Interaction Between Traditional Fishers and the Neotropical Otter Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) in a Brazilian Amazon Estuary

Abstract

The neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) is a semi-aquatic carnivore from the Mustelidae family with a piscivorous habit that interacts with riverine populations because of fishing resources, and this relationship is often negative, especially in the Amazon where fishing represents an important activity for several communities. Therefore, this study aims to confirm the occurrence of L. longicaudis in the Guamá River (Northern Brazil) and analyse its interactions with the local fishing community. A total of 29 interviews were carried out with artisanal fishermen from the village of Igarapé-Açú (Northern Brazil). The Snowball methodology and monitoring of the banks of the Guamá River were used and it was possible to confirm the presence of otters in the Guamá River by the presence of nests and fishermen's perception. River dwellers, through their perceptions, have information about otter ecology, becoming an alternative source of new data. The interaction between fishermen and otters occurs because of the latter's piscivorous habit. Overall, in the study area the otter interferes with fishing by damaging equipment when removing fish, generating conflicts. There are also reports of otters being raised as domestic animals. Therefore, the interaction between otters and fishermen in this region is negative. Conservation measures are necessary to minimize these conflicts, such as an environmental education program.