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Spring 2001 Bulletin
The River Otter Working Group
Amigos Bravos has taken an active role in supporting efforts that will lead to the eventual reintroduction of the river otter. Dr. Polechla acknowledges Amigos Bravos Oral History Project contributors, Filemon Cordova, Gloria Pacheco, Eirien Humphreys, and Dee Lovato for providing valuable information. Past Amigos Bravos Projects Director Ernest Atencio, his wife Elsbeth Atencio, and Amigos Bravos Board President Ross Ulibarri are credited with assisting in field studies involving river otter habitat. In January 2001, Byron Thayer, Amigos Bravos Intern, established the Amigos Bravos River Otter Project, which is presently being managed by Amy Okerman, the new intern, with assistance from Amigos Bravos volunteer Nathan Bowles, retired professor of biology. On February 27, 2001 a group of individuals representing the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Carnivore Initiative Project, Four Corners Institute, New Mexico Environmental Department, Taos Pueblo Environmental Office, Phoenix Zoo, Sky Island Alliance, Amigos Bravos, and the general public participated in a meeting at which Paul Polechla presented his report. The Bureau of Land Management hosted the meeting. This was a wonderful chance for interested parties to come together, network, ask questions, share information, and talk about the opportunities for reintroducing the river otter and/or increasing the numbers of current populations. At the end of the meeting it was agreed to form a River Otter Working Group. The purpose of the working group is to determine the feasibility of reestablishing a viable river otter population in New Mexico. Currently, Dr. Polechla is applying for grant money to fund further investigations and another meeting is being planned for early April. Conducting surveys to determine whether or not river otters inhabit the Upper Rio Grande and gaining public support are the next major tasks. The public is encouraged to become a part of the River Otter Working Group. or Paul Polechla– ppolechla@sevilleta.unm.edu (505-277-5340-office. or
The Southwestern River Otter (Lontra canadensis sonora) once occupied the Upper Río Grande, New Mexico, and Southwestern U. S. in larger numbers than it does now. In fact, it is uncertain whether or not river otters survive in this area at all; however, if they do still occur their numbers are very low. According to New Mexico Game and Fish, the river otter is considered extinct in the state. Amigos Bravos and other interested parties are very supportive of either enhancing any existing population or reintroducing the species to the Río Grande watershed.
In 2000, Dr. Paul Polechla of the Carnivore Initiative Project, Four Corners Institute housed at the Mammal Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology completed a three year investigation on the "Ecology of the River Otter and Other Wetland Furbearers in the Upper Rio Grande". The Bureau of Land Management funded the investigation. This field and library study examined subjects such as the natural history of the river otter and other riparian furbearers (the beaver, raccoon, ringtail, muskrat and mink), habitat requirements for the species, and reports of past and present occurrences. The study also discussed recommendations regarding river otter management and release feasibilities.
For more information please
contact Amy Okerman–
intern@amigosbravos.org (505.758.3874),
505-842.5340-hm).
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