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Abstract

The giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis is the largest mustelid of Neotropical riparian and lacustrine environments. It is endangered throughout the Amazon basin, and in Ecuador is critically endangered because of intensive hunting in past decades, especially in the northeast of the country. Very little is known about their status in the central Amazon region of Ecuador, but it is presumed the existence of more stable populations than those of the northeast remnant populations. The territory of the Pastaza province covers a major portion of the central Amazon and is still well preserved because it is the birthplace of various indigenous peoples for whom the giant otter is a protective spirit. Currently, the contribution of knowledge of local communities is being recognized as an important element for the monitoring and conservation of wildlife. In this context, this study proposes to document the ethnozoological Kichwa knowledge about the distribution, biology and uses of the giant otter in the border area of Pastaza. Interviews were conducted with 12 fishermen from the Ancestral People of the Kawsak Sacha territory. Fishermen provided information on new sites in Pastaza where there are still populations of giant otters. This article also provides unpublished data on prey, predators, size and composition of groups sighted, indirect traces, times of increased sightings, daily schedule of activity, breeding season, uses and spiritual value of the giant otter from the Kichwa ethno-knowledge. This allows us to suggest the need for further research in ethnozoology among local communities, as an strategy to promote the conservation of threatened wildlife species in the Amazon, from a more inclusive and equitable perspective.

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