The Marine Otter in Continental and Andean Habitats

The marine otter, known as chungungo or huallaque (Lontra felina), is considered a marine species inhabiting rocky habitats along the Pacific coast from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego in southern Chile. In this study, we present the continental records of L. felina in riverine and lacustrine environments. In the Cotahuasi-Ocoña River basin (Peru), the furthest record from the Pacific coast is found at a higher altitude in the Sipia locality, 171 km from the coast, and at an elevation of 1994 m above sea level. In the Colca-Majes River basin, the furthest record is in the Mamacocha Lagoon in the Caylloma province, 157 km from the sea at an altitude of 1702 m above sea level. Additionally, other direct and indirect records were recorded from the rivers of southwestern Peru. The presence of this species, mainly in two of the largest rivers on the Pacific slope in southwestern Peru, may be due to the extremely canyonized configuration of the Cotahuasi and Colca Rivers. This geographical characteristic could serve as a refuge for this threatened species in addition to providing an abundant food supply. This assertion is discussed based on a review of diet studies, emphasizing the need for conservation actions throughout the continental distribution of marine otters. Some activities, such as dam construction, can severely affect its presence and sustainability in these environments.