Marine Otters

Marine otters (Lontra felina), locally know as "chungungos", are elusive creatures that reside along the rocky shoreline of Peru and Chile. They are listed as endangered by the US Endangered Species Act and the IUCN Red List. Perhaps as few as 1000 individuals remain.

Since October 2003 Pro Delphinus has conducted research into marine otter behavior and population size. Our project, which is a branded project by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), is funded by the Columbus Zoo, SECAS based at France and by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), is based in Ilo and Tacna, Peru, about a 2 hour drive from the border with Chile.

Through daily observations at 3 study sites - Morro Sama, Vila Vila and Burros - we record otter behaviors, prey species, reproductive patterns, and population size. Because these animals have made their homes in the artificial breakwaters that protect the fishing ports of Morro Sama and Vila Vila we are also interested in observing how these animals interact with the fishing communities in which they reside. We monitor how often otters search for food on fishing boats, and the threats they may face by living so closely to people.

Another important part of our work is environmental education. Through monthly classes held with the school children in Morro Sama and Vila Vila we hope to provide them with a better understanding of their marine environment and ways they can help conserve marine otters and other threatened marine species.