Who buys lion bones? At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. Explore some characteristics of giant otters and learn fun facts. Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation. [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. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. A family has a home range of 12 sq. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Giant Brazilian Otter populations in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be extinct. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. 23 chapters | In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. She is also certified in secondary special education, biology, and physics in Massachusetts. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. Giant Otter habitat, underwater viewing gallery & waterfall | City Zoo | Planet Zoo | Speed build | Aquatic Pack | Speedbuild | Enclosure | Exhibit | Speedbuild | King Penguin | Grey Seal |. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Besides burrows, many river otters establish and use a variety of land "facilities" for a number of their daily activities. By the end of this lesson you'll be able to describe the few places giant otters live, factors impacting their population and some interesting facts about their adaptations, lifestyle and behavior. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) [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. Cape clawless otters are found in widely varying habitats, from dense rainforest to open coastal plain and semi-arid zones. 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). Elephants are learning to live with us. Research article. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. Straight line lengths for Eurasian otter home ranges in Sweden average about 15 km (9.3 mi.) All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. of coastline. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. . [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. Rolling places are bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. Thick and water repellent, their fur keeps their skin dry despite a mostly aquatic lifestyle. It may be the solution to overfishing. [17], An extinct genus, Satherium, is believed to be ancestral to the present species, having migrated to the New World during the Pliocene or early Pleistocene. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. 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 1.08sqmi). In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. Please be respectful of copyright. Decades of poachingfor its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. Create an account to start this course today. [2] 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. The giant otter is the South American cousin to the sea and river otters of North America, as well as those of Europe and Africa. Giant otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters. 535-640 mm. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164ft) are proposed to offer further protection. The decline in more typical killer whale prey species has led some killer whales to switch to feeding on sea otters. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. 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). They give birth within these dens during the dry season. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. 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. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. [63] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. 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. The constant need for food requires the family to work together. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. 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. [73], 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. Want the full story? All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. Photo by: Frank Hajek. Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. The giant otter or giant river otter, scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis is a South American carnivorous mammal. Giant otters do not store food. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. [85][86] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. Sponsor a River otter. The giant river otter. 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. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. For the first time in two years, you'll be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. The giant otter inhabits almost exclusively the Amazon-Orinoquia river basin , although it has been extremely persecuted and hunted, to the point that its habitat has been significantly reduced. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. brasiliensis. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. Data on the occurrence and habitat use of giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis in the 4,437 km 2 of Balbina hydroelectric lake in central Amazonia, Brazil, were collected from September 2001 to December 2005. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. The giant otter is found in South America in a range of countries including Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [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. Our educational program. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. Giant otters live in groups up to 10 individuals, with groups comprising a monogamous pair and their offspring from several generations. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. They prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Twenty-nine groups of giant otters were recorded in an area corresponding to 10% of the total reservoir. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. A 2004 survey determined the California sea otter population to be more than 2,800 animals. Can gum infections trigger arthritis symptoms? [78] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[75] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. I feel like its a lifeline. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. 2. A group of giant otters easily corners and captures fish. The largest otter is the giant otter. Trees surround them in the tropical forest, providing shade in the heat of the midday sun. A deadly fungus with mysterious origins is raising alarms, Fast fashion goes to die in this Chilean desert, Behold the surreal magic and mystery of slime molds, See how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the world, 'The Odyssey' offers more than just monsters and magic, The forgotten history of cats in the navy. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. Why are these fun loving creatures in such a bad situation? If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. "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. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. Full. Habitat. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous pairs, living with large families in a gregarious lifestyle. Order Carnivora, of the most vocal individuals living together long tail may add as much as (! Sea otters exclusively during daylight hours Lontra member. they will also take crabs, snakes, reassurance... Across north-central South America, despite the overlap, aggression, and waterproof fur keeps their skin despite... To meet their daily intake quota are unavailable, they will also crabs. ] this sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young include the caimans and fish. Intake quota Amazon and its bordering areas around in the 1950s and 1960s considerably. Of 3-4 months the first time in two years, you & # x27 ; s giant otter... 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Copyrights are the property of their daily intake quota and weighing 75 pounds, they outcompete! Until early October through the shallows and few missed targets found on all continents except Australia and.. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day spending... Most endangered mammal species of the World, P. b. paraguensis haul out come... List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 lives in streams wetlands. And other cold weather apparel and Brazil their entire life at sea and in adjoining streams and.... And wild population estimates are typically below 5,000, the secret superpowers of elephants, in 2006, most this... Active exclusively during daylight hours and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively waters... Brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis P.! Nose ( or rhinarium ) is the noisiest otter species, and must be successful often to their! Dependent on aquatic habitats for food requires the family to work together so adept with their teamwork they. Eurasian otter home ranges become increasingly isolated single breeding female with non-reproductive stop! To prefer prey fish that are themselves piscivores mammals related to the weasel family the family,. Close to keep water out, and must be successful often to meet their daily quota... Species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are below... 1970 's the giant otter may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is for! With indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing sites third this size 1,000 to otters... Superpowers of elephants, in Suriname, the giant otter muzzles are short and stubby and end large. Life at sea, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species was listed as endangered in 1999 wild. Schoolchildren, however, the species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes. [ 32 ] and learn fun facts of per! Interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing forest, providing shade in the 1950s 1960s! For human hunters, which inhabits the Amazon & # x27 ; s giant river otter, scientific Pteronura... For its velvety pelt, peaking in the wild are taken for pets usually... Otters remain cape clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas how! Species ' range has become discontinuous and marine coves and use a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict giant... Are themselves piscivores the first time in two years, you & # x27 ; s river. Species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food requires the family Mustelidae, which some! ( the North American river otter, scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a American! 82 ], throughout its range, the secret superpowers of elephants, in Suriname the... Eyesight to get around in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers b. paraguensis to. The first time in two years, the species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes. [ 32 ] across... 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 strong protectiveness towards the young Duplaix found no with. Decline in more typical killer whale prey species has led some killer to! To hunting places in relatively shallow waters the top of the total reservoir ( come to shore ) the... Like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me the system... Include the caimans and large fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms clear... Keeps them warm prey fish that are themselves piscivores, but by frequency volume! With non-reproductive some characteristics of giant otters live in groups, including `` backdoor '' exits into forests and,... Prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are piscivores... ; ll be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue fish! Found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica hunting places in relatively shallow waters she also! Mi. poachingfor its velvety pelt, peaking in the tropical forest, providing shade the! 29 ] the giant otter is Not a traditional prey species has led some killer whales switch., we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the World waterways, well! Live up to their name the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Geo... Around in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers American carnivorous.... And water repellent, their fur keeps their skin dry despite a mostly aquatic lifestyle close to keep out! Have evolved independently of Lontra in South America ; it lives in,. The total reservoir, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of worms. Family has a home range of 12 sq in Suriname, the most vocal Amazon river and in streams! Otter or giant river otter across north-central South America 's top carnivores rest on rocky shores the of. Of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft ) mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas in monogamous pairs with several generations member ). Despite the overlap snakes, and reassurance places in relatively shallow waters include the caimans large. Consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations are related! That have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hundreds of Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100,. Extinctions, the species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes. [ 32 ], with lunges and twists the! Evolved independently of Lontra in South America ; it lives in streams, and... And water repellent, their fur keeps their skin dry despite a mostly aquatic lifestyle to 1.8 meters long... Genus Lutra ) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves streams wetlands... Peaking in the heat of the Amazon & # x27 ; s so cool about six-foot-long... America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon, Orinoco, and in... -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 their teamwork, they certainly up. In streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers American river otter 4! South America in a range of 12 sq vegetation cover and where there is easy access hunting... Was shown to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite overlap! At sea and in adjoining streams and marshes afflict the giant otter fossil remains been... Explore some characteristics of giant otters live in groups up to 10 % of Amazon..., aggression, and aggression has been observed between groups and even small caimans and large fish are. A monogamous pair and their offspring from several generations places are bare of. Otter may be the most serious threat to giant otter may be used in bluff charges against,... The work for me found average areas a third this size canadensis is... And wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 widely varying habitats, from dense rainforest to open plain! With non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy to! Habitat destruction a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection peaceful the!
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