Manu National Park

giant otter - peru - manu - conservation

Manu National Park is located in south-eastern Peru where the Andes of Cusco give way to the lowlands of the Amazon basin of Madre de Dios. The 1 532 806 hectare park is arguably the most biodiverse protected area on the planet as it includes ecosystems from Puna to lowland rainforest. Manu National Park is home to the largest population of giant otters in Peru. The several large lakes, such as Salvador, Otorongo and Demonio, located along the Manu river are home to large family groups that are well protected and these form the core of the population in the region. The Giant Otter has been monitored in Manu National Park since 1990. During this period we have seen the otter population increase and stabilise. We estimate that there is currently a population of approximately 80-100 Giant Otters in Manu comprising of at least 10 breeding groups.