Climate

Between revered and hunted: The journey of human-otter coexistence in the Amazon

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 29/10/2026, 16:39:24 UTC.

Briefings

Researchers observed giant otters hunting near Baniwa fishing traps on the Içana River in Brazil's upper Rio Negro Basin. Otters frequently surfaced to eat fish, leaving their feeding sites littered with bones and feces. The study highlights a complex dynamic between Indigenous fishing practices and wildlife presence in the Amazon.

Key points

• Giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) were observed hunting near Baniwa fishing traps on the Içana River, with feeding sites littered with fish bones and feces.
• Giant otters typically live in groups of nine to twelve family members.

Context

This article documents a 2026 study by ecologist Jansen Zuanon regarding coexistence between Baniwa people and giant otters in the Amazon. The Içana River flows into the Rio Negro, providing essential protein for Indigenous fishing communities.

Limitations

Observations were limited to a single warm morning on the Içana River in Brazil's upper Rio Negro Basin. The study is a preprint from 2026, and specific data regarding population dynamics or long-term impact remains unverified.

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