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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indoors. <strong>Otter</strong>s can also use each cut bamboo piece for a long time before it needs to be<br />
replaced.<br />
Only specific types of bamboo although are useful for the otters. Bamboo species that grow<br />
tall are ideal to use, but the stalks must be small enough in diameter so that they are still<br />
easily flexible. Bamboo stalks that are approx. 0.5 cm (0.2") to 0.75 cm (0.3") in diameter<br />
at their base <strong>and</strong> that are approx. 2 m (6.56 ft) to 3m (9.84 ft) in height should be used.<br />
(The term “base” means the portion of the stalk that is at the ground level.) Bamboo species<br />
such as Fargesia murielae have worked very well both live growing <strong>and</strong> cut for use. It is<br />
important to note that when growing bamboo has a stalk diameter thicker than the sizes<br />
aforementioned, it can not be used by the otters because the stalks are too large <strong>and</strong><br />
therefore inflexible. (The otter also must be able to easily reach the bamboo so it can bend the<br />
bamboo down <strong>and</strong> play with the top end of the bamboo, i.e. the end with the leaves.) Tall<br />
growing bamboo should be offered to the otters when it has reached at least 1.5 m (4.92 ft)<br />
to 2 m (6.56 ft) or more in height. Shorter heights may be destroyed by the otters as this size<br />
may not be able to withst<strong>and</strong> the significant use from the otters. Very large pots, tubs, or<br />
containers of live 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. “Man-made bamboo st<strong>and</strong>s / overhanging bamboo”<br />
can be easily made from cut bamboo. Bamboo that has 1 cm (0.4") to 1.5 cm (0.6") diameter<br />
stalks at their base only <strong>and</strong> the aforementioned stalk size for live growing bamboo, both with<br />
heights of 2 m to 3 m (6.56 ft to 9.84 ft) are good for use. Somewhat larger or smaller stalk<br />
sizes <strong>and</strong> varying heights can also be used for variety when the bamboo is cut for use.<br />
Providing turf/vegetation on natural outdoor l<strong>and</strong> areas with soft loose soil will help maintain<br />
l<strong>and</strong> dryness <strong>and</strong> prevent soil <strong>and</strong> hill/bank erosion, although otters must not be prevented<br />
from digging into the soil or grooming on it (which involves digging/scratching up surface<br />
substrates <strong>and</strong> vegetation) or digging the vegetation/turf away throughout the enclosure.<br />
(These are very important strong natural behaviors that otters must be allowed to carry out. See<br />
Section 3 below for why.) When the recommended soil type, quality, <strong>and</strong> depth <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
water area designs <strong>and</strong> locations are provided, problems should not occur with the l<strong>and</strong> area<br />
remaining dry enough or eroding when the animals dig/scratch away large areas of<br />
vegetation/turf <strong>and</strong> dig <strong>and</strong> groom throughout the entire enclosure.<br />
When otters are housed solely outdoors vegetation such as deciduous trees, bushes, bamboo<br />
st<strong>and</strong>s etc. should be offered in enclosures to provide supplementary shelter from the elements<br />
(see Section 9 for more information). Natural furnishings, e.g. such as those just listed, should<br />
also be offered outdoors whether or not indoor enclosures are provided, for similar <strong>and</strong> other<br />
reasons. Turf <strong>and</strong> vegetation can be allowed to freely grow or be planted. Both long <strong>and</strong> short<br />
grass/turf, weeds, ferns, <strong>and</strong> tall vegetation can be offered outdoors. Trees, large bushes, or<br />
large tree stumps with long extended roots may help prevent natural underground den cave-ins<br />
<strong>and</strong> soil <strong>and</strong> hill erosion. Dense undergrowth growing freely in some areas <strong>and</strong> aquatic plants<br />
can also be provided. Weighted pots/tubs with live growing bushes, tall grasses, ferns, or small<br />
deciduous trees etc. can also be provided indoors. If bamboo as described is unavailable, other<br />
flexible lightweight soft branch types with leaves or/<strong>and</strong> some bushes or deciduous trees with<br />
long overhanging branches that are within the otters’ reach, might be able to be used at least<br />
somewhat for play <strong>and</strong> manipulation.<br />
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