KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF THE NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis annectens) AMONG FISHERMEN IN THE CHAMPAYÁN LAGOON SYSTEM, ALTAMIRA, TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO.

Not enough research has been conducted on the distribution and population density of the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis annectens) in the state of Tamaulipas. Today, the inhabitants of villages near the Champayán Lagoon System have empirical knowledge of the biodiversity in adjacent areas from experiences in their daily activities. A study was conducted through 35 interviews about the knowledge and perception of the Neotropical otter applied in seven fishermen villages in the Champayán Lagoon System, Altamira, Tamaulipas. Interviews revealed that all of the interviewed fishermen reported knowing the Neotropical otter and having observed it at different spots across the lagoon system. It is reported that the otter is a social species that has been observed in pairs and with offspring. Fishermen mention that otters feed mainly on native and exotic fish and others preys as well as crustaceans, reptiles, and poultry. There is an interaction between fishermen and otters, where the latter steals fish from fishing nets; however, this does not represent an economic loss for fishermen. The 91.4% of fishermen interviewed reported having directly interacted with an otter, and 97.1% mentioned that they had never threatened or disturbed an otter, since they consider it a charismatic species. Only 5.7% mention the otter as a species of great importance for the lagoon system. This work highlighted the need to continue this research applying ethnobiology methodologies to work with local communities, as a first strategy to promote the conservation of the Neotropical otter and to carry out to long-term studies on the interaction of fishermen with otters when their populations may be threatened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]