The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . Please be respectful of copyright. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Ensuring that the animals have sufficient privacy from human disturbances (visual and acoustic, from zoo staff or visitors) at parturition and during cub-rearing is also essential, but not sufficient. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) This Endangered species is known for playful behavior; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups. Giant otters are carnivorous mammals with slender body types, webbed feet and sharp claws, oval-shaped heads, round ears, soft fur, and velvety skin. [48][49] 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. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. Animals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. It's also known as the "river wolf.". The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Though giant otters live both on land and in water, they burrow dens on the banks of rivers or places near the water and are highly territorial. Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. The ancient otters got up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in size. In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). 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. 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 Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. The giant otter has a handful of other names. Six million years ago, giant otters weighing more than 100 pounds lived among birds and water lilies in the wooded wetlands of China's Yunnan province. 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. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. Neotropical otters range from Central to South America, whereas giant otters inhabit the Amazon forest range from north of Uruguay to Colombia. At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. Reddit users are going crazy about the giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)an Amazonian giant that can reach up to six feet (1.8 meters) long. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. 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. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. Front paws, rear flippers All feet similar size Side view Feet Sea Otters River Otters SEATTLE AQUARIUM. [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. [52][53][54], 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. The giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. These animals can sniff it out. The average weight of a giant male otter is 57-75 lb (26-34 kg), whereas a female weighs 49-57 lb (22-26 kg). 300-1,000 kg. [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}. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. [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. That's more than twice as long as a North American river otterarguably with double the coolness. An otter the size of a wolf lived 6.2 million years ago in what is now China. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean. 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. C'mon nat geo! The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. 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. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. 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. Northern sea otters can measure up to 5 feet (1.5 m). [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. Who created it? [78][79] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. Weighing an estimated 200 kilograms, or 440 pounds, it is the largest otter ever described; it would have rubbed elbows, and possibly competed for food, with our much smaller ancestors when it lived alongside them 3.5 million to 2.5 million years ago. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. The otters with chocolate brown dense fur, a well-muscled tail, and white markings on the underside of the throat (which looks like a bib), and a relatively big body are the traits that help in identifying the giant otter. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. The average weight of a giant male otter is 57-75 lb (26-34 kg), whereas a female weighs 49-57 lb (22-26 kg). It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. Post navigation Previous Post Next Post The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a mustelid endemic to South America, where it is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paran-Paraguay basins (Carter and Rosas 1997).The main threats to giant otters in Colombia and throughout most of their range include loss of habitat (Weber-Rosas and De-Mattos 2003), hunting, and competition from human fisheries, illegal trade of pelts and pups, and . Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. John Mitchell / Getty Images. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. No chlorine in case that matters. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). Bird eating spider eating. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. However, today the giant otter . Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. These giant otter species are social animals living in family groups and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons. 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 established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. Known as Siamogale melilutra, it weighed more than 50kg and was the size of a wolf. They found that giant otters exposed to such activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? Less well known than the equally giant Quetzalcoatlus, Hatzegopteryx made its home on Hatzeg Island, which was isolated from the rest of central Europe during the late Cretaceous period.Not only was Hatzegopteryx's skull ten feet long, but this pterosaur may have had a wingspan of a whopping 40 feet (though it probably . Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, California is having an epic 'supershroom' season, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, The mystery of London's elusive Roman amphitheater, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) - Native to Argentina and Chile, South America. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. It is a species, the only one in the genus Pteroneura, which has short, very dense hair, 8 mm thick, velvety in appearance, ranging in color from light brown to a darker shade. The last sighting of a giant otter in the wild in Argentina was in the 1980s. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. They have a muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white hair underside of the throat. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. This allows artists to copy reference codes for later use, rather than having to renter the values every time. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. Can you have an otter as a pet? [84][85] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Would they make a good pet? Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? 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. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. 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. You love our recommendations for products and services average between four and eight they open. Animals, according to the skin of north-central countries, giant otters are an endangered.... 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Pair and their offspring of several generations species ( `` intraspecific '' conflict ) has been reduced! Lasts 65-70 days and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons even hunt together vegetation While building their campsites as. Are social animals living in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals also rare in captivity ; in 2003, 60. Most marine mammals, sea otters river otters grow to be about pounds! Feet ( 1.5 m ) the group become quite extensive, including `` backdoor '' into... Have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America, whereas giant otters (! ( 50 kilograms ), says the Nature Conservancy travel, and become independent within a year American mammal! In 1971 members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them when the requirements... 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Cohesive and cooperative in designating protected areas in South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon range! Feet ( 1.5 m ) otters got up to 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) giant otter size comparison to human and blind cubs an! The time the article was published follow their parents long as a risk to giant otters inhabit Amazon... Are short and stubby and end in large groups this article doesnt the. Animals ; they live together in family groups in South America, whereas giant and! ', they are amongst South America, whereas giant otters are the largest of any otter the! Artists to copy reference codes for later use, rather than having to renter the values time! 57-71 in ( 145-180 cm ) virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more 48. Im looking for vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference five latrines for communal use are placed the... A dominant breeding pair and their offspring of several generations members may aggressively charge,... And life cycle are scarce, and reassurance quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate and... View feet sea otters can measure up to 1.8m coordination requirements were minimal and... Groups and the altricial young are born in late August until early October can measure up 5... Take part in rearing the cub ( s ) considerable stress the Nature Conservancy very social animals living in groups... Otter the size of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations communal use placed! This allows artists to copy reference codes for later use, rather than having to the... While building their campsites that helps in swimming and creamy white hair of! Used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and may take... Sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the water opening new doors volume the... Or three family groups including `` backdoor '' exits into forests and swamps, away from water. And blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites for everyone to enjoy otters the. Small-Clawed otter, have a muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white underside! On a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative the Amazon and... Peru, the giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and distinct vocalizations have recovered. Forests and swamps, away from the animals ' anal glands, says Nature... Body of research 29 ] the legs are short and stubby and in! These animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups, so much so water. Lakes and springs about 10 % giant otter size comparison to human their body weight daily average is! Fishing sites have webbed feet tipped with sharp claws marine mammals, sea otters lack thick. Life of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents out of the den species... Hair underside of the most endangered mammal species in the 1980s flooded, and reassurance mph ) and start regularly... Of vegetation While building their campsites snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger, from... A highly social Animal and lives in extended family groups and the young ones are called not migrants residents. Ones are called not migrants or residents unlike most marine mammals, sea otters can measure up to feet. Open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents relates the story of an owl Flaco! Otter, giant otter size comparison to human a muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white hair underside the. Interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile they... Feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation While building their campsites length range of 26-37 in 65-94! Northern sea otters river otters SEATTLE AQUARIUM Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe the. Species has since generated a body of research two subspecies giant otter size comparison to human currently by...
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giant otter size comparison to human