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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Introduction<br />
This manual is a second edition to the “<strong>Husb<strong>and</strong>ry</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Management</strong> of the <strong>Giant</strong> <strong>Otter</strong><br />
(Pteronura brasiliensis)” (Sykes-Gatz 2001). This revised, exp<strong>and</strong>ed, <strong>and</strong> updated version<br />
should be used as replacement for the 2004 manual that was distributed in the ISIS 2004<br />
CD Library, the 2004/2005 version previously distributed with a similar name, as well as<br />
the 1 st edition manual just aforementioned. The guidelines within this manual should be<br />
used instead of the recommendations for giant otters presented within the “Zoo St<strong>and</strong>ards<br />
for Keeping <strong>Otter</strong>s in Captivity” (2002, 2003 & 2004) AZA <strong>Otter</strong> Species Survival Plan<br />
(SSP). Note: Sheila Sykes-Gatz is listed as a co-writer of this particular AZA document. Some<br />
specific information regarding only the care of giant otters within that publication is incorrect.<br />
This manual is divided into multiple categories, parts, sections, <strong>and</strong> chapters that deal with<br />
specific areas of interest. Within Chapter 2 some information overlaps in different sections <strong>and</strong><br />
some crucial information has been made redundant on purpose for readers who wish only to<br />
refer to particular sections or parts rather than Chapter 2 or the manual in its entirety.<br />
It is hoped that this manual will stimulate communication <strong>and</strong> information sharing among all<br />
institutions holding giant otters, as well as increase awareness of the existent problems of this<br />
species in captivity <strong>and</strong> encourage actions needed to resolve them. A broad overview of<br />
husb<strong>and</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> management information is included. It exp<strong>and</strong>s upon the recommendations that<br />
were presented within the 1 st edition manual <strong>and</strong> covers a wider variety of topics. For example,<br />
the individual l<strong>and</strong> to water area ratio necessary for each enclosure, as well as separable<br />
enclosure area, below 240 m² (2,583.4 ft²) in size <strong>and</strong> a minimum size for indoor enclosures that<br />
attach to outdoor enclosures in temperate climates are presented within this manual. (Note: each<br />
enclosure below 240 m² (2,583.4 ft²) in size, requires a different l<strong>and</strong> to water area ratio based<br />
on its particular size.) Specific recommendations for these situations were not included within<br />
the 1 st edition. Discussions on specific substrates necessary for all enclosure l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> floor<br />
areas <strong>and</strong> the size of the area <strong>and</strong> depth needed for deep digging areas are exp<strong>and</strong>ed upon within<br />
this manual. (These issues are of great importance, so they are emphasized within the 2 nd<br />
edition.)<br />
These guidelines are based upon a compilation of the research, experiences <strong>and</strong> contributions<br />
from the zoos/institutions that have held giant otters in captivity world-wide <strong>and</strong> historically <strong>and</strong><br />
from those who have studied this species in the wild. This information was gathered from<br />
published <strong>and</strong> unpublished papers/studies, survey results, conferences, lectures, <strong>and</strong> personal<br />
communications. In 1997 the “South American <strong>Giant</strong> <strong>Otter</strong> (Pteronura brasiliensis) <strong>Husb<strong>and</strong>ry</strong>,<br />
<strong>Management</strong>, <strong>and</strong> Historical Census Survey” (Sykes 1997-99) was sent to 28 zoos <strong>and</strong><br />
institutions that hold or held giant otters. These 4 <strong>and</strong> 8 page surveys gathered information on<br />
captive husb<strong>and</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> management practices, basic life history data, reproduction, <strong>and</strong> behavior<br />
of giant otters at the corresponding institution. Sixteen or 57% of the institutions surveyed<br />
responded to the questionnaire. The continuation of information collection from the<br />
aforementioned <strong>and</strong> other institutions has been on-going during <strong>and</strong> since the completion of the<br />
original survey. This is vital so that knowledge about these animals can be increased <strong>and</strong> shared<br />
with all. The invaluable information provided by the all of the aforementioned sources<br />
helped make these recommendations possible. All of those who made contributions are<br />
credited within this manual for the specific information they provided. All are also listed under<br />
the section “Contributing Institutions”. Any additional information that persons would like to<br />
contribute for future editions are most welcome <strong>and</strong> appreciated. Please contact the<br />
compiler/author of this manual. See below for the contact information.<br />
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