191084

Foldoutcount

0

Genre

article

Identifier

fromcaptivebree3tosa

Identifier-ark

ark:/13960/s2nvk37xd2s

Identifier-bib

10_3897_emt_3_191084

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