Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual - Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Association of Zoos and Aquariums 88
Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual
10.2 Future Research Needs
This Otter Care Manual is a dynamic document that will need to be updated as new information is
acquired. Knowledge gaps have been identified throughout the Manual and a general list is included in
this section to promote future research investigations. Knowledge gained from areas will maximize AZAaccredited
institutions’ capacity for excellence in otter care and welfare as well as enhance conservation
initiatives for all species.
Specific Areas of Ex-situ Population Research Needed by Manual Heading:
Chapter 1: Ambient Environment
1.1 Water temperature: More detailed research is required into optimal water temperature levels for the
tropical otter species.
1.2 Light: The AZA Small Carnivore TAG is unaware of any hard data on the impact of light intensity on
otter health or reproduction; this should be investigated in the future. Similarly, there are no available data
on possible deleterious effects of less than full spectrum light on a long-term basis. Health data collected
by institutions housing otters in environments with different light intensities and spectrums would be a
useful foundation for this research.
1.3 Air: Pupping dens may well need higher rates of air exchange in order to maintain air quality and/or
low humidity. It should be noted, however, that no work has been done specifically targeting air change
rates for otter exhibits or dens.
1.3 Water - Coliform: There are no standards for coliform yet established for fresh-water otter pools. At
this time, it is suggested that coliform levels be maintained at or lower than levels established for rescued
pinnipeds by NOAA.
1.3 Water - pH Levels: Further research is needed into the impact, if any, of pH on otters. While research
is desirable it is not recommended on these wildlife species and instead caution should be exercised
when using chlorine in otter pools.
1.4 Sound: While there is no evidence that low level background noise is disruptive to otters, loud noises
can be frightening to them, and high-pitched, long-term noise should be avoided. Otters’ hearing is
considered to be good but nothing is known definitively about their hearing acuity or frequency ranges
heard. Both of these are areas needing further research.
Chapter 3: Transport
3.2 Transport temperature: Identifying appropriate transport temperatures for L. maculicollis requires
further research. Current recommendations are based on A. cinereus, but it is not known whether this is
suitable.
Chapter 4: Social Environment
4.1 Single-sexed groups: Information on the success of single-sexed groups for A. capensis is unknown
at this time; further research is required. Information on the maintenance of family groups of L.
maculicollis over the long term has not been well documented; this should be monitored to assist in future
recommendations for this species. Information from institutions attempting this type of social grouping
should be shared with the AZA Small Carnivore TAG.
Chapter 5: Nutrition
5.1 Seasonal changes in nutritional needs: Some institutions report seasonal changes in appetite of
some otters, but not in the majority of animals. Further research in this area, and in changing seasonal
nutritional requirements for otters, is required.
5.1 Nutritional related diseases: Further research on nutritional requirements of otters and nutrition
related diseases.
5.2 Sample diets: The one best diet for any of the otters of ex-situ populations has not been found and
requires further research. Identifying health issues associated with the provision of different diets should
continue, and data shared with the AZA Small Carnivore TAG.