Abstract

ALFARO-SHIGUETO, Joanna; VALQUI, Juan  and  MANGEL, Jeffrey C.. New record of the marine otter Lontra felina (Molina, 1782) north to its current distribution. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.2, pp.87-91. ISSN 1726-2216.

The marine otter Lontra felina is an endangered species and uncertainty exists regarding the limits of its current range, which is considered to be Chimbote (9°10´S). Here we present the first documented evidence of the species´ presence 115 km to the north of Chimbote, in the artisanal port of Huanchaco (8°04´S). The note seeks to promote the generation of research to help clarify the factors that determine the presence of marine otters in a given location and which determine the northern limit to their range. Local (fishing ports and towns) and regional (provinces and countries) conservation measures safeguarding the species and the coastal marine habitat are recommended and should take advantage of the flagship species character of L. felina.

Keywords : marine otter; Lontra felina; distribution; northern Peru; habitat.

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