OTTERS!

visited many rivers hoping to
see otters. I only saw them
twice. Currently, the main
threats to Neotropical River
otters are habitat loss and
pollution of aquatic systems
by agrochemicals or as a
result of mercury poisoning
from gold mining. Although
more researchers are starting
to study the ecology and
behaviour of the otter, still little
is known about this species.
As the otter is a threatened
species, we need to work
hard - beyond ensuring
habitat conservation, it
is important to educate
children and teenagers to
create awareness, especially
in those human settlements
near rivers and lakes. Thanks
to their natural charisma
and playful behaviour
and their adaptations to
aquatic life, otters can be
seen as ambassadors for
the conservation of aquatic
ecosystems. As a researcher
dedicated to the study and
conservation of the species
I am sure of the importance
of this species and know that
to help the otter, everyone
should care about this
beautiful animal. I hope that,
motivated by all of us, future
generations can understand
the importance of the otter
as a top predator in riparian
ecosystems.
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