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The initiative is from the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP), an NGO responsible for the conservation of one of the most beautiful and preserved areas of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul.
IHP was approached by a manufacturer of camera traps to test new equipment. Five of these cameras were donated to the institute and installed in the burrows of giant river otters ("Pteronura brasiliensis").
These animals are also known as jaguars of the water or giant otters. They can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 32 kilograms.
Giant river otters have a peculiar lifestyle. They are monogamous and live in family groups.
The pups stay with their parents and help care for their siblings. Groups can reach up to 20 individuals, and only the alpha couple reproduces. There is no mating between siblings or between parents and offspring.
These animals also use different burrows for various purposes. Some serve as sleeping quarters, some as bathrooms, and others are used for short rests.
IHP mapped the places where giant river otters are typically found and installed the cameras to capture images.
One of the objectives is to assess the environmental quality of the region through the otters.
Biologist Franciele Oliveira, responsible for the project, explains:
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“Just like large predators, such as our jaguar, giant river otters are considered umbrella species. Below them, there is an entire ecosystem that survives, so if this animal is surviving in the area, we can be sure that the health of that environment is preserved, especially the health of the otters. Since they are semi-aquatic, we can be sure of the water quality. That water is of good quality and will help maintain control of the fish species in that area, thus preserving the health of the river where they live."
Fish are the primary food of the giant river otter, animals that are extremely agile in the water.
Capturing these images will also play a key role in promoting sustainable tourism.
By identifying the locations where the animals live, it will be possible, in partnership with trained and accredited tour guides from IHP, to take visitors to observe the animals in their natural habitat.
It is important to remember that feeding wild animals to facilitate their observation—called "baiting"—is prohibited in the Pantanal and is actively discouraged by the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro.
Through monitoring, it will also be possible to track the health of the animals and provide care when necessary.
The giant river otters can be distinguished by a white patch on their chest, which is unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint.
IHP estimates that there are between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals of the species in the Pantanal. The giant river otter is classified as "vulnerable" by ICMBio, the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, and as "endangered" by the IUCN.
Water contamination is their main threat.
The observation of giant river otters in the Serra do Amolar will take place over two months. Afterward, another animal will be chosen for monitoring.
The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) and the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) are expected to be next.