Notable altitudinal range expansion of Lontra longicaudis (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Colombian Paramos

Abstract

The neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis is a carnivore that ranges from Mexico to northern of Argentina, from 0 to 3,885 m above the sea level. In Colombia, this mammal is considered a research priority due the poor information about its distribution and basic ecology. The aim of this note is to contribute to the knowledge of the altitudinal distribution of L. longicaudis in the Mamapacha Paramos, Boyacá, Colombia. Camera trap fieldwork was carried out from November 18th to December 7th of 2015 in the department of Boyacá on the Cordillera Oriental, Colombia. Additionally, we reviewed preserved specimens and historical records of sightings above 2000 m in several scientific publications on L. longicaudis. Of the 275 images of wildlife, four images corresponded to L. longicaudis at the Mundo Nuevo lagoon, municipality of Chinavita (3,110 m above sea level). After the literature and museum specimens review, we found that there were no records of L. longicaudis in Colombia that exceeded 3,000 m above sea level. Therefore, our record represents a notable altitudinal range expansion of L. longicaudis and a new altitudinal level record for the species in Colombia. This record can be a consequence of the abundant food supply provided by the Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Due to the competition between otters and local people by the trout, it is necessary to implement management plans of fish resources in order to mitigate human-otter conflict and to ensure the population viability at Mundo Nuevo Lagoon.