RECORDS OF THE Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) OCCURRENCE IN THE SOUTHWEST OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL.

Abstract

Lontra longicaudis, better known as neotropical otter, has a wide distribution in the Americas taking places from Mexico to Argentina. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats like forests, gallery forests, lakes, rivers and coastal regions associated with coastal lagoons. In Rio Grande do Sul it occurs from coastal environments up to the plateau areas. The human actions have contributed much to the decline of populations of otters, among them we can highlight: the destruction of habitats (deforestation, construction of hydroelectric power, mining), the pollution (agriculture, oil and gas exploration, mining), hunting, intense commercial fishing and navigation. Currently these animals are considered endangered species in the vulnerable category as points the Red Book of Threatened Extinction Fauna of Rio Grande do Sul. This study recorded the occurrence areas of L. longicaudis at various points in the southwest region of Rio Grande do Sul (the Espinilho State Park, Municipal Park of Uruguaiana, the Ibirapuitã Biological Reserve, Municipality of Alegrete, the Imbaá stream and the Quaraí river). The records were obtained by visual observation, photographic record, traces (fecal samples) and reports of local residents. Otter's feces were collected. To demarcate their rest areas and latrines L. longicaudis uses hormone mucus expelled by the anus. With this mucus individuals of the species that inhabit the same territory can distinguish the sex, if the female is receptive, if it is pregnant or with pups. Some local residents pointed the presence of the species in some localities by reporting the presence of these animals. Studies on the spatial distribution of L. longicaudis in Rio Grande do Sul are essential to increase knowledge about the biology of these animals and contribute to the conservation of the species.