Methodology For Test Occurrence And Distribution Of Neotropical Otter (Lontra Longicaudis, Olfers, 1818) In Cananéia, South Coast Of The State Of S o Paulo, Brazil

For a further distribution and occurrence study of L. longicaudis in the region of Cananéia, south coast of the State of S o Paulo, Brazil, a methodology adapted for the local conditions based on the “survey” method used with Lutra lutra was tested. The study site was divided in 35 quadrants of 2x2 km and in each one a body of water was chosen for the investigation. Each body of water was traveled for at least 2 km searching for evidences of the presence of otters. It was possible to produce an image of the distribution of the species in the area using the coordinates of the sites where the vestiges were found. This image showed the presence of otters in rivers and in the estuary and absence in the areas facing the open sea. In 12 out of 13 positive quadrants for the otter presence the first vestige was found in the first 800 m of monitoring. Therefore, we recommend a reduction of the area traveled in each bodies of water to 1 km, reducing the expenses and also increasing the sampled area. We also recommend the increase in the size of the quadrants due to the occurrence of otters in some quadrants considered negative by the method.