Local Knowledge and Conflicts With Otters in Western Brazilian Amazon: A Preliminary Report

Traditional knowledge constitutes an alternative source of information on animal biology and ecology. This is especially important when research projects are undertaken in collaboration with local populations living in the area of interest. In this study we aimed to characterize and summarize ethnobiological information on two species: the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis,) and the Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), and assess their possible interactions with fishing activities in the Aman Sustainable Development Reserve, Western Brazilian Amazon. Five traditional communities were visited each month since December 2010 during an ongoing investigation of otter-fisheries conflicts. Anecdotal information obtained is presented concerning otter classification, behavior, and interaction of otters with fishing.