Article by Jo Myers Thompson, Ph.D., original publication date - 2010
(full article available, click here)
Enjoy this article on Mazu's early days
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| A newborn Mazu |
Glen and Rita Chapman are missionaries who have both lived most of their lives serving in the Congo. Their mission station is a small pastoral training center called Kikongo. About 170 kilometers east of Kinshasa, the capital city, their idyllic home village lies on the bank of the Wamba River (a tributary to the Kwango River) in Bandundu Province, DRC. Rita has a special gift for successfully raising wild orphans. So, Mundweni presented Rita with the newest addition to her menagerie.
The Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) range corresponds to the Congo river basin. It is one of the least known otter species in the world. It has a patchy distribution across its range of occurrence and a very low density of occupation where it is found. Within their previous range, their population numbers have been reduced and they have been extirpated from areas where they may have previously been assumed to occur. There is a desperate need for conservation action and research.
Threats to Survival:
- the escalating demand for bush meat and skins
- habitat loss and degradation
- steep decline in fish populations due to overfishing by humans with improved technology and nylon fishing nets
- pressure from development of hydro-electric power projects
- under-representation of otter habitat in protected areas
- pollution and deterioration of water quality resulting from large scale deforestation throughout their range
- growing proliferation of weapons and munitions such that now otters can be shot from pirogues and river banks
- dramatic depletion of other species (such as the hippo) who play an integral role in the food chain on which otters depend and contribute to the aquatic-ecosystem functioning that supports otter food supplies.
The Congo Clawless Otter is the most terrestrial otter species in the world and is therefore much more vulnerable to snares set on land. They are not protected by traditional taboos across their range. Some of these threats can be considered major, but more importantly is the dramatic combined effect of threats on otter populations.
Today (as of late 2010), the little pup is now known around the world as "Mazu" in deference to her persistent vocalizations recognized in the world of otter husbandry as the "nursing hum." Mazu means "noise" in the tribal Kikongo language. Mazu has united the interests of people around the world and in her home village. Locally and abroad Mazu has become a symbol of Congolese natural heritage and a global treasure. Through the efforts of the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), Mazu has been introduced to the world and on this global stage has become an unparalleled ambassador for African Otter Conservation.
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| Mazu helping to teach future conservationists |
The Future for Mazu: it will be inappropriate to release her back into the wild. Congolese do not have experience distinguishing between wild animals and tamed wild animals when they are hunting. So, with the support of a group of caring individuals and organizations, Glen will be providing a safe and stimulating enclosure to meet Mazu's growing needs, Rita will continue to provide the nurturing and sensitive care under which Mazu thrives, the local community will reap the benefits of global attention and Mazu will continue to teach us all.
Special note: Mazu was originally thought to be male so references to Mazu's gender in this article have been updated from the original publication.
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