Early in February 2010, a young man named Mundweni was setting fishing lines in the swampy margins of the Wamba River, in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. He heard a noise that compelled him to investigate.
The Hunt
He waded through the muddy waters cluttered with organic debris and hidden dangers to an exposed tree form. Unexpectedly, a large otter jumped out of the log with a small white pup in her mouth. Urgently, Mundweni sprang into the motion of a hunter. In the frenzied effort to escape, the otter dropped the pup. Mundweni maintained the chase until he was within striking range and with one swift blow of his machete the pursuit ended.
The Rescue
Once Mundweni had secured the fresh kill, he retreated to the scene of the initial encounter. There he found the days-old pup, unable to swim, gasping for life in the murky water. Tenderly, Mundweni lifted the defenseless babe and dried it off with his shirt. In a few seconds Mundweni demonstrated the absolute fearlessness and cold proficiency of a lone hunter desperate to feed his family and the gentle compassion of a warm and caring human touch.
Safe Sanctuary
Mundweni carried the small dependent infant otter to the one person he knew would be able to care for it. 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.
Range and Current Status
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
This rare otter species is threatened by :
- 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, as well as
- 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
The little pup is now known around the world as "Mazu" in deference to his 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 his 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.
The Future
For Mazu, it will be inappropriate to release him 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.
Jo Thompson - Dr. Jo Thompson, President and Executive Director of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation, Inc., is a renowned wildlife biologist who ...
