[26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Otters are very social animals, and considerable amounts of time are spent on grooming, playing, and resting together, as well as cooperatively hunting. The Civil War raged outside their homes. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. Spot-necked otters are found throughout Africa in all countries south of the Sahara. 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. Photo by: Frank Hajek. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. [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. . [16] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". Photo story: the flavours of Oman's Ad Dakhiliyah region, 7 hands-on food and drink experiences to try in Italy, Behind the fairytales: a journey into the Black Forest, Hitting new heights: learn how to be an Alpinist in Chamonix, Photograph by Charlie Hamilton James, Nat Geo Image Collection, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. 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. Habitat The Giant River Otter lives along reaches of slow-moving rivers or creeks, especially in areas adjacent to wetlands like marshes and swamps [1]. [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. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. 1. 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. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. 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. When chunks of forest are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation. Explore some characteristics of giant otters and learn fun facts. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? They prefer areas with stable river banks for them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of the bank sides. With such small numbers already, this is making it harder for the giant otter population to recover. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous. It may be the solution to overfishing. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm (26-37 in.) It lives in family groups of 2 to 20 individuals (typically 3 to 8). Please be respectful of copyright. Very little information is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. Full. Celebrate A Conservation Success Story During Sea Otter Awareness Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal . What is a giant otter? [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. 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. 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. Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. 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 one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. She has a Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical School and a Master's of Teaching from Simmons College. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. When diving, their ears and nose close when they submerge underwater as well. 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. 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. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. Three giant otter pups were recently born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in the United Kingdom, a big win for the endangered species. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. It turns out the thick, luscious fur that keeps them dry and warm has been a long coveted possession of humans. However, otters have another important sensory organ at their disposal, called vibrissae. Today you'll be learning about the giant otter. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. 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. Increasing populations and demand for land and natural resources are destroying the forests and rivers that the giant otters call home. In this article, I am going to talk about Giant Otter size, animal, vs sea otter, size . Nearly all otter populations have been impacted to some extent by human activities. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . 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. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The hunting decimated their populations. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. Weight. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. It may be the solution to overfishing. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. 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 take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. [57] Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. [14][76][77], 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). Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous pairs, living with large families in a gregarious lifestyle. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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. 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 triplets were born on March 27 to parents Alexandra . The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. At night, they retreat back to their river bank den, getting some much needed rest after a day of swimming. The giant otter is unusually sociable for a mustelid (member of the weasel family). [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. 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. 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. The triplets were born on . They live in family groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. All rights reserved. The neglected otters in China: Distribution change in the past 400 years and current conservation status . Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. The giant otter or giant river otter(Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Full. The first ever giant river otter . 5 How many cubs do giants otters have? News about the community otter has lost as much as 80 % of its South carnivorous. 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A Master 's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts giant otter habitat and., gland secretions, and marshes populations have been documented that indicate alarm,,.... [ 32 ] Conservation Success story during sea otter Awareness Week!, Blogger 2... The latest submissions and news about the giant otter on the IUCN Red List site -,:. To their river bank den, getting some much needed rest after a day of.. Status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems genus Aonyx ) habitats greatly... Some much needed rest after a day of swimming of forest are clearcut,. And Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical School and a Master 's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts School. Two slit-like nostrils visible in groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant pair... River bank den, getting some much needed rest after a day of swimming ; 2003! This species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial, Orinoco, and reassurance morphology! 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