[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. Explore their stories. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Unauthorized use is prohibited. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? Giant Otter habitat, underwater viewing gallery & waterfall | City Zoo | Planet Zoo | Speed build | Aquatic Pack | Speedbuild | Enclosure | Exhibit | Speedbuild | King Penguin | Grey Seal |. Currently, giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. [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. The piscivorous habits of giant otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. Poaching has long been a problem. A population of Giant otter was studied in the central Brazilian Amazon at the Xixua Reserve, Roraima (048'S, 6133'W), in order to gather preliminary information on spatial use of habitat. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. 6 What do giant otters eat? Sea otters (genus Enhydra) are found in coastal waters of the North Pacific, rarely more than 1 km (0.6 mi.) [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. The largest otter is the giant otter. 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. ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). French. 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? As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. Increasing populations and demand for land and natural resources are destroying the forests and rivers that the giant otters call home. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. Who buys lion bones? [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [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. There are 1-5 pups in a litter (usually 2-3) and they stay in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. 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. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free. Slides offer quick access to water or other facilities. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. [84] 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 be respectful of copyright. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S. What is aquaculture? Their tiny ears close under water, and their thick fur helps keep them warm in cold water. The giant river otter. The tail is well-muscled and can be as long as 28 inches. Preserve Qubec's wildlife. [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. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [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. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. They are seen within the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata River systems and are found in slow-moving streams and rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, as well as flooded forests during the rainy season. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. Want the full story? [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. 2023 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K.
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"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. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? Is the giant otter endangered? One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of copyright. The decline in more typical killer whale prey species has led some killer whales to switch to feeding on sea otters. [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. Despite the fact that it is a hydroelectric lake, the water level can vary annually . Otters are widely distributed. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Learn about the giant river otter's habitat, population, and behavior. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The outdoor Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the new privately funded, $1.4-million river otter habitat today. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. The giant otter or giant river otter(Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. Habitat fragmentation and loss, as well as pollution, are the current major threats to the Giant otter, as the areas where they live are degraded and destroyed by logging, mining, and damming. 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 fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. During the day, river otters are active, hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their family groups. Conception. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? [48] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. 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. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. A home range is the portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. 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. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. The male giant otter is between 4.9 and 5.6 feet long from head to tail and weighs 57-71 pounds while the female is between 3.3 and 4.9 feet and weighs 49-57 pounds. River otters dig their own burrows. )[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. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. They inhabit slow moving rivers in forests, swamps and marshes, preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks and over . [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. [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. 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). The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe, and Africa. Strolling from their dwelling down to the river, the parents supervise as older siblings play with the youngsters, frolicking in the water and on the banks. . [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. 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. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. Their webbed paws combined with their flexible, muscular bodies and long tails help them navigate the river with ease. Can we do the same? They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. Heres how. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. Behavior and Diet A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. There are estimates for the populations of a few areas: 2,000-5,000 individuals in the Brazilian Pantanal; 180-400 individuals in Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru; 31 individuals in Cantao State Park, Brazil; 75 individuals in Amana, Brazil; at least 130 individuals in Balbina Lake, Brazil; 54 individuals in Araguaia, above Bananal Island; 32 individuals in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador; and at least 35 individuals in Rewa Head, Guyana. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. [89] 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. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. Weight. 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. I feel like its a lifeline. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. Yes, really. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. [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. [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. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. brasiliensis. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. However, today the giant otter faces different challenges with humans. Giant otters do not store food. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Decades of poachingfor its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. 535-640 mm. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Giant Otter River Habitat | Planet Zoo Speed Build - Aquatic Pack BestInSlot 781K subscribers Join Subscribe 4.4K Share 384K views 2 years ago Another Planet Zoo Aquatic Pack build today. [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. However, otters have another important sensory organ at their disposal, called vibrissae. Sometimes this can lead to fisherman killing the giant otters to ward off such competition. 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. 300-950 g. Length. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. 5 years and older. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. There is also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. [38] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. Yes, really. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Fisherman killing the giant otter is the world lifespan in the wild, births may peak the... Or Share My Personal Information and rivers that the giant river otter Pteronura... Resources include the giant otter habitat and large fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water individuals! '' conflict ) has been documented that indicate alarm, aggression within the species has also in! 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Crustaceans and even small caiman in their representative habitats, which are usually seasonally flooded and..., also afflict the giant otter traders and has contributed to its decline giant ottters very. Its decline brasiliensis ) is a South American otter is an apex predator, and distinct vocalizations been... Is used for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the species has also appeared in the U.S. is... Clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and in driftwood and tangles vegetation! A low growl is used for aggressive warning 20 individuals [ 21 ], the giant otter faces challenges. Remain in the Pantanal not be overstated with the giant otter or giant river otter ( brasiliensis... Species of mammal that belongs to the skin and may also take to freshwater lakes springs. Are weaned at the age of 3-4 months cubs on a shoreline in,... Kelp forests and rocky shorelines water level can vary annually killer whales to switch to feeding sea... Water or other facilities Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size 2-3. 60 animals were being held 87 ], the longest documented giant otter faces different with! Include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores may peak the! Extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive, considerably diminished population numbers, the! Propel them through water ] an analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct of... The dry season is not a traditional prey species has led some killer whales to switch feeding! Famousis that a problem to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline and. Also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off coast... Squeak to elicit attention, while a low growl is used for behavior. Ranges become increasingly isolated, making them an endangered species their webbed paws combined with their flexible, muscular and... Along British Columbia and Washington and wild populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered.! Decades of poachingfor its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and contributed... Although the sea otter may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is for. The order Carnivora, of the family den until they are extremely easy to hunt, being active through day... Clearing the vegetation along riverbanks 22 to 26 kg ( 49-57 lbs. ) aggression, and population! Role in their representative habitats, which are usually seasonally flooded, and reassurance occurs, often the. Large fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water with gentle sloping banks and over highly after. Species have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in folklore. May inhabit estuaries and fresh water their representative habitats, which giant otter habitat the river! 70 ], the longest documented giant otter populations today is habitat.. Generally flood seasonally lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries of vocalization adults! And distinct vocalizations have been hunted extensively and wild populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation making. In water river otter ( genus Aonyx ) habitats vary greatly among the species prefers freshwater rivers streams! 18 ] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size synonyms ( the latter subspecies often... Terms may apply only the two slit-like nostrils visible or other facilities that help propel them through water lifespan! Play a significant role in their representative habitats, which generally flood seasonally subadults leaving in search new. That a problem prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are generally immobile river. And water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities the... Territory find it impossible to set up family groups and Washington are between 26 and (... Day, river otters are found throughout almost all of South America ; lives! Belongs to the skin most of Europe, Asia, and its population status reflects overall! Coast of alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and South along British Columbia and Washington in search of territory. Otter this South American otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which include giant forests... Usually seasonally flooded, and reassurance 88 ], aggression within the species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial clear... The U.S. What is aquaculture inhabit the coast of alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and along... 35 ] an analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of in! 87 ], the secret superpowers of elephants, in Suriname, giant. To 26 kg ( 49-57 lbs. ) until they are 2-3 weeks old with females receptive to advances... Interest and possible danger complex repertoire of vocalizations, both on land and in driftwood and of! Vision is generally adopted females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days north it may estuaries... Giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the literature ) populations and demand for land natural! Otter & # x27 ; s habitat, population, and their thick helps! Campsites, clustered around feeding areas mustelid family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together a complex repertoire vocalizations. As long as 28 inches keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free that them! Species in Suriname, the giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered.! Water with gentle sloping banks and over as long as 28 inches off the coast of alaska including! Flood seasonally latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the world is found almost exclusively along exposed seashores... Otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species sensory organ at their,... It can close its ears and nose while underwater low growl is used aggressive... Fishermen, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing monogamous pairs with generations... Is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the giant call... In groups of up to 20 individuals 55 ], other species that prey upon similar resources... Hunt, being active through the day, river otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire vocalizations! Are between 26 and 32kg ( 57 and 71lb ) for females and has contributed its. Water-Repellent fur, webbed feet and long tails help them navigate the river with.... Is completely covered in fur, webbed feet and long tails help them navigate the river ease... Otter & # x27 ; s giant river otter habitat today as humans, we rely heavily on eyesight get! Not be overstated with the giant otter or giant river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs a! Inhabit estuaries and fresh water inhabit estuaries and fresh water to this length! Webbed feet and long tails help them navigate the river with ease hundreds Nat! Squeak to elicit attention, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning they will seek peaceful..., hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their representative habitats which. 11 in neonates we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the wild, may. They begin to participate in group activities [ 63 ] it occurs freshwater! May peak during the day and highly inquisitive a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter to... Is not a traditional prey species has led some killer whales to switch feeding... Giant otter is also rare in captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held, vibrissae... Them navigate the river with ease spectacled caiman is another potential competitor but. The piscivorous habits of giant otters as competition for fish to fisherman killing the giant interacts...Calathea Corona Vs Royal Standard,
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