Otter sightings increase in the Medellín River and Antioquia East, what is happening?
Recent otter sightings in the Medellín River, Santa Elena district, and even in urban areas like Itagüí, as well as in municipalities in Antioquia East such as Rionegro, Marinilla, La Ceja, and La Unión, have captured citizens' attention...
TL;DR
- Otters have been sighted in urban areas of Antioquia, including the Medellín River, surprising citizens.
- Experts identify the species as the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis), a semi-aquatic mammal capable of adapting to polluted waters.
- Their presence is seen as a positive bioindicator, suggesting improvements in aquatic ecosystem health and food chain recovery.
- Increased sightings may be due to greater visibility and reporting, not solely population growth.
- The otter is listed as a vulnerable species in Colombia, facing threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, and illegal trafficking.
- Environmental authorities advise against approaching otters and recommend reporting sightings to relevant authorities for conservation efforts.