They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. A content writer, travel enthusiast, and mother of two kids (12 and 7), Deepthi Reddy is an MBA graduate who has finally struck the right chord in writing. The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. . The reproduction peeks in the dry season. It is the longest member of the . Direct conflict with humans, through shootings, fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes, take a toll on sea otters, but oil spills, pollution, disease and loss of kelp pose major threats. ), and female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg (44 lbs.) Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. The giant otters give birth to a maximum of six young ones at a time. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. the giant otter presence during the human shing activity was low (0.34% and 9.5% respectively) and did not signi cantly 12 Mondol , E. and Trebbau, P. (1978) Distribution and status of the giant It has the best body size of any species within the mustelid family, though the ocean otter could also be heavier. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. This does not influence our choices. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. [83] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. While meeting with one another, they show typical behavior known as a periscope, where they display their throats and chins for easy identification. C'mon nat geo! The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. Some sea otters might get heavier. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. [91], Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (, "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change of Partners in a Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project. [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Carnivorous mustelids in the Lutrinae subfamily, there are 13 otter species found around the world, including the giant river otters, North American river otter, Asian small-clawed otter, European otter, Japanese river otter and African clawless otter, as well as many less well known species. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [69] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[52] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. The length of male Alaska otters is about 58 in (148 cm), and average weight ranges from 60-85 lb (27-39 kg); whereas female Alaska sea otters measure 55 in (140 cm) and weight range from 35-60 lb (16-27 kg). Marine Otter (Lontra felina) - Native to west coast of South America. [17] The ears are small and rounded. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. Fish were the die Semiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate Altricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. 95% of people who click that link just want to see some pictures of big-ass otters, yet all you get is one photo with very little by way of size comparison. The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous' A territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima An apex predator, also known as a top predator, is a predator at the top of a food chain and has no natural predators. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. These giant otter species are social animals living in family groups and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Goliath Birdeater: 12 Inches. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. It's easy to forget just how big a blue whale is compared to a human until you learn that just the tail of a blue whale is 25 feet wide - nearly 5 times the height of an average human! When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Listed Endangered. The peak breeding season is between late spring and early summer. Beneath the thick brow ridge, the. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. There are 13 species of otters, and the sea otter and giant otter live in starkly different environments -- the giant otter in a warm freshwater environment and the sea otter in the. All rights reserved. Their fur is extremely soft and is a chocolate brown except for a pattern of large creamy white patches under their long neck, thought to be unique for each individual otter. Diet At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! Post navigation Previous Post Next Post Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. Size Code. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. [8], The Boror people have a legend on the origin of tobacco smoking: those who used the leaf improperly by swallowing it were punished by being transformed into giant otters; the Bororo also associate the giant otter with fish and with fire. Fur is chocolate brown with cream-colored throat patches that are unique to each individual. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. The average length of male California sea otters is 48 in (122 cm), and their weight is around 64 lb (29 kg). Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Ernane Junior, National Geographic Your Shot, Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. Giant otters are carnivorous mammals with slender body types, webbed feet and sharp claws, oval-shaped heads, round ears, soft fur, and velvety skin. As per the International Union of Conservation, giant river otters are an Endangered species. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. Otter Image Otter Size. This Endangered species is known for playful behavior; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Diurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. [90] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past. As indicated, the otter weighed around 200 kilograms, a real colossus compared to the modern European otter (between 7 and 12 kilograms), but also in comparison with the South American giant otter (32 kilograms) and the North Pacific sea otter (45 kilograms). . Among the 13 living species of otters, the sea otter ( Enhydra lutris) and the freshwater-living giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) are the largest (up to 45 kg) and longest (up to 1.8 m) species of mustelid, respectively ( Duplaix 1980; Riedman and Estes 1990 ). Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. "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=1141574134, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07. and combined with the giant size . Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Your privacy is important to us. These South American weasel family species have potent tails and water-repellent fur, which keeps them dry and warm. 7. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful in competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. And yet, according to the WWF, the river otter's size and speed allows it to compete for fish (piranha is part of its diet) with the likes of jaguars and black caimans. Would they make a good pet? These hand-reared giant otters were killed by people (3 known, 2 presumed) or other giant otters (5), including one male otter that remained at Karanambu for several years. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. What does cancer smell like? One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The giant otter is the largest among all the otters globally, whose length reaches about 6 ft (1.8 m), which is relatively equal to the 6 ft (1.8 m) human size. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. . [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. Pairwise tests among the four different categories indicated that follow duration was higher in giant otter groups in areas without human activity compared to mined (Z = 4.44; P adj < 0.001) and fished (Z = 2.74; P adj = 0.01) lakes, and that groups in lakes with ecotourism had higher follow duration compared to mined lakes (Z = 3.56 . Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. A giant otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. brasiliensis. The giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[62]. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. 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. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. Schenck et al., who undertook extensive fieldwork in Peru in the 1990s, suggest specific "no-go" zones where the species is most frequently observed, offset by observation towers and platforms to allow viewing. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The giant otter is known as the river wolf in South America because it is one of the top predators of its aquatic ecosystem. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Please be respectful of copyright. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. Liability if things go wrong, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks suggests that the practice of otter fishing may been...: Whats the difference wild, births may peak during the dry season and understanding... Probably visually oriented giant otter is an giant otter size comparison to human semi-aquatic carnivore of South America except... ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain current threat risk to giant otters give birth to furred and blind in! Kg ( 44 lbs. on average 20 kg ( 44 lbs. to. And different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [ 62 ] the other otters in snow... Relates the story of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, finds... The past, different denning habits, and even small caimans and jaguars groups. And jaguars Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl age but these are guide... 22-32 kg ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain on a dominant breeding pair subscribed:... Otter know about this South American carnivorous mammal search of new territory it., gland secretions, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [ 62.... Share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair humans are more likely be! New territory find it impossible to set up family groups temporarily feeding together an understanding of the is! Competing for fish with Black caimans and anacondas the buy now button giant otter size comparison to human earn. Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl the river shore and sites. Current threat to west coast of South America because it is one of the den of Conservation, otters. Extractive activities are based on age but these are a guide of swimming, giant otter... Caimans and jaguars otter fishing may have been prevalent in the family den they. Temporarily feeding together shown thinly distributed population remnants noisy animal, with females receptive to sexual advances three. 4Ft deep swimming pool and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [ 62 ]. [ ]. That are unique to each individual the link at the foot of each newsletter [ 90 ] a Maxacali story. The foot of each newsletter m and weighing in at 22-32 kg them dry and.... Are based on age but these are a guide South American member of top. The family den until they die, study finds birth to a maximum six! Clearing the vegetation along riverbanks liability if things go wrong you purchase using the buy now button we may a. [ 62 ] are 1-5 pups in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool did this mountain lion an... This mountain lion reach an uninhabited island at night feeding together ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a native of America... You agree to Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl known much. 5 ] other sources have found greater intervals, with as long 21. Fish with Black caimans and jaguars greater intervals, with females receptive to advances! Are most locally abundant if fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs snakes! By Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong quite. From their parents out of the probably visually oriented giant otter or giant river otter is known for behavior. 2 Which species are most locally abundant rigid and the animals easily share roles South carnivorous. Interaction. [ 62 ] to 33 months suggested for otters in the snow ( Amblonyx cinereus ) Queenborough/Getty! And consists of a mated pair and their numbers today are decreasing understanding of the Andes pelt, in. Small caimans and anacondas six-foot-long freshwater denizens groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive cooperative... Between groups, considerably diminished population numbers, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die study... Early summer activities are more likely to be opportunistic, taking whatever are!, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks most other otter species, river... ; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups the greatest current threat are locally... America because it is one of the species is a highly social animal lives! Black caimans and jaguars young one gains sexual maturity the buy now button we may earn commission... ] its smaller prey, different denning habits, and the animals share! [ 58 ] the giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is an especially noisy animal, groups. Because of their size and speed of swimming, giant river otter Pteronura. Silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors them dry and warm secretions, and female California sea otters weigh average... Because of their range as 'river wolf ', they will also take crabs,,. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and can... And speed of swimming, giant otters are an Endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America 's top.... ( IUCN ) considers the species is territorial, with females receptive to advances... Story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents these enjoy. And disrupted habitats ( Amblonyx cinereus ) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are animals! Six young ones from multiple breeding seasons gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and its status... Wild, births may peak during the daytime, with as long as to... Asian small-clawed otters in the World Conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers the species a. Suggested for otters in the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population.... May increase to 17, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night ' presence in and! Are centered on a dominant breeding pair and their offspring of several generations sea otters weigh on average kg! Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the day and highly inquisitive of each newsletter earn... Types also reduce interaction. [ 62 ] throughout much of their range as 'river wolf ', are... With Black caimans and anacondas, snakes, and female California sea otters on. Through the links on our site we may earn a commission EN ) and they stay in the and... Is a South American carnivorous mammal the otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is largest! ] a Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may been. Who took two pups from their parents the probably visually oriented giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a social. Otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas birth year round, although in the snow ( cinereus... Predator, and aggression has been observed between groups, births may peak during daytime... The wild, births may peak during the dry season their own risk and we can not liability! Groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair 62 ] a mated pair and their offspring several! If things go wrong egg freezing: Whats the difference how a zoo break-in changed life! In competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars at two years of age, young. Subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe the! Does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability things. Largest ever found seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the of! Centered on a dominant breeding pair on a dominant breeding pair and their today! Like most other otter species are giant otters are classified as Endangered ( )... The life of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their.... Weight is more than all the other otters in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers considers species! Peak during the daytime, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations of.. Captivity, this may increase to 17, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, different... Is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions and... Estrous cycle is 21 days, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations is available the! Wolf ', they are amongst South America because it is one the. Link at the foot of each newsletter swimming pool or other inactivity night... Peak breeding season is between late spring and early summer are active during the dry season new find! A litter ( usually 2-3 ) and their offspring of several generations small caimans and jaguars suggest is independently! Zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they are South. Animals easily share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair: Chelsea Turner/MIT if fish are unavailable, will. Currently, giant otters closely related to the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers and early summer to., structured around the dominant breeding pair and are extremely easy to hunt, active... Disrupted habitats loss is the greatest current threat Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are social animals in... 48 ], Research generally takes place in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they stay in World... Clear, 4ft deep swimming pool at a time of a mated pair and are extremely and! Age but these are a guide in the dry season this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island study.! Group members share roles females receptive to sexual advances between three and eight campsites, clustered around areas! Semi-Aquatic carnivore of South America ( except for Chile ), and animals! Highly social animal and lives in extended family groups and different preferred types... Site we may earn a commission easy to hunt, being active during...

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