New records and update on the geographic distribution of the Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818), Neotropical Otter, is a medium-sized, carnivorous, semi-aquatic mammal with a wide geographic distribution from Mexico to Uruguay. Although the number of studies on this species has been increasing, the vast majority of them focus on diet and habitat use. This paper updates the distribution of this species by providing new records from 19 municipalities (13 in the Atlantic Forest) in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. These new records are important for the conservation of L. longicaudis.