Two species of otter in Patagonia: How do the huillín and chungungo live together?
- Published in: Journal of Mammalogy, 2024
- Authors: Sielfeld, W.; Daza, E.; Capella, J.; Pérez, L.; Soto, N.; Fernández, M.; Gibbons, J.
- Download the full study here
What is this study about?
The study analyses for the first time the coexistence of two species of otters in the southern region of Chile:
He huillín (Lontra provocax), a semi-aquatic species that uses rivers, lakes and coasts.
He chungungo (Lontra felina), a sea otter that inhabits rocky coastal areas.
Both species are threatened at national and global levels, and their distribution partially overlaps in areas such as Skyring Sinus, Strait of Magellan and Otway Channel.
What did they discover?
They identified themselves 40 sites where at least one of the species was present.
In 14 of them the was detected direct coexistence of both species.
He huillín was more common in protected sectors, such as Kawésqar National Park.
He chungungo appeared more associated with exposed and less protected coasts.
Shared risks
Both species face similar threats, which are intensified in areas where they coexist:
Habitat fragmentation by coastal development
Pollution from salmon farming
Human disturbance (unregulated tourism)
Reduction of dams due to overfishing
Furthermore, spatial overlap could increase competition between the two species if food resources are limited.
Why is this study important?
Provides the first empirical evidence about the coexistence between huillín and chungungo in southern Chile.
Suggests that areas such as Peel Fjord, Skyring Sound and Otway Channel are critical for both species.
Emphasizes the urgency of implementing differentiated conservation strategies that consider the particular ecology of each species.
Whalesound: Monitoring marine and coastal biodiversity
Whalesound has collaborated on marine and semi-aquatic mammal monitoring efforts in Patagonia, helping to document hidden species such as the huillín and chungungo in hard-to-reach areas.
