Record of the giant otter, pteronura Brasiliensis (Zimmermann, 1780), (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in a fragmented landscape of Maranhão state, Brazil

Abstract

Three individuals of the endangered Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) were sighted in a small river in the municipality of Buriticupu, Maranh.o state, Brazil. Information on the distribution of this species is contradictory, with some authors ignoring while others confirming the presence of this species in this state, but only in the Rebio do Gurupi region. We document the presence of this species in Maranh.o state, outside the Rebio do Gurupi area. Our record of P. brasiliensis expands the known regional distribution 290 km eastwards from the closest previously known occurrence.