Giant Otters Project - Amazon Rainforest - Sustainable Development on the Rio Jauaperi

This research project has been running since January 2000, together with
the Aquatic Mammals Laboratory of the National Amazon Research Institute in
Manaus and the University of Rome.
The Giant Otter is considered an important ecological indicator for the
forest and river ecosystems. It is a very sensitive species and one of the
first to abandon environmentally degraged areas. Its' curious nature, and
the fact that it is often considered to be in competition with man over
fish stocks, make it very vulnerable.
It is considered as an 'umbrella' species, ie. a species whose conservation
has beneficial effects on the entire ecosystem.
The presence of a large number of family groups in the Xixuau-Xiparina
Reserve led to the Associacao Amazonia creating a research project with the
aim of gathering information on the behaviour and ecology of these animals
which can then be of use in conservation programmes in other parts of the
Amazon Basin. A local student is being trained in the scientific research
techniques