Volume 6 Pages 1 - 35 (February 1991)

Citation: Medina-Vogel, G. (1991) Formation of the Chilean Otter Group. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 6: 16-17

Previous | Contents | Next

Formation of the Chilean Otter Group

Gonzalo Medina-Vogel

Casilla 191, Valdivia, Chile

News from Chile in that CODEFF (National Committee for the protection of fauna and flora), with the support of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, has created the Chilean Otter Group and started a project on otters.

The project will last for 18 months.  During that period I will undertake a survey on the status of the southern river otter Lutra provocax in central south Chile.  Information will also be collected on L. felina.

Initial results indicate that the habitat of the southern river otter has been greatly altered by agriculture and forestry activities - some areas are now devoid of vegetation. To date 11 areas along lakes and rivers have been surveyed : 340 km in total. Signs of otters were recorded in five of the 11 survey areas. Education programmes have been started among the people living in those areas in order to promote habitat conservation. The project has also started a local newsletter.

By this time next year I will be able to report on findings and conservation progress. For more information contact me at the address above.

Previous | Contents | Next