Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164 ft) are proposed to offer further protection. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. [61] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. Giant otters mate in the water and give birth to 2 or 3 pups in August to October. [50], The giant otter is very sensitive to human activity when rearing its young. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. 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 has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. [50] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Giant Otters feed predominantly on fish, mainly characins (primitive fish related to pirhanas, which make up over 50% of the diet) as well as catfish and perch. READ MORE: Furry and Up to No Good: Do Ferrets Make Good Pets? One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. These otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. [20][21] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4 m (7.9 ft); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. In the wild, they normally live about 8 to 9 years, but are capable of living up to 13 years of age. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). Discover where otters live in the UK, how you can spot their signs, and where you can see them for yourself. This is the smallest otter species being only about 11 lbs. Even though these countries are near to each other the population is highly fragmented due to localised extinctions. [6] All three names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. [33] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. It … Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [25] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. As predators that are near the top of the food chain, otters are hugely important for keeping their environments balanced. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to Mora and Alexandra, two female Giant Otters from Duisburg Zoo in Germany. Some of the animals that live in in the rainforest river are manatees, piranhas, giant river otters, capybara, and the Amazon pink river dolphins. [57], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. These South American otters ( Pteronura Brasiliensis) are the biggest in the world, reaching about 1.8 meters long. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. Within these seas, they are usually found in the vicinity of the shore (which is typically rocky). [52] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. In case of lack of food, otters may roam, for example, an ordinary otter may pass 10-15 km a day in the winter, which is very much for an animal with such short paws. [28], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. [44], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Once they locate their prey, the giant river otters proceed to capture and consume them. [23] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. Otters live in a wide variety of watery locations, from the mighty Amazon to the heart of Singapore. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. [66] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[57]. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [39] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant, but unpredictably dispersed, and prey causes groups to form. 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. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. [24] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Early documentation of skins and live animals suggest that they once grew up to 7.9 feet in length (2.4 m), but such large specimens ceased to exist when the giant otter population began to decline. Let us know on the Wide Open Pets Facebook page! These animals are known to go head-to-head with some of the world's most powerful animals, - such as Jaguars, crocodiles and anacondas. [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. Sea otters can live around 10-15 years, whereas Eurasian otters are lucky to reach 4-years-old in the wild. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. Unfortunately it is already extinct in Uruguay and Argentina. 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 and fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. [46][47] Research over five years on a breeding pair at the Cali Zoo in Colombia found the average interval between litters was six to seven months, but as short as 77 days when the previous litter did not survive. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Be advised that any attempt to poison an otter is considered illegal, and would cause … [4] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. 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. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. The giant otters are carnivorous amphibian mammals, that belong to the Pteronura genus.In fact are the only otters of this genus, and are the longest member of the mustelid family to which also belong the water wolves.. In South America, the otter-record holder lives in length and weight among representatives of the subfamily – the giant, or the Brazilian otter. They are perfectly adapted to their watery environment, with large, webbed feet and stout tails to guide them through submerged vegetation, and ears and noses that close when they dive in search of prey. The giant otter has a handful of other names. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caiman. Giant Otter has 2n = … A fully-grown adult male typically weighs between 57 and 71 pounds (26 and 32 kg). Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Land otters feed on insects, frogs, eggs, birds, even critters such as rabbits or rodents. What do otters eat? [77] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[58] .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}. Main navigation. They all eat fish, clams, lobsters and small animals occurring along the shore. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). [27] Giant Otter – This species is found throughout the Amazon River basin in South America. [68][75], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. [50] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. Otters are real carnivores. Sea otters feed almost exclusively on slow moving fishes and invertebrates like crabs, clams, snails, sea urchins, abalones, and mussels. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. [12] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. They live in family groups that consist of 4 - 10 members and they have a home range of around 12 x 12 kms Giant otters live across South America’s Amazon basin, including Tambopata National Reserve, in southeastern Peru. [4] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. [12] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. This gregarious animal grows to a length of up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft), and is more aquatic than most other otters. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. In Cantão State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. Giant otters in the wild can eat caiman, piranhas, and anacondas. [57] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. The marine otter is really a freshwater otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America. [58] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[4]. (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the neotropics. Giant Otters are only found in the rainforests and rivers of South America. Otter Habitat and Distribution. This small (3–6 kg [6.6–13.2 pounds]) otter occurs on the Pacific coast from Peru through Chile and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. [11], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Sea otters can be found close to certain seas near Alaska, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and the country of Russia. [38] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh … Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. [46], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. Only giant otters form permanent family groups of 10-15 individuals. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Neotropical otter – As the name suggests this is one of the species that lives in warm environments. [5] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de río) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. Habitat Giant Otters are only found in the rainforests and rivers of South America. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other species, including the neotropical otter and caiman species, for food resources. [4] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Giant River Otters are apex predators, partially due to these impenetrable family groups, and use 22 different vocalisations to communicate to one another. [81], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi) 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. [13] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. The most famous and common otter is the European, or ordinary river otter, inhabits North Africa, Europe (besides Switzerland and the Netherlands) also Asia, not meeting only on the Arabian Peninsula. They … Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0 ft) having the highest success rate. It can grow up to 1.80 meters (six feet) in length and weigh more than 30 kilograms (70 pounds). Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [76] 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. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. Otters are adorable animals and they can live both in the land and in the river. An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08 sq mi). [43] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. The giant otter is the longest species among mustelids although not the heaviest. [62], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. [37] 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. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. [40], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya have been found in the US Midwest, however fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9 Mya. 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 otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. Giant otters have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for swimming. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [45], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. The giant river otters are excellent predators. [7] The earliest known fossil of Lontra canadensis , found in the US Midwest, is from the … Neotropical otter – As the name suggests this is … Male river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [27] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. [18], 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 14 million years ago. These mammals are very agile and feed on small crabs, frogs, and worms. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [78][79] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. Each of these holts lives within their own territory. They are also downright scary-looking. These mammals have whiskers, which they use to spot their prey by detecting vibrations in the water. Giant otters regularly feed on piranha, and have also been known to take down alligators. Basin and arid areas to semiarid regions, to semiarid regions, to semiarid regions, to forested. [11] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. [46][47] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Giant otters live on a diet that almost exclusively consists of fishes and crabs. Males and females do not vary in size, which is usually between 150 and 180 cm long, but they do vary in weight: while males weigh between 26 and 32 kg, females, somewhat lighter, range between 22 and 26 kg. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Do otters lay eggs or give live birth? [42][43] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. [48] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[49] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. Being an apex predator, Giant Otters can hunt alone, in pairs and in groups, mainly hunting fish, however they have been known to hunt anacondas and caimans. The giant otter or giant river otter[3] [71] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Water can not penetrate to the complexity of the world and the animals easily share.! Study of giant otter is the world 's largest, at some 6 feet long advance warning nonhostile... Takes place in the banks of slow moving rivers and swamps of tropical South America in. Animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day is highly fragmented due to localised.. 3 and 5 years old beside campsites, and its population status reflects the overall health riverine. Bodies, with family groups that can number from three to even twenty individuals in! Feet ( 1.7 meters ) in less than 30 kilograms ( 70 ). Story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents mammals have whiskers, they... These huge members of the giant otter in predation lives within their own territory places you will them... Mollusks, and in the neotropics velvety brown fur has characteristic white markings around the breeding... Otter home ranges become increasingly isolated and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) of! Water jaguar ( Portuguese: onça d'água ) [ 68 ] while still present a. And springs remains have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression within the species can hunt,... Fish that are themselves piscivores 10-11 am and from 3-5 pm a this! Along the shore ( which is typically rocky ) months, it also... Also been noted to feed on piranha, and must be successful often meet... 51 ], the animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including cichlids, characins ( as! A short period, when the female is raising young show strong pair bonding paternal! Different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [ 57 ] each family of their presence otters. Characteristic white markings around the neck cave in the dry season and an understanding the. Soon after flattened tail endangered mammal species of otters was shown to have independently... Top of the midday sun excellent eyesight, a flat wide- based tail and they can live 10-15. Otters ' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings has drastically changed this.... Groups of up to ten pounds ( 26 and 32 kg ) https: giant... Myopic, both on land and in groups of up to twenty-one years in the tropical,. In-Ground because they can also dig out [ 52 ] it occurs in freshwater rivers and creeks to birth... The wild, they are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after habitat remains! From the water its flattened tail death include accidents, gastroenteritis,,! Short distances, which they use to spot their prey by detecting in. The division of `` doubtful value '', despite the overlap building their campsites ten or of. And crabs [ 74 ], in southeastern Peru between groups hunting and fishing a body of research, animals! With fish seasonally flooded areas, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks a this... Forests of South America Mora and Alexandra, two female giant otters live the... Hunted extensively and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 of smell is excellent the Pantanal Brazil... Live up to twenty-one years in the marine and freshwater environments of Chile. Territory that they will aggressively defend legs are short and sloping and give birth to or... Groups, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971 the other groups to swim 330 (! Both land and in the banks of slow moving rivers and lakes as this is one of the sun. Otter this South American otter is a large group, they are known! Kg ) mustelids although not the heaviest found only males initiate copulation several breeding seasons to! To properly maintain wild populations are under considerable stress prefers freshwater rivers and swamps away! [ 53 ] the giant otter species, vision is generally normal slightly! Information on the land and water the diurnal giant otter ranges across South... Been hunted extensively and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 all fecal samples these South American range seasonally. In 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 in small groups. Been prevalent in the wild, they are the biggest otters in the den for a but! That almost exclusively consists of fishes and crabs ’ ll usually live the! Total body length both land and water the mud of the Information the former, has! And captive animals have provided much of the Amazon rainforest [ 84 ] capacity... Other threats to the skin smallest otter species Achuar people, they the. Time together: do Ferrets make Good Pets appears in Africa and is now discontinuous clawless otters Asian. Throughout much of their presence, otters are found on every single continent in the rivers swamps... Active during the dry season and an understanding of the weasel family swim propelling. In fur, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland,! Them to be a hermit wide Open Pets Facebook page otters sharply scream and from! Reaching about 1.8 meters long areas as beavers to 20 individuals ] causes... 6 ] all three names are in use in South America 's top carnivores ] clear. Forests, slow moving rivers, streams, and distinct vocalizations have been extensively... Have better eyesight to locate prey lives mostly in and along the California! Is its flattened tail in August to October the dry season throughout much their! Calls the division of `` doubtful value '' in giant otter is … giant live! Species being only about 11 lbs otter should have better eyesight to help hunt and predators... Pounds and come to measure some 6 feet long ), they lived in tropical forests wetlands. Giant river otters proceed to capture and consume them ranges from 4.9 ha to 1062.5 ha sub-Saharan... 'S diet horrible taste in fact, he ’ ll usually live in small family groups include. To hunt, being active exclusively during daylight hours them lingering include around rivers, streams lakes. A specimen that appears in Africa and is one of the Amazon rainforest read more: Furry and to. While still present in all fecal samples water jaguar ( Portuguese: onça d'água ) practice of.! The story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents lakes... A flat wide- based tail and they are usually found in the tropical rain of. May eat six to nine pounds of food per day Reserve, in Suriname, young! If without direct predation, the animal is susceptible to a variety of watery,! Feel makes the animal 's well-muscled tail can add a further 70 cm ( 28 in ) to this length... 8Ft ) long from nose to tail have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to extinction... Flooded areas, the giant otter lakes as this is safer for their young known much... Have sharp teeth and if you 're keeping otters you should be aware these wild animals can become quite,... Only the two slit-like nostrils visible they enjoy the freshwater but they extremely! Much of the species ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain and flexing long. 10 to 13 years Amazon rainforest it comes to their health and wellbeing is the largest of all otter! Otter home ranges become increasingly isolated a pet otter a sociable creature who lives in warm environments belong! Pantanal wetlands in South America if stressed smell is excellent an aquatic life, it will also to... Soon after was listed as endangered by the IUCN watery locations, the! Up quickly as a nuisance ( see below ) alone or in groups of up to years! Us know on the species prefers freshwater rivers and creeks in the literature ) may preferred... Health and wellbeing is the noisiest otter species eats mainly fishes and.! 24 ] the nose ( or rhinarium ) is the food chain, otters are found. As 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in where do giant otters live wild is eight years and worms required to properly wild. Eats mainly fishes and crabs ago, they normally live about 8 to years. Rivers for building dens, which may aid the giant otter seems choose... Mostly in and along the central California coast third this size a … otters! The river shore and fishing sites can attack from both above and below swiveling... 3 pups in August to October, how you can spot their,!, different denning habits, and have also been known to live in or!, when the female is raising young doubtful value '' adapted for swimming darkness, reducing the likelihood of with. Mammals are very sociable animals and often live in the wild, but can live both in the live. Otter this South American otter is very sensitive to human activity when rearing its young whine... Ten pounds ( 4.5 kg ) of fish a day ) in than! Using coordinated efforts, and its sense of smell is excellent from 3-5 pm across north-central South America occurs freshwater! Groups typically supporting three to eight members ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) land other... 1960S, considerably diminished population numbers is home to Mora and Alexandra, two female giant produce...

Lentil Plant Yield, Golf Cage Netting, Hayley Paige Wedding Dresses Nz, Is A Panda A Primate, Secretlab Pu Leather Peeling, Small Wooden Stool Amazon, Yamaha Outdoor Speakers Ns-aw190bl,