IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
© IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group

Volume 17 Issue 2 Pages 59 - 99 (October 2000)

Last Minute Notes
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FRIENDS of the Giant Otter
Jessica Groenendijk
fzsgop(@terra.com.pe

The issues no. 1 and no. 2 have been published. The idea for such a Bulletin was first proposed at the 1998 International Symposium for the Conservation of the Giant Otter. The Bulletin shall evolve into a networking tool, to be published at least twice a year.
For further information please contact the editor at the address given above.

WILD MAMMALS OF NORTH AMERICA

In 1982, the book WILD MAMMALS OF NORTH AMERICA, by Chapman and Feldhamer was published. Dale Toweill and Jim Tabor coauthored the chapter on river otters. I agreed to coauthor with Paul Polechla and Dale Toweill a revised chapter on river otter for a 2nd publishing of this book. Dale and I conveniently work in the same office here at Idaho Fish and Game.

The key chapter headings include: Nomenclature, Distribution, Description, Physiology, Reproduction, Ecology, Feeding Habits, Behavior, Mortality (including predators, parasites and diseases, and human impacts), Age Determination, Economic Status and Management, Current Research and Management Needs, and literature cited. We are emphasizing management, conservation, and research needs.

Obviously, a lot has happened in the river otter arena since 1982 (when the book was published and I finished my own work on river otters), and I need the collective knowledge of all of you experts to ensure this chapter includes the most up-to-date information about river otters in North America. This is a request to those of you who have information, reports, publications, etc. regarding river otters in the categories described above to please send copies of your work to me at the address below. Please let me know by e-mail or phone if you have pertinent information we should discuss.
Several researchers have collected, but not published, information that would benefit those who are trying to learn about river otters - such as through this chapter. I urge you to contact me so we can discuss including enough information, perhaps through "personal communication", so that the reader knows new information is forthcoming.

If it is simpler for you to just respond to this e-mail plea, send me a phone number also so I can give you a call. Thanks for your cooperation and assistance. I look forward to hearing from all you otter experts and admirers.

Wayne Melquist
State Nongame Manager/Federal Aid & Fur Coordinator
IDFG, 600 S. Walnut St., P.O. Box 25
Boise, ID 83707
Tel: 208-334-2676; Fax: 208-334-2114
Cell phone: 208-850-2594
e-mail: melquist@idfg.state.id.us
Home: melquist@bigplanet.com

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