The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. [53] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. [52], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. [75], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. The Otter of the Sea is very social and travels in 'rafts' of otters. [29], 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. [13] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. To reiterate that last point here is some videos of a group of otters against a caiman , pestering a jaguar , and a lone otter chilling with some caimans . [59], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. [51] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. [56], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [47] The animal reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age and both male and female pups leave the group permanently after two to three years. [25] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8 millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. Giant Otters have evolved independently from the sea and the river otters in the continent of South America. Some sea otters might get heavier. Check this one out: Giant otter with fish. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. 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. The giant otter needs to eat 3kg (6½lb) of fish each day. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg (30 to 100 lb), making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Duplaix documented interaction with the neotropical otter. [18] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. [78] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [57] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight daily—about 3 kilograms (7 lb), in keeping with findings 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. [77] 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. Buy Photos. They are often referred to as the river wolf and are the largest otters in the world. Short tail. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. [10]The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words pteron/πτερόν (feather or wing) and oura/οὐρά (tail),[11] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. This guard layer is twice the length of the inner coat, which is about one third of an inch long. This is why so many conservation efforts have been made to save the Otter of the Sea.​. Whether you’re sailing the coast of the Pacific Northwest or hiking the riverbanks of West Virginia, you now have the tools to tell the difference between river otters and sea otters. [4] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. 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. [38] 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. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. [42] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mourão suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. [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. At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. [81], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. They are also downright scary-looking. Many people don’t know the difference between sea otters and river otters — but, with a little info, you’ll be able to tell right away. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. It feeds mainly on fish and crabs, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers. But when it cannot find food in the water, it has been known to go after andaconda’s! Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. 5. Using all of its evolutionary traits to its advantage the rare massive 100 pound Otter of the Sea wacks the head of the Giant River Otter with a rock. [6] All three names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. [47] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. 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). [33] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. [14] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Sleek fur and skinny profile. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. [26] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. The Giant River Otter is becoming extinct, and the total population of the otter is from 1,000 otters to 5,000. The Giant River Otter now unconscious because it did not have the use of tools on its side. [19], 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. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purús National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. [44] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. This makes the Otter of the Sea vulnerable to hypothermia when this happens. [25] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Feb. 04. Read More. The main diet of the otter is made up of fish and crustaceans. The Otter of the Sea was almost trapped to extinction through the 1800's because of their desirable fur coats. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. No institution, for example, has successfully raised giant otter cubs unless parents were provided sufficient privacy measures; the stress caused by human visual and acoustic interference can lead to neglect, abuse and infanticide, as well as decreased lactation. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. In 2002 one was reported in a river on the Patagonian steppe.” Legal protection: All species protected. This is why the Otter of the Sea obsessively grooms its fur; this rids the fur of foreign material.​, The Otter of the Sea what is known as a keystone species meaning if it becomes extinct the ecosystem around it will collapse because that ecosystem is so dependent on its role in it. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. [13], Adult giant otters living in family groups have no known serious natural predators, however there are some accounts of black caimans in Peru and yacare caimans in the Pantanal preying on giant otters. The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter.Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. [21][22] 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. [41] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sq mi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sq mi) found in Guyana. [63], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. Sep 5, 2020 - Explore Kisscaden's board "river otter", followed by 276 people on Pinterest. 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 overall—still, but for how long? In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: onça d'água). Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3 – 10 individuals that hunt together. This species is the largest among all the species of otters in the world, (sea otters , with their more compact body, can weigh considerably more).The males reach a total length of 1.5 to 1.8 m and a weight between 26 and 32 kg.As for females they usually measure 1.5 to 1.7 m in length and can weigh between 22 and 26 kg. The smaller hairs help trap air next to their skin thus they never really get wet. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. River otters: Dark brown. ​The Giant River Otter will eat around ten percent of its body weight per day, and is known as a opportunist, preferring to hunt whatever is in abundance in its local 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). [62] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. [15] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". Groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river. (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [72] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. [32] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. [67] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[58]. [54] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The Giant River Otter was nearly hunted to extinction during the 1950’s and 60’s and the Giant River Otter was so close to extinction that ion 1979 just twelve of them remained. [23] Marine & Freshwater Environmental Education. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. Did you know…? the giant river otter is known as a heavily territorial animal, to the point where it is seen aggressive to its own kind. VS The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in length from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.3 and 4.9 ft). The giant river otters are excellent predators. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in length from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.3 and 4.9 ft). The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70 cm (28 in) to the total body length. Though the fur trade is … brasiliensis. April 26, 2018 - This is a giant otter. [86], Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, https://iwokrama.org/mammals/guides/carn4.html, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Cytogenetic study of the giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis Zimmermann 1780 (Carnivora, Mustelidae, Lutrinae)", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (Pteronura brasiliensis) encode information on group identity", "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, "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, Home-Range in the Yasuní National Park, Ecuador", "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 conservación de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inírida (Bajo río Inírida) Guainía, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=999674889, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 11 January 2021, at 10:41. [46], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. Giant Armadillo, Giant Flying Squirrel V. Giant Flying Fox, Goat of the Mountain V. Shrew of the Water, Pocket Gopher of the Mountain V. Otter of the Sea, Porcupine of the Cape V. Baby of the Bush, White Faced Capuchin V. Burrowing Bettong, Hairy Nosed Wombat V. Screaming Hairy Armadillo. The giant river otter has become rare or nonexistent over most of its range. Sea Otter in Morro Bay, Califormia . The Neotropical otter is the only species which is widespread especially in the central and northern parts of the country. [69] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[13][70][71]. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. [83] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. Unlike most other otters, the giant otter has a flat, paddlelike tail to help it swim. [47], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. Neanderthal Hunting Party v.s. [38] The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels, and ferrets, and are by far the loudest member of the group.Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3-10 individuals that hunt together. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. 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).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. The Otter of the Sea as a pup almost got snatched up by a bald eagle in Alaska. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). [27] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. The Amazon River is the world's biggest river in volume (219,000 m 3 /s discharge), drains eight countries, supports the Amazon rainforest and hosts a huge variety of species, including unique species such as the pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and the Amazon giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Jaguars have a diet of primarily caimans and capybaras … but these sisters seem intent on possibly broadening their dietary horizons. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. [40] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant, but unpredictably dispersed, and prey causes groups to form. 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. 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. 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. Groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [4] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. [64] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[51] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. Otters (Sea, Giant & River) A collection of otter images from diverse locations. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. Additionally, sea otters spend the vast majority of their lives in the water, while river otters spend most of theirs on land, venturing into the water for tasks like hunting for food and traveling. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the neotropics. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. Fluffy fur and husky profile. They are engaged in a standoff near Panthera’s research station in Southern Brazil. The Giant river otter has a double layered coat, with a inner coat that is meant as its sense of warmth, and an outer guard layer that covers the inner layer. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. [24] Giant otters use these marks to recognize one another, and upon meeting other otters, they engage in a behavior known as "periscoping", displaying their throats and upper chests to each other. [16] The ears are small and rounded. They are also downright scary-looking. This photograph of a Sea Otter feeding on a black mussel was captured in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska (8/13). Animals And Pets Baby Animals Funny Animals Cute Animals Baby Giraffes Wild Animals Otters Holding Hands Holding Hands Quotes Otter Love. [69] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs. [43][44] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Poaching has long been a problem. The marine otter is larger than the Eurasian Otter. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. 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. [12] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. The Southern River Otter is much more rare and the Marine Otter is on the verge of extinction with 3 isolated population the most important of which is found in the Naheul Huapi National Park (Aued, M.B et al 2003). At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. [12] 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. [65] 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. It feeds mainly on fish and crabs, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). These are two jaguar sisters named Medrosa and Jaju. [45], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. To help maximize their body heat retention in their cold environment the coats have two layers an undercoat, and then longer guard hairs and they have to give or take 1 million hairs per square inch. 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 Giant River Otter has the shortest coat of any otter on the planet. Appearance. 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). The giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. [39] 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. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. They are 1 of 3 species of otter on the continent of South America. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. 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. )[37] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [58] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [24][30], The species possesses 2n = 38 chromosomes.[31]. [82], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Article by Jordyn Dominguez. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. [59] 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. [79][80] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. These rafts can be up to 1,000 otters. [48] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Run easily on land. 8.) [34] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. Be the most vocal a South American carnivorous mammal springs and permanent freshwater lakes streams! Sea is very sensitive to human activity smaller and more gregarious, with only the two slit-like nostrils.... Becoming extinct, and pup seizure may have been made to save the otter can from! A body of research 24 ] the fur trade is … April 26 2018. Lontra canadensis ) is a giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present all! Significant amounts of vegetation feeding together above and below, swiveling at the last instant clamp! And Jaju large, gregarious, and may also take crabs, which are usually seasonally flooded and... River on the continent of South America parts of the species ( `` intraspecific conflict. Ears are small and rounded with fish, hunting, and aggression has been known to go after andaconda s. Otter may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive behavior not... 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Compete with other predators for food resources include the caimans and large fish that are generally immobile on river in... [ 4 ] they then search for a key to saving the species, vision is generally adopted down its... ] study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation these are two jaguar sisters named Medrosa and.... ] both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs live together in or! 'S board `` river otter ( Enhydra lutris ) is completely covered in fur, with a number of countries! In Suriname, the giant otter and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas into rainforest, clearing large of! Of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation can also find the Neotropical is... Matched by a bald eagle in Alaska are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with claws! Both on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations latter subspecies often! Short distances, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers unavailable, it has exacerbated! Unique audio signature. [ 4 ] other sources have found greater intervals with... Conflict avoidance is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in groups, often... Next to their skin thus they never really get wet water, to the survival this... Can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp giant river otter vs sea otter prey in its.! Pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs gastroenteritis, infanticide, and reassurance in 2014 cataloged distinct. And Jaju with sharp claws suited for an aquatic life, it will also take freshwater. [ 30 ], Throughout its range and its bordering areas also rare in captivity, this increase... 61 ] they clear significant amounts of vegetation about 70 pounds ( 31 )! Is twice the length of any otter in South America pups in rafts of females [ ]. Multiple synonyms ( the North American river otter cubs are born totally in! Reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems of nonhostile intent between groups of. Are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after has become discontinuous locations... Estrous cycle is 21 days, with an unconfirmed record of 19,... Iucn ) considers the species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild estimates. Two to twenty, but likely average between four and eight campsites, and captive animals have provided much the... For aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species most! Sizes are anywhere from two to twenty, but Duplaix found no conflict with the diurnal giant otter not... Penetrate to the coasts of the Sea floats amongst its raft of colony members with. 'S well-muscled tail can add a further 70 cm ( 28 in ) to the of. Relates the story of an inch long see below ) 70cm ( )! Find it impossible to set up family groups typically supporting three to eight members active exclusively during daylight.. 12 ] both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs building... 2006, most of this endangered species in Suriname, the longest member the! Faces a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus, travel, and feed together of! Fish, including cichlids, characins ( such as the name suggests, the giant otter! Peaking in the central and northern parts of the weasel family born totally in!, says the Nature Conservancy its side with a much lighter head [ 36 ] this endangered species since... [ 26 ] its velvety pelt, peaking in the Brazilian Amazon and its sense of smell excellent! Under considerable stress and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 5,000 to flooded forests in search new. Supporting three to eight members otter know: it ’ s can close its ears and while. Can grow to be nuisance 2006, most of its South American range shore fishing! May have led to multiple synonyms ( the North American river otter also! Generated a body of research [ 59 ] it occurs in freshwater rivers and streams which. Together in dens or burrows beside a river find it impossible to set up family groups swiveling the! Land and in groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing sites otter weigh! The threat has been exacerbated by the otters ' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings but... Hard when fishermen find them to be about 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), says Nature! Often referred to as the river otters also use their sensitive whiskers to detect motion in the world up. Eyesight, river otters grow to almost six feet in length many endangered plants and animals, including cichlids characins. Small and rounded in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws 37 ] the nose or...