La giant otter is once again roaming the rivers and lagoons of northeastern Argentina thanks to a pioneering conservation initiative. After nearly four decades away from the wetlands of Corrientes, this charismatic aquatic mammal is once again present in the Great Iberá ParkThe release of a family consisting of two adults and two offspring marks a turning point for local biodiversity, sparking the interest of scientists, authorities, and environmental advocates around the world.
This return not only represents a step forward in the fight against local extinction of the species, but also demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in wildlife protection. The role of organizations such as Rewilding Argentina, along with the support of multiple European zoos, has made it possible to realize a project that seemed impossible years ago. The reintroduction of the giant otter is an example of how science and collaboration can bring hope to species in critical situations.
An international team for an unprecedented reintroduction
The new family of giant otters is made up of Nima, a female from the Madrid Zoo, and CocoA male arrived from Denmark, along with two recently born calves in semi-captivity. After a complex adaptation process, with several months in a pre-release enclosure where they learned crucial skills such as fishing and calf care, these specimens were finally released into one of the country's largest protected areas.
The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is he largest aquatic mammal in the world, exceeding one and a half meters in length and weighing more than 30 kilos. Its role in the ecosystem is fundamental, since it is positioned as top predator in wetlands, regulating populations de peces and contributing to the environmental balance from these delicate environments. Historically, human pressure and habitat destruction had pushed the species to the brink of extinction in Argentina. The last records date back to 1986. Threats to otter conservation.
The project, launched in 2017, involved the search for breeding pairs, specific handling protocols, quarantine, training in hunting live prey, and the incorporation of technologies such as tracking harnesses to monitor the animals after their release. All of this was coordinated by Rewilding Argentina and supported by other international and national institutions.
Why Iberá is vital to the survival of the giant otter
Over 756.000 hectares of protected wetlands’s most emblematic landmarks, the Iberá National Park It offers an optimal environment: clean water, abundant food, and few human threats. The giant otter finds the ideal setting here to thrive again and reestablish its ecological role as apex predator. To learn more about the importance of these areas, you can read our article on the .
The release of these animals not only has a direct environmental impact, but is also expected to have a positive effect on the local economy thanks to wildlife-watching tourism. "The return of the giant otter represents a real opportunity for Corrientes and the surrounding communities, which can benefit from sustainable tourism linked to nature," said Governor Gustavo Valdés. The presence of emblematic species such as the otter and the jaguar has already boosted visits to the park in recent years.
The success of this experience is based on collaboration with organizations such as the National Parks Administration, zoos throughout Europe, the Brazilian program Projeto Ariranha, and Tompkins Conservation, among others. The Iberá model has become an international reference in the field of restoration of species and ecosystems.