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

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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.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums 89 Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual 5.3 Nutrition evaluation: The AZA Otter SSP is currently beginning work on a body-condition matrix that can be used to help assess proper weight and condition for otters. At this time there are no known tools for performing clinical nutritional evaluations of otters; this would be a useful area for future research. Chapter 6: Veterinary Care 6.7 Management of diseases and disorders: Little information on common diseases and disorders for A. capensis and L. maculicollis is available, and more research is required for these species. Institutions housing these species should record all health issues seen in these species so that a database can be created on health issues and concerns. Chapter 7: Reproduction 7.1 Reproductive physiology and behavior: Some facilities have reported a small amount of estrusassociated bleeding from the vulva in L. canadensis, while others have not seen this; additionally, previous studies attempting to identify behavioral changes associated with estrus were unsuccessful. Information on female estrus behavior would be a helpful area of research. These are areas that require further research and can be achieved through simple observational research during estrus for animals in this species. 7.1 Reproductive physiology and behavior: In both NARO and ASCO, additional research is needed to improve endocrine monitoring of estrogen metabolites to further address these questions about ovarian cyclicity and ovulatory mechanisms. 7.1 Reproductive physiology and behavior: Research utilizing techniques to identify reproductive state in these species is ongoing. At this time, it appears that ELISA protocols for testing hormonal secretions in fecal samples are successful in determining pregnancy in Asian small-clawed and North American river otters (H.Bateman, unpublished data). The reproductive physiology advisor for the AZA Otter SSP, should be contacted for more information. 7.1 Reproductive physiology and behavior: Further study is required to clarify if there is a genetic component to the seasonal regulation of estrus in females and testosterone production in NARO males. 7.2 Pregnancy and parturition: Pseudopregnancy has been reported for most otter species and is an area that requires further research 7.3 Pup development: At this time there is no information available on pup development of A. capensis; additional data on the development of L. maculicollis pups is also required. Institutions housing these species (A. capensis is a phase-out but still maintained by a few member institutions) should set-up an observational research study for this species when reproduction is attempted. 7.4 Nursery groups: Nursery groups are not reported for L. maculicollis in the wild, but further field research would help to determine if this aspect of parental care is applicable or appropriate for ex-situ population management of this species. 7.5 Hand-rearing: More research is required to determine body temperature norms for young of all otter species. This information should be collected by all facilities hand-rearing otter pups and submitted to the AZA Otter SSP and Small Carnivore TAG. 7.5 Contraception: Research on the effects that GnRH agonists have on future reproductive abilities when provided to prepubertal otters is also needed, as current research is based on studies using domestic cats. Chapter 8: Behavioral Management 8.1 Training: Training animals to station may be beneficial when attempting introductions, but this has not been tried with any of the otters. Other Areas of Research: Giant otters: The following priorities were established for the giant otter during the 2004 meeting of the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group:
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Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual - Association of Zoos and Aquariums

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