The shy but charming river otter is listed as an endangered species in Brazil. Volunteers can help with their time and donation as well as enjoy the pristine beaches.

The otter project is based on the shores of Lake Peri, a freshwater lake in a conservation area 20km from Florianopolis, capital of Santa Catarina State on Brazil’s south east coast.

Volunteers monitor otter presence at shelters, carry out ethological studies and analyse food habits. As much of the work is done in the field by walking or kayaking you must be fit enough to walk long distances and cope with summer heat and humidity. Ability to swim is essential.

A Typical Day

The day often starts early at 5 a.m. paddling quietly in kayaks around the shores of Lake Peri to spot otters. The waters of Lake Peri are full of crustaceans and fish, making it an attractive habitat for otters. Many young otters are born in this area.

Surrounding the lake is dense Atlantic forest back dropped by mountain ranges. The forest is beautifully lush; tree branches are laden with bromeliads and orchids and curtains of dangling grey lichen. It’s also an excellent place for bird watching. After one to two hours you return to base for breakfast.

The rest of day could involve activities like habitat analysis which involves walking to otter shelters and taking measurements of light, humus depth and circumference of trees and collecting otter faeces.

Faeces analysis is done in the lab back at base to ascertain the types of fish otters eat.

During the early evening there could be more otter observation at a nearby dam, another favourite otter haunt. Morning and evening observation work is routine as otters feed at this time

The Otter

A shy animal, the Brazilian river otter weighs three to four kilograms and lives in fresh water lakes, estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coastal islands. Pollution and destruction of forests has adversely affected their food supply and access to shelter. At the top of the food chain, it is an agile swimmer that can stay underwater for long periods. They are hard to observe up close and in fact you may not see an otter during your stay.

Volunteer Period

Volunteers are welcome year round for a stay of one or more weeks. Weekends are free to enjoy the island’s attractions.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation is in a converted mill at the project base on Lake Peri. Breakfast and evening meal are provided and included in the cost. There is an attractive garden where organic fruit and vegetables are grown. Cable television, internet access and lots of information on the region’s flora and fauna are also available.

Fresh fish, tropical fruit and groceries are easily and cheaply bought from nearby villages.

Costs

US$53 a night for the first and second week; US$48 night for the third week; US$43 night for the fourth week; US$37 night for every extra week. Contact the Ecovolunteer Network for more information.

Getting There

Santa Catarina Island is accessible by road and long distance buses terminate at Florianopolis. By air it is an hour’s flight from São Paulo.

Santa Catarina’s Attractions

The 70-kilometre island has a population of 360,000 and, like much Southern Brazil, was settled in the mid 1700s by immigrants from the Portuguese Azores.

From the project base there is easy access to many beautiful beaches and traditional Azorean fishing villages.

Volunteering could be combined with a Florianopolis Carnaval , the fourth largest in Brazil.

For more information on Santa Catarina Island see the Brazilian tourism website.