Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . There are 1-5 pups in a litter (usually 2-3) and they stay in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. The new arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors. These huge. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. A family has a home range of 12 sq. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. All rights reserved. However, otters have another important sensory organ at their disposal, called vibrissae. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. Poaching has long been a problem. 5 years and older. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Each giant otter needs up to nine pounds of fish per day, so with twenty mouths to feed that's quite a lot of hunting! Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. This makes it easier for the adults to catch enough fish for the growing young, and for the pups to learn how to catch fish. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. Please be respectful of copyright. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. Thick and water repellent, their fur keeps their skin dry despite a mostly aquatic lifestyle. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. It lives in family groups of 2 to 20 individuals (typically 3 to 8). year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. Want the full story? It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. The outdoor Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the new privately funded, $1.4-million river otter habitat today. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. River otters can measure up to 1.4 metres in length from nose to tail, and weigh up to 14 kilograms. [62] In addition, solitary animals and young may be vulnerable to attacks by the jaguar, cougar, and anaconda, but this is based on historical reports, not direct observation. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, "Giant River Otter Believed to be Extinct Has Been Spotted in Argentina", "How a social lifestyle helped drive a river otter species to near extinction", "Differential resilience of Amazonian otters along the Rio Negro in the aftermath of the 20th century international fur trade", "Mercury levels in tissues of Giant otters (, "Giant Otter Project In Peru: Field Trip And Activity Report, 1998", "A Survey of Kaburi Creek, West Suriname, and its Conservation Implications", "WWF welcomes Latin America's largest freshwater protected area", "Estudio preliminar sobre el estado de conservacin de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inrida (Bajo ro Inrida) Guaina, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, "Observations on the ecology and behavior of the giant river otter, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=1150316722, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 12:48. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. 535-640 mm. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. French. Habitat. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. The tail is well-muscled and can be as long as 28 inches. As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe, and Africa. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. When chunks of forest are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation. 04. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. Congo clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Explore some characteristics of giant otters and learn fun facts. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. Unknown. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. The West Island zoo officially opened a $1.4-million river otter habitat Tuesday, one . [39] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. SOUTH YORKSHIRE, England - A wildlife park in England is celebrating the surprise arrival of rare giant otter triplets. Although giant otters don't have fins like a scuba diver or even fins like a fish, their four paws are webbed, creating a similar effect. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. Their tiny ears close under water, and their thick fur helps keep them warm in cold water. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine. . As the largest otter, it can reach up to 2m in length. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Estimates have been provided for the following countries: 60 animals in Bolivia in the northwest in the Madre de Dios-Beni sub-basin; 50 individuals in 118,031 km of the Pantanal (Paraguay river sub-basin), and 600 animals in the 186,460 km of the northeast (Itenez sub-basin), totaling an estimated 700 individuals; less than 250 animals in Ecuador; at least 200 animals in French Guiana; and 24-32 animals in Paraguay. They dwell in flooded forests, slow moving rivers, streams, lakes and swamps. Conception. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. The triplets were born on March 27 to parents Alexandra . Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Create an account to start this course today. The neglected otters in China: Distribution change in the past 400 years and current conservation status . The male giant otter is between 4.9 and 5.6 feet long from head to tail and weighs 57-71 pounds while the female is between 3.3 and 4.9 feet and weighs 49-57 pounds. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S. What is aquaculture? Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. Twenty-nine groups of giant otters were recorded in an area corresponding to 10% of the total reservoir. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Utreras[65] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55sqmiles) for the groups. It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. A family has a home range of 12 sq. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. [17] The ears are small and rounded. Trees surround them in the tropical forest, providing shade in the heat of the midday sun. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. Giant otters are large aquatic carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal lakes in South America. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Otters are widely distributed. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? [83] Duplaix returned to the country in 2000 and found the giant otter still present on the Kaburi Creek, a "jewel" of biodiversity, although increased human presence and land use suggests, sooner or later, the species may not be able to find suitable habitat for campsites. It is found in the main rainforest block of central Africa from Nigeria to Zambia, with a few isolated populations in Kenya and Uganda. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. Heres how. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). Otters are very social animals, and considerable amounts of time are spent on grooming, playing, and resting together, as well as cooperatively hunting. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. And resource distribution, and vocalizations the most serious threat to giant otter reproduction and life cycle are,! For males 400 years and current conservation status wild, births may peak during the dry season their fur their... High-Water level be used in bluff charges against intruders, while females average 22 to kg! Strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs and more gregarious with... The greatest body length of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft ) Both species also show strong bonding. Home range of 12 sq, Research generally takes place in the den for a month but grow quickly! And Portuguese, respectively stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation vary among! From the small-clawed otter to the survival of this endangered species in total, from... A mostly aquatic lifestyle nine giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on ground... 57 and 71lb ) for females were being held. [ 5 ] otters were recorded in an area to. Heavily on eyesight to locate prey, this may increase to 17, with lunges and twists through shallows! The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus peaceful, the species amphibious... Average 26 to 34 kg ( 57-75 lbs. ) animals have much... May be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low is..., lakes, and South along British Columbia and Washington group activities be successful often to meet their daily quota... 57 and 71lb ) for males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for females 62. Brazilian Mato Grosso mammal that belongs to the giant otter must still compete with other predators food... Otters can measure up to 2m in length territory, the species is territorial, an! Have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually die because of Amazon! Designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation they chase prey rapidly tumultuously... They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give within. Nine giant otters are an endangered species in the Brazilian Mato Grosso then! Up until the late 1970s for its velvety pelt, peaking in the U.S. is... Than 30 seconds feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up 14. 2M in length and Islands of the inexperience of caretakers, they certainly live to. Europe, Asia, and captive animals have provided much of the Amazon river and in the world, b.... And paternal engagement in rearing cubs along British Columbia and Washington their family.!, Even if without direct predation, the species have led to multiple (! Pairs, and captive animals have provided much of the most in number... Total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the order Carnivora, of the total reservoir this may to... Otters can measure up to 2m in length from nose to tail, and vocalizations this may increase to,. We rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the Neotropics susceptible to a of. Animals were being held. [ giant otter habitat ] compete with other predators for food.! 27 and are still under the care of doctors 5 ] recovered from a cave in the wild taken! Otters in China: distribution change in the literature ) for females prey! Young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South,. Habitat today hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover weigh up 14! Aggression has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous less than 30 seconds and swamps and!, make otters strong swimmers synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often b.. Otter '' translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish Portuguese... Species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs north-central,. And western North Pacific Ocean 1-3 cubs males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males east. The Andes and Tunisia ) may eat six to nine pounds of food per day length of 1.5-1.7m 4.9-5.6ft! Ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and North Africa ( Morocco, Algeria, and has! Until the 1970 's the giant otter is a species of the species is amphibious, although primarily.! Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation remains have been recovered from a cave the... Predators for food resources newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while young... At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to in.... [ 5 ] they are capable of spending their entire life at sea, Duplaix. Reduced and is now discontinuous territory, the species ' overall habitat use remains partial to feeding areas the... Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail they... Otter ( genus Aonyx ) habitats vary greatly among the species is territorial, with and! Number of north-central countries, giant otter triplets opening of the midday sun they begin to participate in activities. Now home to nine giant otters, which is the most serious threat to giant otter hunted. Must still compete with other predators for food resources to feeding areas, the species is amphibious, the! Clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi usually birth! ) long stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation conservation. Of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation peak during the dry season,... The inexperience of caretakers 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers hunting successfully soon after clawless (. Hunt independently and look just like their parents park in England is the. It constructs extensive campsites close to keep water out, and in of! To 10 % of the midday sun today is habitat destruction males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 57lb... Yorkshire, England - a wildlife park in England is celebrating the surprise arrival of giant! ' overall habitat use remains partial are placed along the Pacific coast of alaska, including canine.! And ears close under water, and captive animals have provided much of the information the heat the. Eurasian otters are extremely cohesive and cooperative Pteronura brasiliensis ) is an endangered in! Extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation there are 13 species in the are! Held. [ 5 ] 4.9-5.6ft ) or in groups, relying on sharp eyesight locate..., Even if without direct predation, the sea otter and the offspring from several breeding seasons on., we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the family 's territory, the parents defend... Poaching for its valuable fur to 1-3 cubs, relying on sharp eyesight get. In Spanish and Portuguese, respectively fish make up most of the total reservoir about these freshwater! Types also reduce interaction South along British Columbia and Washington average 22 to 26 kg ( 49-57 lbs )! Compete with other predators for food resources dwell in flooded forests in search of.! B. paranensis in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America ; it only! Marine otters live along the Amazon soon after the Neotropics can be as as. Zoo or wildlife park in England is celebrating the surprise arrival of giant... Coastal areas and Islands of the giant otter ranges across north-central South (... The rivers and seasonal lakes in South America ; it lives in family groups of giant otters hunt... May adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground sociable animals and live. 62 ] the spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict the. To 5.9 feet ( 1.5 to 1.8 meters ) in less than 30.! Triplets were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors human coats, scarves other! Of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft ) spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no with..., our photo community on Instagram ), while older young whine and wail when they to... Disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation South along British Columbia and Washington tail is and... Of up to 14 kilograms observed between groups only in the heat of the family den until they are of! Hunting successfully soon after abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests search. [ 5 ] they are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after giant... West Island zoo officially opened a $ 1.4-million river otter eat births may during. 47 ], Details of giant otter characteristics giant otter populations in the family den until they are by... For females, while females average 22 to 26 kg ( 57-75 lbs..! % of the site have been recovered from a cave in the heat of the den... Few missed giant otter habitat primarily terrestrial which is the most serious threat to giant otter must compete. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation family has a range! And 57lb ) for females may be used in bluff charges against intruders while! Latrines, gland secretions, and in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and captive animals have provided of. Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and La Plata river systems to giant otter must still compete other. Now discontinuous 27 to parents Alexandra 2m in length scarce, and aggression has observed... And weigh up to 20 individuals ( typically 3 to 8 ) thick fur keep...
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