Territory Size Research Articles

Larger territories reduce mortality risk for chimpanzees, wolves, and agents: Multiple lines of evidence in a model validation framework

Validation of agent-based models is underappreciated in scientific studies even though this process is an important part of ensuring that a model is a reliable research tool. Here we propose modifications to a model validation framework and illustrate this framework with a case study of territorial behavior. In species that defend territories, larger territories provide obvious benefits, such as increased access to food, shelter, and mates. An additional potential benefit is that larger territories could provide protection from intergroup conflict. Considerations from geometry indicate that per capita risk of death from intergroup violence should decrease with increasing territory size, insofar as conflict occurs mainly at the periphery. We tested this inference using computer simulations and data from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and gray wolves (Canis lupus). We designed an agent-based model that allows territories to vary freely in size and shape. We present a framework for model validation and apply it to our agent-based model to substantiate its accuracy. Simulations from the validated model confirmed the predictions from geometry. Under a broad range of parameter values, per capita mortality rate decreased in larger territories. Similarly, using published data on rates of death from intercommunity aggression in 16 chimpanzee communities, as well as new data from 38 wolf packs, we found that per capita mortality rate correlated negatively with a measure of territory size. These findings indicate that in species with lethal intergroup aggression, one simple aspect of territory geometry – size – has strong effects on mortality. Several lines of evidence indicate that the per capita rates of mortality from warfare have decreased in many human societies over time. One factor contributing to this decrease may be the increasing geographic extent of political entities.

BASED INTERNET NETWORK DESIGN VSAT KU-BAND AT JANGGA DOLOK VILLAGE OFFICE

The number of islands and the size of Indonesia's territory is a problems in building telecommunications infrastructure. VSAT satellite technology is a solution and is useful when terrestrial relations experience issues. This is because not all regions are terrestrial and can reach all islands and mainland in Indonesia. In this study, the Ku-Band VSAT was used, and the Ku-Band VSAT installation location was in Jangga Dolok Village, Lumban Julu District, Toba Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province. The research method involves needs analysis, design, implementation, and testing. The results showed that the quality of the network obtained showed a bandwidth of 024 Kbps, 637 ms delay, 0% packet loss, 1.84 Mbit/s download throughput, and 319.18 Kbit/s uploads. The measurement analysis results in the field show that the IP Config VSAT IP can be connected to the gateway, and the connection test shows the reply response. The transmission parameter output IDU downlink SQF is 168, and the uplink is 16 Apsk 1024 K 9/10, the upload, and download measurement results show the upload results of 1.8 Mbps and 0.3 Mbps upload. All the analysis results were carried out, and it showed promising results, and the VSAT-based internet network in Jangga Dolok village was feasible to use. Keywords: VSAT Ku-Band, Topology, satellite internet.
 

Breeding status shapes territoriality and vocalization patterns in spotted owls

Vocal territory defense can vary within a species due to many factors such as sex and breeding status, influencing territory size and thus population density across a landscape. Therefore, understanding what influences variation in territorial vocalizations can help to illuminate trade‐offs between territoriality and other life history demands, which benefits our general understanding of animal ecology as well as helps to inform emerging passive acoustic monitoring approaches. Here, we investigated how sex and breeding status affected territoriality and vocal behavior in the California spotted owl Strix occidentalis occidentalis in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA, using high‐resolution acoustic/GPS tags. We discovered that territorial vocal behavior was related to breeding status and to a lesser extent sex. Breeding owls with fledged young had a less diverse vocal repertoire, produced fewer and quieter territorial calls, and typically called only when close to their nest. Males were also more likely to engage in territorial calling than females. Breeding spotted owls also maintained significantly smaller territories – but utilized larger home ranges – than non‐breeding individuals. Our results suggest that breeding spotted owls may reduce their investment in territorial behaviors to mitigate the demands and risks associated with rearing young. Further, our results have important implications for the passive acoustic monitoring of spotted owls and, more broadly, highlight the utility of using multiple call types to detect species of interest.

They might all be marauders

Circle theory predicts most offenders will reside within the smallest circle that encloses a pattern of offense locations, which defines the offender's crime range. Those who reside within the crime range reflect a marauder decision pattern, with the remainder reflecting a commuter decision pattern. Random simulations of marauders were conducted to determine the failure rate of the smallest circle to correctly identify a marauder decision pattern. Failure rates were higher as the number of offenses was reduced, but were systematic and predictable. Moreover, the published rates of the marauder vs commuter patterns correspond well with the predicted failure rate. A method for estimating the true size of an offender's criminal territory is presented and it is suggested that the vast majority of offenders are likely to be adopting a marauder decision pattern, and that true commuters may be far less than indicated by the circle test.

Do oil palm plantations provide quality habitat for migratory birds? A case study from Mexico

Habitat loss and degradation represent a major threat to Nearctic-neotropical migratory birds in the tropics. Managed agroecosystems have the potential to mitigate some impacts of land conversion, however, we know little regarding the quality of expanding oil palm plantation habitat for migratory birds in the neotropics. In this study, we used sex and age ratios, body condition, fat deposition, and muscle mass to assess oil palm habitat quality for seven species of migratory songbirds. Specifically, we captured individuals in native forest fragments and oil palm plantations in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, during two winter seasons (2017–2018, 2018–2019), and compared differences in age and sex ratios, and condition indices between habitats. We found that, when differences occurred, most species exhibited indicators of better habitat quality in native forest (older males with higher body condition indices) when compared to oil palm. Our results suggest that age and sex ratios combined with measures of physiological condition can be used to assess habitat quality for Nearctic-neotropical migratory birds overwintering in modified landscapes. Importantly, determining a species’ territorial behavior is key when selecting a given indicator of habitat quality for each species, and in certain cases, more intensive approaches such as estimates of survival, territory size, and food availability may be needed. Our results suggest that management strategies that promote forest-like conditions in oil palm plantations will improve habitat quality for declining populations of Nearctic-neotropical migratory birds.

Associations between abundances of free-roaming gamebirds and common buzzards Buteo buteo are not driven by consumption of gamebirds in the buzzard breeding season.

Releasing gamebirds in large numbers for sport shooting may directly or indirectly influence the abundance, distribution and population dynamics of native wildlife. The abundances of generalist predators have been positively associated with the abundance of gamebirds. These relationships have implications for prey populations, with the potential for indirect impacts of gamebird releases on wider biodiversity. To understand the basis of these associations, we investigated variation in territory size, prey provisioning to chicks, and breeding success of common buzzards Buteo buteo, and associations with variation in the abundances of free‐roaming gamebirds, primarily pheasants Phasianus colchicus, and of rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and field voles Microtus agrestis, as important prey for buzzards. The relative abundance of gamebirds, but not those of rabbits or voles, was weakly but positively correlated with our index of buzzard territory size. Gamebirds were rarely brought to the nest. Rabbits and voles, and not gamebirds, were provisioned to chicks in proportion to their relative abundance. The number of buzzard chicks increased with provisioning rates of rabbits, in terms of both provisioning frequency and biomass, but not with provisioning rates for gamebirds or voles. Associations between the abundances of buzzards and gamebirds may not be a consequence of the greater availability of gamebirds as prey during the buzzard breeding season. Instead, the association may arise either from habitat or predator management leading to higher densities of alternative prey (in this instance, rabbits), or from greater availability of gamebirds as prey or carrion during the autumn and winter shooting season. The interactions between gamebird releases and associated practices of predator control and shooting itself require better understanding to more effectively intervene in any one aspect of this complex social‐ecological system.

Importance of substrate on welfare in swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) culture: A territorial behavior perspective

Concern for animal welfare in aquaculture is increasing. Environmental enrichment (EE) is an effective means to improve the welfare of animals, which is linked to their behavior. Territorial behavior includes interactions between animals and their environment and conspecifics, and can directly reflect the welfare status of cultured animals. To explore the influence of different substate, an important influence factor of EE, on welfare of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus), a behavior acquisition system was established. Moving trajectory, territory size, time budgeting, total number of territorial behaviors, and bouts of crabs in EE groups (sand substrate, sand and shell mixed substrate, and shell substate) and the control (hard bottom) group were calculated and analyzed. Furthermore, the territorial behavior score of crabs was calculated using PCA to estimate territoriality. According to the results, the presence of substrate EE effectively reduced the territoriality of the swimming crabs, and sand as substrate affected most significantly. In the control group, stereotypical behaviors of crabs (repeated movements for long periods) indicated a low welfare level. In the EE group, interactions with the substrate, including burying behavior, digging, etc., revealed a higher behavioral diversity, which demonstrated that a suitable EE could effectively improve the welfare of swimming crabs. In general, from the perspective of territorial behavior, the presence of substrate, especially sand, was an effective means of improving the welfare of cultured swimming crabs.

Landscape acidification has trophic-mediated effects on Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla)

Acid deposition from fossil fuel combustion caused calcium depletion in eastern North America during the 20th century, and calcium is a critical resource for birds during both the egg laying and nesting periods. The effects of acid deposition on animals have largely acted through trophic relationships, with reduced calcium availability in prey possibly being a limiting factor for forest songbirds. Following 21 years of experimental whole-watershed acidification at the Bear Brook Watershed in Maine, we investigated Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) territory size and potential prey (leaf litter arthropod) abundance, assemblage, and calcium concentration during one breeding season. We delineated and estimated the area of 8 Ovenbird territories in an acidified and a control watershed, but found that territory size did not differ between watersheds. However, while calcium concentrations of potential prey also did not differ between watersheds, territory size decreased as calcium concentrations of potential prey increased, regardless of watershed. Our results suggest that calcium limitation can be a determinant of territory size in some landscapes, and this provides further support to importance of the role of calcium in the lives of passerines.

Distribution, Status, and Conservation of the Indian Peninsular Wolf

An understanding of the distribution range and status of a species is paramount for its conservation. We used photo captures from 26,838 camera traps deployed over 121,337 km2 along with data from radio-telemetry, published, and authenticated wolf sightings to infer wolf locations. A total of 3,324 presence locations were obtained and after accounting for spatial redundancy 574 locations were used for modeling in maximum entropy framework (MaxEnt) with ecologically relevant covariates to infer potentially occupied habitats. Relationships of wolf occurrence with eco-geographical variables were interpreted based on response curves. Wolves avoided dense wet forests, human disturbances beyond a threshold, arid deserts, and areas with high top-carnivore density, but occurred in semi-arid scrub, grassland, open forests systems with moderate winter temperatures. The potential habitat that can support wolf occupancy was 364,425 km2 with the largest wolf habitat available in western India (Saurashtra-Kachchh-Thar landscape 102,837 km2). Wolf habitats across all landscapes were connected with no barriers to dispersal. Breeding packs likely occurred in ≈89,000 km2. Using an average territory size of 188 (SE 23) km2, India could potentially hold 423–540 wolf packs. With an average adult pack size of 3 (SE 0.24), and a wolf density < 1 per 100 km2 in occupied but non-breeding habitats, a wolf population of 3,170 (SE range 2,568–3,847) adults was estimated. The states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra were major strongholds for the species. Within forested landscapes, wolves tended to avoid top-carnivores but were more sympatric with leopards and dhole compared to tigers and lions. This ancient wolf lineage is threatened by habitat loss to development, hybridization with dogs, fast-traffic roads, diseases, and severe persecution by pastoralists. Their status is as precarious as that of the tiger, yet focused conservation efforts are lacking. Breeding habitat patches within each landscape identified in this study should be made safe from human persecution and free of feral dogs so as to permit packs to breed and successfully recruit individuals to ensure wolf persistence in the larger landscape for the long term.

Rewilding by Wolf Recolonisation, Consequences for Ungulate Populations and Game Hunting.

Simple SummaryHumans extirpated the wolf Canis lupus from many regions of Europe. Today, the wolf is returning to many of these areas, and with it, people’s opposition due to its predatory habits on, among others, ungulate game species. Based on existing data on wolf prey selection, kill rates and territory size, we extrapolated the results from central Sweden and Poland to southern Sweden, where wolf recolonization has not yet occurred and conservation conflicts with hunters are expected. Thus, we calculated the proportion of moose Alces alces, roe deer Capreolus capreolus, red deer Cervus elaphus, fallow deer Dama dama and wild boar Sus scrofa that would be killed by wolves in the municipalities of southern Sweden if wolf recolonization occurs. We found that the current system of five ungulate species in southern Sweden could potentially support a wolf density two to four times higher than in the current wolf distribution in central Sweden, which are mainly inhabited by roe deer and moose. With this type of research, we can anticipate and work to ameliorate the social unrest and expected conservation conflicts that may arise once wolves or other large carnivore species recolonize areas of Europe that are returning to the wild.The ongoing recolonisations of human-transformed environments in Europe by large carnivores like the wolf Canis lupus means that conservation conflicts could re-surface, among other reasons, due to predation on ungulate game species. We estimated the effect of wolves on ungulate species using data on wolf prey selection, kill rates and territory size to build a hypothetical case of future expansion. We extrapolated results on predation from the current wolf distribution in central Sweden and eastern Poland to the eventual wolf recolonisation of southern Sweden. We then calculated the proportion of five ungulate game species killed annually by wolves, and the ratio between the predicted annual predation by wolves given future colonization and the number of ungulates currently harvested by hunters. Results showed that wolf recolonization in southern Sweden would have a minor impact on the estimated population densities of red deer Cervus elaphus, fallow deer Dama dama and wild boar Sus scrofa, but is likely to lead to a significant reduction in human captures of moose Alces alces and roe deer Capreolus capreolus. The current five-ungulate species system in southern Sweden suggests a potential for two to four times higher wolf density than the two-ungulate species system in the northern part of their current distribution. Management and conservation of recolonizing large carnivores require a better understanding of the observed impact on game populations under similar ecological conditions to ameliorate conservation conflicts and achieve a paradigm of coexistence. Integrating these predictions into management is paramount to the current rewilding trend occurring in many areas of Europe or North America.

Territoriality modifies the effects of habitat complexity on animal behavior: a meta-analysis

Abstract Augmenting habitat complexity by adding structure has been used to increase the population density of some territorial species in the wild and to reduce aggression among captive animals. However, it is unknown if all territorial species are affected similarly by habitat complexity, and whether these effects extend to non-territorial species. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the behavior of a wide range of territorial and non-territorial taxa in complex and open habitats to determine the effects of habitat complexity on 1) territory size, 2) population density, 3) rate and time spent on aggression, 4) rate and time devoted to foraging, 5) rate and time spent being active, 6) shyness/boldness, 7) survival rate, and 8) exploratory behavior. Overall, all measures were significantly affected by habitat complexity, but the responses of territorial and non-territorial species differed. As predicted, territorial species were less aggressive, had smaller territories and higher densities in complex habitats, whereas non-territorial species were more aggressive and did not differ in population density. Territorial species were bolder but not more active in complex habitats, whereas non-territorial species were more active but not bolder. Although the survival of non-territorial species increased in complex habitats, no such increase was observed for territorial species. The increased safety from predators provided by complex habitats may have been balanced by the higher population densities and bolder behavior in territorial species. Our analysis suggests that territorial and non-territorial animals respond differently to habitat complexity, perhaps due to the strong reliance on visual cues by territorial animals.

The Effect of Intruder Density on Territoriality and Dominance in Male Swimming Crab (Portunus trituberculatus).

Simple SummaryTerritorial behavior is closely correlated with population fluctuations in territorial species, which is influenced by the density of conspecifics. Relevant research in aquacultural species, such as swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus), is still lacking. In this study, we quantified the territorial behavior of the crabs according to a different number of intruders. This study provides a behavioral perspective for understanding and predicting the population dynamics of marine benthonic animals.Territorial behavior of animals is affected by numerous factors, one being the number of intruders. The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus), an important commercial and ecological species on the continental shelf of Asia, usually needs to defend its territory from intrusion by other crabs, especially in habitats with high densities of conspecifics. To clarify the underlying patterns of how P. trituberculatus protects its territory, we assessed the territorial behavior of occupant crabs (territory holders) when presented with different numbers of intruders using an indoor observation system. We calculated the territory size of the occupants and quantified their behavioral responses to intruders. With an increased number of intruders, the territory size the occupants owned significantly decreased, and their behavior adjusted accordingly. Besides, the territorial behavior score, reflecting the territoriality of crab, decreased significantly. Furthermore, in a high density group that had seven intruders, the occupants showed a higher dominance hierarchy than the intruders, indicating the ascendancy of occupants in territorial competition with intruders. These results revealed that as the number of intruders increased, the territory size of P. trituberculatus shrunk because the fight for territory became more intense.

Prevalence of Aggression as it Relates to Territory Size, Fish Density, and Neighbor Number in the Yellowtail Damselfish, Stegastes arcifrons

Abstract Territoriality plays a key role in the survival and reproduction of many species. Damselfish (Family: Pomacentridae), reef-dwelling fish found in tropical locations, are territorial and competitively engage both intra- and inter-specific fish in order to protect their algal lawns. While damselfish territoriality has been examined as it relates to attack distance in con- and hetero-specifics, aggression in damselfish has not yet been related to fish density and proximity. The Galápagos yellowtail damselfish, Stegastes arcifrons, was selected for analysis of the factors that affect its behavioral aggression. Yellowtail damselfish individuals (n=31) were observed in the wild in 5-minute counts for aggressive interactions toward con- and hetero-specifics. The average location of the observed damselfish, including the locations of its nearby neighbors, was noted and dive markers were placed at these locations following the 5-minute count. Photographs of the average locations of the damselfish during the test, as shown by the dive markers, were taken and imaging software was used to determine damselfish density and an approximation of controlled territory through conversion into Voronoi diagrams. Aggression rates toward conspecific encounters, measured in aggressive attacks/minute, were positively correlated with damselfish density and inversely correlated with controlled territory size (p < 0.001 for both correlations, R2 = 0.52 and 0.35 respectively). There were no significant correlations between aggression rates toward heterospecific encounters and any measured variables (p > 0.05 for all correlations). The number of nearby neighbors was also not significantly correlated with aggression (p > 0.05). Damselfish aggression is a direct function of both controlled area and conspecific density, but not of the number of nearby neighbors nor heterospecific individuals.

ДЕФОРМАЦИЯ ИЕРАРХИИ КРУПНЕЙШИХ АЭРОПОРТОВ МИРА И ЕВРОПЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПАНДЕМИИ COVID-19

The passenger turnover of almost all airports fell sharply from 30% to 90% in COVID-19 pandemic - most of all in those where the share of international passengers dominated, less - where domestic traffic prevailed. Changes in the rank of the hierarchy of the 60 largest airports in the world and 60 airports in Europe, caused by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, are analyzed. A special technique has been developed for assessing the stability and variability of such a hierarchy. The values of three indicators of variability of the hierarchy of airports are compared in the pre-covid and in the first phase of the covid period. The level of internal instability in the global aviation system increased from 82 to 98%, in Europe – from 62 to 93%. The degree of rank lability of airports in the world has increased 8.8 times, in Europe – 4.5 times. The hierarchy of world and European air transport systems turned out to be relatively stable in the pre-covid era. In a pandemic, it has become deformed and very unstable. Its main deformers were airports in those countries where flight restrictions were lifted much earlier than in the rest of the world, as well as the new ones opened. Empirically, 5 types of variability in the hierarchy of airport systems have been identified: a very unstable hierarchy. The larger the territorial size of the airport system, the more changeable and unstable its hierarchical structure. Systems that are very large in terms of territorial size are more vulnerable to external influences (pandemics) than large or medium-sized ones, which is manifested in the degree of variability of their hierarchical structures.

The global development experience of the industrial parks and their benefits for the development of Ukraine’s economy

The article deals with the current problem of creation and development of industrial parks in Ukraine. Currently, the direction is considered promising for the development of the economy, and the author examines the current portrait of the industrial park according to key characteristics: the industrial park ownership form, the type of project being developed, the location of the park and the total size of the park territory. The article also pays special attention to the history, development, and functioning of China’s industrial parks. Industrial parks increasingly develop the industrial potential of a specific territory, contribute to the creation of new jobs, create a comfortable business environment, and also increase tax revenues to the budget. Attracting high-tech production as residents, industrial parks are one of the elements of innovative infrastructure. Industrial parks are a global trend in economic development. For example, Hungary produces a third of its GDP there, Turkey saturates priority regions with them, Poland restores depressed communities. Among the benefits for park participants are exemption from paying VAT on the import of new equipment for personal use, exemption from income tax for ten years, local governments will be able to set preferential rates of real estate tax and land fees. The main goals of creating an industrial park are socio-economic development of a closed city, improving the quality of life of the population, through the creation of new high-tech industries, the main employees of which will be highly qualified released personnel. Industrial parks are a real help to the economy during and after the war.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: THE REPORT FROM ITALIAN COMPANIES

This is an empirical analysis of CSR initiatives in the Italian region of Campania. The aim of this study is to clarify the share’s differences in environmental protection in the overall CSR activities as well as the evaluation of the altruistic attitudes on the essence of CSR. The regression model examines the impact of investments in CSR, cost-benefit analysis and territory size on companies' interest in CSR. Campania companies have got a pronounced environmental awareness due to a significant number of national associations promoting sustainable development and easier access to EU funds. When testing the altruistic attitude on CSR, companies in Campania are closer to the profit approach. Based on the results of regression analysis, the predictor variables synergistically explain CSR interest in Campania.

Territorial origins of center-seeking and self-determination claims in Africa

Why doesn't Africa have more self-determination movements? Given the prevalence of weak states, artificial borders, and high ethnic diversity, one might expect that the majority of African rebel groups would pursue self-determination outcomes. Yet, the data indicate that most rebel groups have attempted to capture the state in center-seeking conflicts rather than to break off a piece of it. Why? In this study, we argue that the exogenously determined territorial size of the country in which new groups emerge shapes whether groups pursue center-seeking or self-determination outcomes. We argue that the size of the territory determines the overall cohesion of the state, which then shapes the political imagination of the group, affecting how an emerging rebel group conceives of itself and its constituents relative to the state. We also argue that the size of the territory shapes the perceived feasibility of either center-seeking or self-determination outcomes. Drawing from a recent dataset on rebel group emergence, we find support that rebel groups emerging in large states are more likely to seek self-determination than rebel groups in small states. We test multiple alternative arguments and find that our results are robust to them as well as additional testing specifications.

Territory size, population density, and natural history of Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow, an endemic species found in urban areas

Territory size, population density, and natural history of Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow, an endemic species found in urban areas

Defining the territory size of a Geographical Indication

The objective of this study is to map articles that present models for determining the territory size of Geographical Indications (GIs), a relevant factor for the management of GIs that is poorly explored in studies on the subject. The study was undertaken as a systematic mapping study (SMS), whose main objective is to identify accessible facts about a given research topic, which is also the most suitable approach when aiming to analyze the state of the art of a subject with little evidence available in the literature. Using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, in which 671 results were found, and the StArt tool to select the articles, 652 articles were excluded (30 duplicates and 622 that did not meet the inclusion criteria established in the systematic mapping protocol). Then, after a complete reading of the texts of the 19 remaining articles, 14 were excluded. Thus, this study included only five articles in which GI size models were developed, the oldest of which was published in 2007 and the most recent in 2021. We therefore conclude that few studies are available in the literature on this theme.

Giant otter behaviour in a mega-hydroelectric reservoir, Central Amazon, Brazil

Abstract We tracked thirteen giant otters from three different groups in the Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir. One of them was a transient animal, while the others were living in groups of five and seven individuals. Travelling was the most frequent behaviour, both for the transient otter (>40%) and group otters (46%). Diurnal resting was the longest-lasting behaviour. Most giant otter behaviour in the reservoir showed little difference when compared with the behaviour of giant otters living in nondammed areas, indicating a significant degree of resilience of this species. However, otters in the reservoir spent more time travelling, probably because their territory sizes were much greater than the territories of giant otters in nondammed areas. The frequency of fishing was similar to what has been recorded elsewhere, suggesting that current fish density and availability in the reservoir is similar to what is observed in nondammed areas. Nevertheless, otters in Balbina spent more time fishing than those in nondammed areas, which alternatively could suggest that fish density in the reservoir was low and could be compensated by increasing the time spent fishing. The high frequency of intraspecific kleptoparasitism observed in this study (62%) is noteworthy, although virtually undocumented for this species. This is the first study of giant otter behaviour in a hydroelectric reservoir that can be used for the conservation of this endangered species in man-made lakes.