Otter Project Annual Report 2013

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Ieb Annual Report 2013 !

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OTTER PROJECT - INSTITUTO EKKO BRASIL

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OTTER PROJECT 2013

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Contents Our Mission!

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From the Chair!

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Biomes being studied!

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Species being studied!

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Confronting a new threat to neotropical otter in Brazil!

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Project: Describing the use of natural dens in Peri Lagoon, south of the Island of Santa Catarina!

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Project: Describing Behavioural patterns of otters in captivity!

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Project: Describing physiological and hormonal patterns of otters in captivity!

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Project: Presence of parasites in feces and blood of otters!

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Project: Create a database of social, economic and environmental data in GIS of the study areas and produce thematic maps!

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Project: Giant Otter in Pantanal MS!

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The Otter Project and the IUCN OZ Task Force!

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Publications for 2013!

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English!........................................................................................................................23!

Portuguese!..................................................................................................................23!

Environmental Education!

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About Ieb - Instituto Ekko Brasil (Ekko Brasil Institute)!

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Research Group: Biodiversity and conservation of endangered species!...................27!

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Ecology and conservation of mustelidaes!..................................................27!

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Society, nature and sustentability!..............................................................27!

3.

Biology and animal management!..............................................................27!

Main Partners!

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Advisory Committee and Board of Directors!

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Main Sta and Otter Project Chart !

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Our Mission

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Maintaining biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and endangered species through research and social mobilization as a way to contribute to improving the quality of life of communities, leaving a positive legacy for future generations. 

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From the Chair

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In 2013 we finally manage to renew our sponsorship with Petrobras, a big national company for the Otter Project phase II which has given us opportunity to spread our borders to a new biome - Pantanal.

Our new base stablished in April in Pantanal had focused in the studies of Ariranhas and opened a new way of people to see that species through social mobilisation and research.We had also improved our facilities and tools to help with the researches.

Our work with the community and schools had increased to a level of national awareness due to a great strategy of communication and a big Campaign were held to debate about conservation.

All these events listed has prepared us to start 2014 with great achievements and to go even more further in Research and Biodiversity Conservation.

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Preservation is our Nature!

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Alesandra Bez Birolo President

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What do we do

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Ieb provides assistance to conservation projects through Brazil and do specific research with Mustelidaes such as Neotropical and Giant Otters. We use expert project management facilitation, works collaboratively with IUCN Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission and coordinate the IUCN Otters in Zoo Task Force for Neotropical Otter in Latin America.

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Biomes being studied Atlantic Forest and Pantanal

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Species being studied Lontra longicaudis, Eira barbara and Pteronura brasiliensis 

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Confronting a new threat to neotropical otter in Brazil

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This year we managed to finally prove that Neotropical Otter is endangered, at least, within the Atlantic Forest Biome. Due to past projects research in the Hydrographic Basins of ItajaĂ­ River and Uruguay River we could prove that neotropical otter populations have declined in the last 10 years due to habitat fragmentation, poisons, dog attack, and retaliation from farmers and fishermen.

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Facts and Situation Based on studies conducted in the last 25 years, several studies published by dierent authors, mapping of gallery forests and riparian vegetation in the major rivers of Santa Catarina, and a database of 8 years, Ekko Brazil Institute ranks the neotropical otter species (Lontra longicaudis) as vulnerable according to the protocol of the IUCN. The species was categorized, under IUCN Red List requirements, as Vulnerable ( VU ) A3 + A4cde because it is highly dependent on water courses and riparian forests and vegetation associated with these. This band of vegetation is extremely degraded. Today , almost 90 % of the Atlantic Forest throughout the Brazilian territory is totally destroyed. Of the remainder, it is believed that 75 % is under threat of extinction. The data show that Santa Catarina State was one of the states with the most critical loss with deforestation of 2,149 hectares. The state is set at 100 % within the Atlantic Forest biome (9,591,012 hectares), and today there are only 23.37% or 2,241,209 hectares left. To better assess, in particular, the zone of preservation along major rivers catarinenses, a detailed study was

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Process and Results After organising a data set with all the data a detailed analysis was done and technical report was send to the Brazilian federal agency for the environment. In reply we were invited to participate as consultant for neotropical otter to define the status of conservation for the Brazilian Red List. The workshop, in SĂŁo Paulo, took 4 days of discussion. At the end, our results and considerations prevailed and the neotropical otter was finally categorized in the red list. So far it was considered as Data InsuďŹƒcient. 

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Project: Describing the use of natural dens in Peri Lagoon, south of the Island of Santa Catarina

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Facts and Situation The studies are developed in Peri Lagoon in Florian贸polis, Santa Catarina. The Peri Lagoon is a coastal freshwater lake in the south of the island of Santa Florian贸polis (27 掳 43'30 "S and 48 掳 32'18" W) between a restinga formation (eastern portion) and mountains (western portion). The Otter Project monitors 8 dens in Peri Lagoon continuously used by otters. To evaluate the behavior of individuals within the burrows camera-traps of the type Bushnell, programmed to video mode are installed. The camera traps are connected continuously, during periods of 2 weeks. This camera-trap works with the infrared system, when triggered by passing the animal performs videos that can be used to assess the behavior of individuals.

Within the last 6 months of 2013, when the project began, 3 records of the presence of otters in burrows were obtained on video. From January 2014 the work will be developed systematically in 8 existing dens in Peri Lagoon. Proof of registration follows below.

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Process and Results

From the videos a behavioral ethogram is applied. Sampling is the continuous focal type, which uses a stopwatch to count the time allocated for each type of behavior of the species. The percentage of time allocated to each activity is determined by analysis of variance. So far two dens were used for the tests.

Multiple records of otter in the burrows, which are being analyzed, were obtained. The ecovolunteer participate in all activities, specially in the field trips and expeditions. 

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Project: Describing Behavioural patterns of otters in captivity

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Facts and Situation Studies of animal behaviour contribute substantially to important conservation areas such as the extinction of small populations, inbreeding and mating; isolation of species, dispersal in fragmented populations; predictions of the consequences of climate change; requirements of habitats for species of conservation interest, minimum area for ecological reserves, captive breeding and techniques census. To conduct this study we use three enclosures of Otters at the Otter Project of the Ekko Brazil Institute.

Each enclosure has a couple of otters, totaling six sampled individuals and allowing the evaluation of social activities and copulation. Furthermore, in one of the enclosure, the animals are fed directly by the grid with direct human contact (control room). In two other enclosures the otters are fed through a pipe, where food is deposited without direct human contact between animal and handler. To evaluate the behavior ethogram available will be used attached previously tested. Preliminary results are: collecting behavioral data using the ethogram (total time = 65h + 42 hour test) and ecovolunteers trained to collect behavioral data from otters in captivity.

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Process and Results The methodology used is the Scan Group. This method consists of simultaneously sampled all individuals in the same enclosure. The sample are taken every two minutes during the twilight period (7am-10am and 3pm-6pm) which is the period of greatest activity of animals. The ecovolunteer participate in all activities.

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Project: Describing physiological and hormonal patterns of otters in captivity

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Facts and Situation The results presented are preliminary data from a study that aims to sample three couples adult otters in captivity every three months for 24 months in order to verify the influence of seasonality on hematological parameters of the species and establish hematological and biochemical reference values for otters in captivity. The ecovolunteer participate in all activities.

Process and Results The results obtained from blood smears are shown in Table 1. The mean weight was 8.2 kg, and the mean heart rates, respiratory and rectal temperature, immediately after chemical restraint, were 104.6 bpm, 40.3 mpm and 40.3 ˚C respectively (Table 2) . All hematological and biochemical values were similar to those of the single existing work with animals of this species. No parasite was found in the feces and blood smears. The animals were healthy, so the results can be used as a basis for future research in animals of this species.

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Amostras

1

2

3

Ẋ

eritrócitos (10

6,2

7,13

6,2

6,5

hematócrito (%)

45,9

54,5

56,0

52,1

HB (g/dl)

15,7

19,1

18,1

17,6

VCM (fl)

74,0

76,4

90,3

80,2

CHCM (%)

34,2

35,0

32,3

33,8

HCM (pg)

25,3

26,8

29,2

27,1

leucócitos (10

6,6

4,6

5,1

5,4

linfócitos(10

1,39(21)

1,15(25)

0,87(17)

1,13(21)

monócitos(10

0,33(5)

0,18(4)

0,36(7)

0,29(5,3)

7

5

3

5,3

idade

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Amostras

1

2

3

Ẋ

proteína total (g/dl)

6,8

7,1

7,2

7,0

albumina (g/dl)

3,2

3,1

3,6

3,3

globulina (g/dl)

3,6

3,9

3,6

3,7

uréia (mg/dl)

31,6

74,0

69,0

58,2

creatinina (mg/dl)

0,9

0,8

0,85

0,85

glicose (mg/dl)

132

146

163

147

AST (TGO) (U/L)

85

79

94

86

ALT (TGP) (U/L)

90

61

96

82,3

fosfatase alcalina (U/L)

X

28

64

46

idade

7

5

3

5,3

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Using the blowpipe to anaesthetise the otter and collecting blood from anaesthetised otter.

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Project: Presence of parasites in feces and blood of otters

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Facts and Situation Parasitological analyses were realized via fecal collection, when found fresh (that present vivid, bright color and moisture), within the precincts of confined animals and environments of wild animals, and necropsy examinations of animals captured and sent to the Otter Project. Samples were analysed by the Willis and Homann techniques, adapted using a sheet of tissue paper to greater eectiveness of filtering.

Process and Results Parasites found were identified as oocyst of protozoan subclass coccidia and nematodes of the Order Strongilydea and Trichostrongyloidea Family. In the captive otters were found nematodes of the Order Strongilydea and Trichuris Genus. The ticks removed from a dead otter, were all identified as the species Amblyomma ovale. The study will be also carried on during 2014. The ecovolunteers participate in all activities specially with the expeditions in the field.

Amblyomma ovale

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Project: Create a database of social, economic and environmental data in GIS of the study areas and produce thematic maps

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Facts and Situation In this proposal, the study comprises the use of space technology using GIS (Geographic Information System). The main objectives of this project are: (1) integrate into a digital cartographic base, past and current data from APP (Permanent Preservation Area) area the surrounding of Aquidauna and Miranda River (Pantanal MS), (2) to spacialise the distribution of neotropical and giant otters in the form of thematic maps, (3) to analyse the data and to implement them on an integrated basis, and (4) to subsidise environmental management of the area.

The activities to date include the acquisition of images and extracting data from the study area and supervised classification. The protocol used for image acquisition and data extraction is shown in Figure .

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Process and Results The classifications obtained as a result of the identified thematic classes is shown in Figure 5. Please note that these data have yet to be validated later in the field outputs.

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Project: Giant Otter in Pantanal MS

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Facts and Situation This project aims to identify, to map and to catalog latrines and groups of giant otters in Pantanal of MS. Field trips are held monthly for data collection in the rivers: Aquidauna, Miranda and Salobra. The right and left banks of the rivers are covered, in addition to its main tributaries, looking for signs of the species as footprints, feces, dens or view the animal itself.

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Process and Results Several filed trips were realised in order to define and describe the study area. A groups of 5 giant otters was seen in the Aquidauana River as well as the neotropical otter. The area covered represents 300 hectares.

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The Otter Project and the IUCN OZ Task Force

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Facts and Situation The Otter Specialist Group (OSG) is part of the IUCN/SSC (IUCN Species Survival Commission) that represents a network of more than 7,500 volunteer experts from dierent countries. The OZ Task Force (otters in zoos, aquariums, rehabilitation and wildlife sanctuaries) was created to address issues related to otters in ex-situ situations whose objective is to facilitate communication and assist in gathering information that can be documented, preserved and shared among professionals who work with otters.

We started with a survey to learn the otters (males, females) that are in captivity and to know the institutions holding these animals. As we progress with the work more information will be documented on dierent topics such as husbandry management, diet, environment enrichment, medicine, hand raising and rehabilitation.

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Process and Results The first action was to create a data set with all Zoos and scientific breedings with neotropical otters in Latin America. Second was to create a questionnaire and send it to the listed institutions. We got feedback from 11 institutions from Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia and El Salvador. These institutions keep 28 neotropical otters in captivity, being 14 males and 14 females. Only one institution, in Guatemala, once, had a successful breeding, with 2 pups.

Few protocols can be found at the institutions. Protocols of enrichment, faeces collection and weight control were the most common, used by 4 institutions. These were follow by rescue and transport (3), blood collection (3), reproduction and oral examination (2). Therefore, most of the protocols are concerned with enrichment, faeces collection and weight control. Due to the lack of information available we decided to create new protocols and make them available at the web site of the Instituto Ekko Brasil (http://www.ekkobrasil.org.br/pt_BR/site/index/index/page/69). At the moment, the protocols are available only in Portuguese but they are being translated to english. The protocols are: PROTOCOL TO COLLECT BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL OF MAMMALS OF THE ORDER CARNIVORA (ICMBio/ Cenap);PROTOCOL TO COLLECT FRAGMENTS OF BR AIN AND SERUM; PROTOCOL FOR NUTRITION OF NEWBORN NEOTROPICAL OTTERS;PROTOCOL FOR NECROPSY OF NEOTROPICAL OTTER. We also decided to begin specific veterinarian research to neotropical otter. Projects going on at the moment are: Definition of a clinical reference for neotropical otter based on biochemical parameters; Analysis and definition of measurements of neotropical otter bones; Study of the helminthofauna of neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) in the region of Santa Catarina Island, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Behavi-

our of neotropical otter in captivity; Enrichment of enclosures for captive otters with living fishes in their pool; Associative learning and conditioning in the captive neotropical otters’ feeding procedure to reduce negative eects of captivity.

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Publications for 2013

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English A Comparative Diet Analysis of the Neotropical Otter in Santa Catarina Island, Brazil http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/Bulletin/Volume30/Carvalho_et_al_2013.html

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Portuguese

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O papel do turismo de conservação na construção de novos valores ambientais em projetos de pesquisa - http://www.conatus.org.br

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Avaliação do risco de extinção da Lontra neotropical Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) no Brasil - http:// www.ekkobrasil.org.br/files/47.pdf

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Environmental Education

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Facts and Situation The environmental education is a tool for social mobilization and part of the research. In the Institute the objective is to translate all the results from the researches in a accessible language to the society.

The 2013 work on social mobilization was directly focused on two key areas of the South Island of Santa Catarina ( Florianópolis , SC ) , Vargem do Braço ( Santo Amaro da Imperatreiz, SC ) and Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, the information generated in the biennium 2010/2011 served as a basis for the implementation of the steps on the mobilization and binding. These three study sites have protected areas, and because of this, agreements have been or are being established with the competent bodies of these two spheres .

Social mobilization and environmental education are seen here as complementary and interdependent.

The goal was not only to pass basic skills through courses and training for the world of work buy also aimed to educate people to a new way of being in front of themselves, their similar and close to nature.

The conservation of Brazilian otter tries to bring life as ethical, ecological and educational centrality. Not only is it set rules and action tools, but also develop aspects related to culture, knowledge and feelings, in order to develop an affective process towards the design and species. Examples of actions within the binding process are courses, lectures, visits and experiences which aimed to develop basic skills that helped the emotional development mentioned above .

Conservation , ecological , educational and experiential aspects, for example , are worked with the use of the otters in the precincts of the Otter Project and discuss topics such as tourism conservation , energy efficiency and responsible consumption .

Courses geared to educators in the areas of study included the development of methodologies that can be applied in the classroom , making use of data and / or structure of the Otter Project , as Mill Otter ( Visitation Center and Environmental Education ) and otters in captivity . Thus, the Otter Project can be seen as a teaching tool to be used , thus contributing to the curriculum of the school. Studies directed at schools , through lectures and practical activities are also performed by making use of educational materials developed especially for this purpose , for example, the educational booklet " The Otter Tupi " .

The Ekko Brazil Institute , through projects , in particular the Otter Project , has a history in the surrounding communities where the activities are performed . Example is the Pro - Lontrinha in the south of the island of Santa Catarina , where children learn new concepts of ecology and environmental relationships . Thus , as the Pro- Lontrinha , the activities planned by the Otter Project , are geared towards the man / nature relations in a proactive manner. Actions are educational , information and training where it seeks to create conditions for behavior change , always respecting the regional culture and values nature.

Social actions are based mainly in the educational process and training , aimed at creating ecological and economic advantages to generate income . In this sense , the message being conveyed is that social inclusion of the individual goes through the achievement of sustainability, preservation of local culture and maintenance of the subsystems in addition to the exercise of citizenship which in this case is focused on fighting the major causes environmental impact that may lead to destruction of habitat and ecological sites , such as deforestation and contamination by organic and inorganic waste The project goals involved 2.500 people from which 120 are teachers, 10 environmental managers, 2 community leaders, 153 children and 4 journalists. Also 2 courses and 48 talks; 2 scientific articles, 2 data set on GIS.

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Process and Results During the year, almost all the public schools from the city of Florian贸polis, in the state of Santa Catarina, visited the IeB base and the Animal Sanctuary were the otters live in captivity. The work with the children is to raise awareness about the otter conservation and the importance of the water.

In the city of Aquidauana, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul,region of Pantanal, the public schools and universities were targeted and workshops and seminars about Neotropical and Giant Otter were ministered.

Basically all indicators predicted for 2 years were already reached in 2013. Total of people involved is 79.312, including Santa Catarina State and Pantanal. People involved in activities of environmental education represents 3.842, which more than 2000 were children.

One big campaign was held in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz - SC during the Water Day week and the UN International Year of Water Cooperation, this campaign (Otter - Water Sentinel) mobilised around 2000 children about water issues using the otter as a flagship species.

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About Ieb - Instituto Ekko Brasil (Ekko Brasil Institute)

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History The Instituto Ekko Brasil (IEB) is a OSCIP - Civil Society Organization of Public Interest - based in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and Pantanal (MS), who works in the form of projects. IEB has a lean management structure, consisting of a chairman, marketing and administrative manager, logistics manager, financial manager and a project and research manager.

Mission Maintaining biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and endangered species through research and social mobilization as a way to contribute to improving the quality of life of communities, leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Vision Become a national and international reference in tourism conservation, biodiversity studies, ecosystem conservation and protection of endangered species.

Values The Ekko Brazil Institute values the serious, organized and independent work, based on the planning and management of the financial resources available. The data generated are used to support programs aimed at environmental conservation and improvement of quality of life with honesty and ethical responsibility. In the workplace actions are multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, where differences of each are highlighted and are added in order to create a healthy and productive work environment.

Research Fields Research Group: Biodiversity and conservation of endangered species

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1.

Ecology and conservation of mustelidaes

2.

Society, nature and sustentability

3.

Biology and animal management

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Main Partners FLORAM - Fundação Municipal do Meio Ambiente IBAMA-SC Policia Ambiental - SC ICMBio Cybelle Planète Volon Tour Go Abroad UFSC Pró-Reitoria de Ensino ABETA – Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Ecoturismo e Turismo de Aventura Jornal do Meio Ambiente Instituto Acqualung Ilha João da Cunha Empreendimentos Ltda BAS- Brazilian Adventury Society Movimento Nós Podemos SC– pelos objetivos do Milênio Instituto Biota FURG – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Universidade Federal da Bahia Aquario de São Paulo ACIF - Associação Comercial e Industrial de Florianópolis Comitê da Bacia do Rio Cubatão do Sul GTEA - Grupo de trabalho de educação ambiental - Vinculado a CIEA/SC CTEA - Câmara Técnica de Educação Ambiental - Vinculado ao Consema

Universidade Federal da Paraíba Fundação de Turismo de Aquidauana Gerência de Desenvolvimento Agrário e Meio Ambiente de de Aquidauana Grupo anarcopedagógico de trilhas atemporais IUCN - OZ Task Force SZB - Sociedade de Zoológicos do Brasil

Planet Natopia Team Social Work

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Advisory Committee and Board of Directors

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Main Sta and Otter Project Chart

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Public Politics Manager

Alesandra Bez Birolo - financial manager, Aquaculture Engineer, works at the institution since its foundation in 2004. Experience in Environmental Education and Management Research Project. Currently chairs the Institute Ekko Brazil (IEB).

Business and Marketing Manager

Gabriela Galastri - administrative and marketing manager. Worked for companies in the pharmaceutical sector in the area of Training and Strategic RH, on Digital Marketing with internet products, consultancy for design company, worked with company of Sports, Marketing and Communications.

Project and Reseach Manager

Carvalho Junior - Specialist in Project Management, degree in Oceanography, MSc in Tropical Coastal Management and a PhD in Physical Oceanography. In Brazil taught at several universities as UFSC, UNIVALI , UNIDAVI and UNIASSELVI. He is currently a consultant and coordinator of Projects and Research at the Institute Ekko Brazil. Has experience in the area of ecology, with an emphasis in Management of Protected Areas, acting on the following topics: oceanography, ecology, responsible tourism, geographic information system (GIS ), biodiversity and ecology of otters and giant otters. Conducted several scientific expeditions in places like Amanã (Amazonia), Pantanal and Itajaí and Uruguai Rivers (Santa Catarina).

Logistics Coordinator

Marcelo Tosatti - logistics coordinator of the Institute Ekko Brazil, working as a technical assistant in research projects since 2002. Environmentalist, experience in using scientific equipment, animal care in captivity, and fauna inventories.

Environmental Education Coordinator

Anderson Palmeira - Coordinator of Social Mobilization and Environmental Ed. Biologist, Specialist in Zoology. Worked for the SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation, visiting more than 90 cities in 17 states, developing environmental education activities. Professor of technical courses, related to preservation of the environment, legislation and environmental impact studies. Conducted research on behavioral ecology of monkeys (Alouatta belzebul) in Atlantic Forest fragment in southern Pernambuco. Currently working at the IEB as coordinator of environmental education and social mobilization.

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