International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
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furnishings will also remain drier in more inl<strong>and</strong> areas.) Logs 35 cm - 40 cm (14" - 16") in<br />
diameter <strong>and</strong> upwards are ideal for the aforementioned purposes. They should be from<br />
deciduous trees <strong>and</strong> not coniferous trees, as the latter tree may have sap that could foul the<br />
otter’s fur. It is ideal if the logs have bark <strong>and</strong> if more than one otter can lay on them. If some<br />
of them have large forks that the otters can lay or climb on, this will add some variety as well.<br />
Partially submerged large diameter logs that span from the water/pool to the shoreline’s<br />
edge are highly recommended as they are well used both in captivity <strong>and</strong> in the wild. Logs<br />
such as this should offer ample space for at least one <strong>and</strong> preferably two or more otters to lie in a<br />
full-extended position on <strong>and</strong> groom <strong>and</strong> dry themselves upon. Logs with large forks can also<br />
be positioned so at least one fork is raised in the air. <strong>Otter</strong>s often like to climb <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>/lie<br />
on the raised fork above the water’s surface as long as the fork is not angled (vertically) too<br />
sharply. Wild giant otters (including entire families) regularly use these to rest (while napping or<br />
eating), groom, <strong>and</strong> sun themselves upon (Staib 2002). Logs with a smaller diameter that<br />
otters are just able to rest part of their body on (e.g. their chests <strong>and</strong> front legs) while they are<br />
eating, playing etc. in the water can also be provided in a similar way for variety, as these are<br />
well used too. This provision would work esp. well in the deeper part of the water area where<br />
the logs could be slanted at a sharper angle. Totally <strong>and</strong> partially submerged logs <strong>and</strong> branches<br />
of varying sizes should be provided in water areas. The more forks that the logs <strong>and</strong> branches<br />
have, the better. Leaves on branches <strong>and</strong> bamboo can be removed if necessary to help prevent<br />
water filtration/drain blockage. (These furnishings will also help to provide some enrichment in<br />
the water area for swimming, playing, chasing fish around etc..)<br />
A large diameter log that extends over <strong>and</strong> just above a body of water or/<strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> area<br />
(that otters can easily access/use as if it were a bridge) is highly recommended to offer in<br />
addition. <strong>Otter</strong>s will frequently use this to rest/lay on. Log bridges can also be cut so they<br />
provide flat surfaces for otters (esp. those with cubs) to walk over. (A man-made wooden<br />
bridge/cross-over could also be offered.) Large felled trees could also be provided on l<strong>and</strong>, over<br />
water/l<strong>and</strong> areas, <strong>and</strong> partially <strong>and</strong>/or totally submerged in the water<br />
<strong>Giant</strong> otters seem to naturally enjoy climbing as well as resting on the tops of surfaces that are<br />
elevated. They will often climb <strong>and</strong> rest on large logs, logs with forks, log/wooden bridges, the<br />
tops of large stumps or the tops of their extended roots, the tops of nestboxes, large boulders, <strong>and</strong><br />
safe (heavy plastic or wooden) crates (e.g. bread tray etc.) that are turned upside down. Large<br />
diameter logs that are turned on their end <strong>and</strong> securely sunk into soft substrates or that are<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ing in some other secure manner will also be used to st<strong>and</strong> or rest on. Usually at least 2-3<br />
or more logs should be on end <strong>and</strong> side by side to provide enough surface area for otters to climb<br />
<strong>and</strong> rest on.<br />
<strong>Giant</strong> otters also esp. like to dig underneath large diameter tree stumps that have extended<br />
long thick roots, so these are highly recommended for both indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor use. These<br />
should be placed in the mulch <strong>and</strong>/or s<strong>and</strong> deep digging areas, as well as hillside areas used for<br />
deep digging so that the otters can fully utilize them. Such furnishings may help prevent outdoor<br />
natural underground dens from caving in <strong>and</strong> hillside soil erosion. Live growing trees with some<br />
exposed roots could also be provided in the deep digging areas, esp. in areas with hillsides. It is<br />
very common for this species in the wild to dig their dens underneath tree roots (Duplaix 1980).<br />
Submerged logs, tree stumps or boulders that extend close enough to the surface of the<br />
water, so that the otters can st<strong>and</strong> on / rest their bodies on these items <strong>and</strong> keep their head<br />
or other body parts above the water, are also well used by both captive <strong>and</strong> wild (Groenendijk<br />
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