Episode 79 | Saving the Endangered Giant Otters of the Amazon with Dr. Adi Barocas
Join us in this episode as we explore the fascinating world of the Giant Otter, also known as the "River Wolf," with conservation expert Dr. Adi Barocas. As the longest member of the weasel family, Giant Otters are a keystone species of South America’s freshwater ecosystems. Sadly, with only around 5,000 individuals left, these remarkable creatures are on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, poaching, and mercury pollution from gold mining. Dr. Barocas, leader of the Giant Otter Project at Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and postdoctoral associate at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, shares his extensive knowledge on the threats facing this species and the global efforts to conserve them. Tune in for a deep dive into the vital work being done to protect these majestic animals and other small carnivores in the Amazon.