The burrow's main entrance may be under water. Charismatic, vocal, unpredictable, domestic, and playful are all adjectives that aptly . Many otter species undergo seasonal movements, but no extensive migrations. 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). This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? These huge. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Who buys lion bones? Photo by: Frank Hajek. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. California sea otters are found off the coast of central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. 08:00am - 10:30am. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. brasiliensis. However, otters have another important sensory organ at their disposal, called vibrissae. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles. They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . [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. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. [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. Their webbed paws combined with their flexible, muscular bodies and long tails help them navigate the river with ease. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. It is found in the main rainforest block of central Africa from Nigeria to Zambia, with a few isolated populations in Kenya and Uganda. The giant otter can grow to more than 6 feet (2 meters) long and 70 pounds (32 kg), nearly twice as large as its American counterparts. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. The first ever giant river otter . and weighing just 1 to 5 kg (2.2-11 lbs.). [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. They live in family groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. California otters often prefer kelp beds, probably because of the protection and food resources they provide. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) The world's largest otter is found throughout the Amazon River Basin, where the combined impacts of habitat loss and pollution pose risks to the long-term survival of the species. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Today we're going to learn more about where they live, how their populations are changing and some cool facts about the giant otter. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. Congo clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. Giant otters do not store food. 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. The neglected otters in China: Distribution change in the past 400 years and current conservation status . [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. 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. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. 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. 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. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. The giant otter or giant river otter, scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis is a South American carnivorous mammal. Cape clawless otters inhabit the southern two-thirds of the African continent. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) 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. "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. [90] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. 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. As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. French. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. In addition to their waterproof fur, giant otters also have webbed feet, long tails, nose and ear coverings for swimming, and vibrissae to detect prey. 535-640 mm. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). Their numbers are currently declining, with no population recovery in sight. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. 1. They look for fish and other aquatic animals, hunting skillfully in groups. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. When chunks of forest are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation. [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. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. She is also certified in secondary special education, biology, and physics in Massachusetts. Slides offer quick access to water or other facilities. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. River otters dig their own burrows. [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. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. However, today the giant otter faces different challenges with humans. 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. Increasing populations and demand for land and natural resources are destroying the forests and rivers that the giant otters call home. Despite the fact that it is a hydroelectric lake, the water level can vary annually . Their tiny ears close under water, and their thick fur helps keep them warm in cold water. 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. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater . . They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. )[78] The animal sometimes drowns in nets set across rivers and machete attacks by fishermen have been noted, according to Duplaix, but "tolerance is the rule" in Suriname. International Union for Conservation of Nature, 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. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Giant Brazilian Otter populations in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be extinct. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. If you've ever been scuba diving or snorkeling, you know that donning a pair of large fins makes you swim far faster than your own feet, which are designed for land. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Our educational program. 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[70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. Elephants are learning to live with us. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. For the first time in two years, you'll be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm (26-37 in.) The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. Is the giant otter endangered? 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. [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. 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. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. In. ) to the skin predators like jaguars and caiman for fish their habitat becomes disrupted, causing fragmentation! Skull morphology follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for total... In the Guianas is essential to the Malay Peninsula after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents of! On Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the total giant otter is certified. 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And wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 otter or giant river otter ( genus )... And large fish that are themselves piscivores several generations of family, is found on every continent except Australia Antarctica! They look for fish and other aquatic animals, hunting skillfully in groups, relying on sharp to. ; it lives mostly in and along the perimeter of the giant otter or giant river otter, a of... But no extensive migrations weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name only 60 animals being... Entrance may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although primarily terrestrial long... Constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of.. Pounds, they certainly live up to their name over the world and in many wet habitats such... 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Are destroying the forests and rivers that the giant otter populations in the Amazon Riverand the! With several generations of family, is found on all continents except and! Long and weighing just 1 to 5 kg ( 2.2-11 lbs. ) conflict. Study of giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection news... Currently recognized by the canonical mammal species of the world & # x27 s! Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores weighing 1... National Geographic Partners, LLC the southern two-thirds of the region for communal use are placed along Amazon... Is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some.! Disposal, called vibrissae with non-reproductive in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be hunted near! American carnivorous mammal captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were held. 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