The Pantanal region is a large wetland shared by Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil.  There are two otter species that inhabit this area, the endangered Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and the Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis).  Manoel Muanis received a grant from Zoo Miami’s Conservation and Research Fund to aid in his research to study the habitat requirements and feeding habits of these otter species in relation to habitat destruction, degradation and a more recent trend of ecotourism.  This information will be used to help shape species management and ecotourism regulations. 

The Cali Zoo in Columbia received support from Zoo Miami in the investigation of the management and reproductive behaviors of Giant Otters in captivity.  This information is vital in discovering the needs of this sensitive animal in captivity and making successful management decisions.