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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play, exercise etc. on. Note: when a container of mulch is just acquired many bark pieces will<br />
often be significantly larger than 4 cm x 10 cm in size, although these individual pieces will<br />
break down more quickly than the smaller size pieces <strong>and</strong> they therefore should not cause a<br />
problem. Mulch bark pieces 10cm x 4cm in size are therefore most highly recommended<br />
over smaller or larger size mulch. S<strong>and</strong> used in children’s s<strong>and</strong> play boxes or other soft s<strong>and</strong>s<br />
should be provided. Abrasive or sharp s<strong>and</strong> (e.g. builder’s s<strong>and</strong> that is used for construction) <strong>and</strong><br />
s<strong>and</strong> or mulch with any kind of pebbles, gravel, small rocks or larger rocks throughout must not<br />
be used.<br />
If minimum substrate depths <strong>and</strong> substrate quality (esp. quality of mulch) are not maintained<br />
inefficiencies/problems can develop. Water naturally drains through mulch <strong>and</strong> soft s<strong>and</strong> esp.<br />
well. These l<strong>and</strong> furnishings therefore, used in both indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor enclosures <strong>and</strong> over<br />
most all surface types (see the introduction above) dry easily <strong>and</strong> quickly if they are maintained<br />
properly. Substrate depths shallower than 10 cm to 20 cm (4” to 8”) will not dry as easily or<br />
quickly, they can remain wet/very damp, otters cannot effectively/will not use them esp. for<br />
grooming <strong>and</strong> digging, <strong>and</strong> health problems can develop. When mulch breaks <strong>and</strong> packs<br />
down, i.e. bark pieces have broken into small pieces <strong>and</strong> they pack tightly together, the same<br />
problems will occur. (See Section 3 below for the health problems that can develop.) <strong>Giant</strong><br />
otters cannot effectively/will not use very damp or wet substrates, shallow substrates (as<br />
described), or broken down mulch to groom <strong>and</strong> dig in.<br />
In the aforementioned cases, new furnishings simply need to be added to restore the substrates<br />
efficacy <strong>and</strong> quality <strong>and</strong> to provide appropriate depths. In both indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor enclosures<br />
mulch <strong>and</strong> s<strong>and</strong> last long periods of time (i.e. many months to a year depending on the size of<br />
the area) before new substrate needs to be added on top of the existing layer. Leaving the<br />
existing substrates will help increase substrate depths. Unless the existing substrates are in a<br />
very small well-used area, they do not need to be removed, only added to. Mulch might need to<br />
be removed <strong>and</strong> then replaced (with totally new mulch) in very small well-used areas, i.e. such as<br />
small dens around 3 m² - 4 m 2 (32.29 ft² - 43.05 ft 2 ), one or two times per year. When necessary<br />
although, such as during cub-rearing, it can remain unserviced for longer periods. Such areas<br />
although may only just need to be added to. Mulch can pack <strong>and</strong>/or break down more quickly in<br />
very small well-used areas. Small well-used areas or areas adjacent to water, may require depths<br />
deeper than the 10 cm (4”) to 20 cm (8”) minimum recommended. The deeper the mulch or<br />
s<strong>and</strong>, the drier it will remain. Substrate depths <strong>and</strong> quality must be monitored.<br />
Mulch kept in very dry areas, e.g. indoors, should be lightly misted on its surface with<br />
water from a hose (except for during cub-rearing). Misting only needs to be carried out for<br />
several seconds once daily. This will help keep mulch from becoming overly-dry <strong>and</strong> breaking<br />
up <strong>and</strong> dusting. The mulch should only be misted long enough so that it becomes slightly damp,<br />
not wet, which is counter-productive. Mulch that does not become too dry, does not need to be<br />
misted.<br />
Specific Soil Types <strong>and</strong> <strong>Husb<strong>and</strong>ry</strong> Techniques<br />
Unfortunately, because few studies exist, recommendations for specific (i.e. by scientific<br />
classification) soil types that would be appropriate/effective or optimal for use in giant otter<br />
enclosures are limited at this time. (The introduction above describes the qualities that soil<br />
must possess <strong>and</strong> the qualities that are inappropriate/harmful.) At present, the only soil type<br />
that can be recommended for use is Non-Ferric Red Latosol <strong>and</strong> it is found in Brazil, although<br />
most of the soils found in nature in South America are likely appropriate for use. Non-ferric<br />
Red Latosol dries easily, is well-draining, soft, <strong>and</strong> loose in texture, <strong>and</strong> it does not erode easily.<br />
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