On World Otter Day we are proud to announce that the giant otter has been observed in the streams of Tauramena, the first confirmed presence of the species in over fifteen years. The findings from a recent study led by the Orinoquia Biodiversa Foundation and supported by GeoPark are hugely significant for biodiversity in Tauramena and conservation efforts in the Llanos foothills.
The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an environmental health indicator as it only inhabits bodies of water in a good state of conservation. Sightings in the Pinalito and El Huesero streams show that territories that have faced transformation processes associated with human activity continue to be able to sustain wildlife.
The study, published by the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, confirmed the existence of five family groups of giant otters, totaling 27 individuals. This is the highest incidence recorded for this species in Colombia, and the evidence suggests that the individuals found belong to a population in the process of recovery, opening up new possibilities for their long-term protection.
Bringing science, local knowledge and business commitment together made it possible to confirm the presence of the giant otter. A research team spent two years travelling over 300 kilometers in canoes in Tauramena waterways, identifying the otters’ footprints, burrows, behavior patterns and individual characteristics. This knowledge will contribute to the design of species-specific management and conservation plans.
At GeoPark, we support this research as part of our commitment to protecting biodiversity in the territories we operate in. We believe that productive development can and should coexist with conservation, especially in strategic regions for sustainability such as the Orinoquia. The return of the giant otter to Tauramena confirms that it is possible to achieve concrete results when partnerships are made with a long-term vision.
The community is welcome to review the full results of the study, available in the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, and to join this conservation effort that is already generating positive impacts in the territory.
