Intestinal microbiota of the neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis in the Penas Blancas River

The neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) is a widely distributed mustelid in the Americas, playing a key role as a top predator in aquatic ecosystems. Its adaptability to various climates positions it as a potential bioindicator of ecosystem health. However, ecological research on this species is limited, especially in Costa Rica. This study investigates the gut microbiota of L. longicaudis in a Costa Rican basin, aiming to deepen our understanding of its health and support conservation efforts by addressing critical knowledge gaps.