International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Live growing bamboo springs back up again unharmed after the otters play with it <strong>and</strong> it will<br />
continue to grow unharmed whether it is growing outdoors or within large containers indoors.<br />
The otters will bend down/pull on flexible stalks that are thin in diameter so that they can reach<br />
the top (i.e. the widest part of the bamboo with leaves) or the middle of the bamboo <strong>and</strong><br />
manipulate <strong>and</strong> play with the leaves <strong>and</strong> smaller branches. When providing live growing<br />
bamboo, whether for indoor or outdoor use, only specific types of bamboo can be used by the<br />
otters for the aforementioned activity. Bamboo species that grow tall are ideal to use, but the<br />
stalks must be small enough in diameter so that they are still easily flexible. Bamboo<br />
stalks that are approx. 0.5 cm to 0.75 cm (0.2" to 0.3") in diameter at their base <strong>and</strong> that are<br />
approx. 2m to 3 m (6.56 ft to 9.84 ft) in height should be used. (The term “base” means the<br />
portion of the stalk that is at the ground level.) Bamboo species such as Fargesia murielae have<br />
worked very well both live growing <strong>and</strong> cut for use. It is important to note that when growing<br />
bamboo has a stalk diameter thicker than the sizes aforementioned, it can not be used by<br />
the otters because the stalks are too large <strong>and</strong> therefore inflexible. Tall growing bamboo<br />
although should be offered to the otters when it has reached at least 1.5 m to 2 m (4.92 ft to<br />
6.56 ft) or more in height. Shorter heights may be destroyed by the otters as this size may not<br />
be able to withst<strong>and</strong> the significant use from the otters. Very large pots, tubs, or containers of<br />
live growing bamboo can be provided indoors. These containers can be hidden under deep<br />
substrates <strong>and</strong> they should be large enough so they can not be turned over or manipulated by the<br />
otters. This method has worked very well in indoor areas where it was not possible to place<br />
plantings directly into the enclosure base.<br />
“Man-made bamboo st<strong>and</strong>s / overhanging bamboo” can be easily made with cut bamboo<br />
stalk bases that are sunken deep into soft loose substrates etc. or pushed into fence/lattice<br />
mesh so the stalks (bamboo) st<strong>and</strong> vertically <strong>and</strong>/or overhang the otter <strong>and</strong> are within the<br />
otter’s reach. The otter will bend or pull the stalk (bamboo) down so that it can play with the<br />
top end of the bamboo (i.e. the end with leaves). (The otters usually do not break the bamboo<br />
stalks as the stalks are flexible <strong>and</strong> resilient.) When constructing <strong>and</strong> offering this provision a<br />
wider range of stalk size, i.e. in comparison to the size needed for live growing bamboo, can be<br />
used. For example, stalk sizes as previously mentioned are good to use, but when stalks are cut,<br />
a slightly larger diameter size stalk will withst<strong>and</strong> more play <strong>and</strong> can often remain<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ing/overhanging somewhat longer than the smaller size. Stalks with 1 cm to 1.5 cm (0.4"<br />
to 0.6") diameter at their base <strong>and</strong> that are 2 m to 3 m (6.56 ft to 9.84 ft) in height are ideal for<br />
use. Slightly larger <strong>and</strong> smaller diameter stalk sizes <strong>and</strong> different heights can also be used for<br />
variety. Each stalk can be cut at its base. The base of each cut tall bamboo stalk can be<br />
pushed deep into substrates (esp. in deep soft loose soil or s<strong>and</strong>) <strong>and</strong> be pushed into/inbetween<br />
fence mesh/lattice, hollow logs, logs, various crevices in logs etc., tree stumps, roots etc.. (Stalk<br />
ends can be cut / shaped for easier placement, but usually this is not necessary.) Hollow logs can<br />
also be filled with soil or small holes can be drilled in logs to push stalk ends into. The bamboo<br />
must overhang the otter or st<strong>and</strong> vertically so that in both situations, the otter can easily<br />
pull on/bend or pull down the stalk (bamboo) to reach the top of the bamboo (the largest<br />
flared part with leaves <strong>and</strong> branches). This method will not be effective otherwise. (<strong>Otter</strong>s<br />
mostly play with the top of the bamboo.) Bamboo can also be hung upside down (from<br />
lattice/fence containment barrier roofs etc.) or side ways (in fence, logs etc.) so that the top of the<br />
bamboo is in reach of the otter.<br />
Many “man-made bamboo st<strong>and</strong>s / overhanging bamboo” placed in both indoor <strong>and</strong><br />
outdoor enclosures will naturally enrich the environment for both otters <strong>and</strong> visitors.<br />
Bamboo that has been pulled down must be re-hung/re-set (this usually needs to be done<br />
127