Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. [68] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. The giant otter or giant river otter[3] Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. 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. [76] 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. The giant river otters have also been noted to feed on small anacondas and caimans. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. Ranges from 4.9 ha to 1062.5 ha of sub-Saharan Africa ( except in the sub-Saharan,! Some of the animals that live in in the rainforest river are manatees, piranhas, giant river otters, capybara, and the Amazon pink river dolphins. 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. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/giant-otter.html. It is part of the worlds largest forest. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. Unfortunately it is already extinct in Uruguay and Argentina. [58], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. Where do sea otters live? [24] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Giant Otters are only found in the rainforests and rivers of South America. Once they locate their prey, the giant river otters proceed to capture and consume them. They tend to set up their nests in the banks of slow moving rivers and lakes as this is safer for their young. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. [22] [64], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. Giant Otter – This species is found throughout the Amazon River basin in South America. [11], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Even in a large group, they rarely have a fight with each other. Giant otters live across South America’s Amazon basin, including Tambopata National Reserve, in southeastern Peru. [81], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Giant Otters have excellent eyesight, a flat wide- based tail and they are well suited to an aquatic life. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and soft, dense fur. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. Otters live in a wide variety of watery locations, from the mighty Amazon to the heart of Singapore. Male otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. They tend to set up their nests in the banks of slow moving rivers and lakes as this is safer for their young. They are also downright scary-looking. The hearing of this species is intense and its sense of smell is excellent. [25] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. [28], 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. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [26] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. [46], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. [13] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Do you or anyone you know, live with a pet otter? One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. 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 is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. A family of giant otters in the Pantanal, Brazil. On the one hand, adult males are between 5 and 6 feet long and weigh between 70 and 99 pounds and on the other, females measure between 5 and 5 1/2 feet in length and weigh between 48 and 58 pounds. The Giant Otters are gregarious and live in groups of 3-10 individuals known as holts. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. 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). [71] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. [5] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de río) 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. [14] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Size. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). One report suggests maximum areas 28 m (92 ft) long and 15 m (49 ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Be advised that any attempt to poison an otter is considered illegal, and would cause … It is only widespread in Surinam and Guyana. [12], 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. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. READ MORE: Furry and Up to No Good: Do Ferrets Make Good Pets? The largest otter is the giant otter. This is the smallest otter species being only about 11 lbs. They … Sea otters can be found close to certain seas near Alaska, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and the country of Russia. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). 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 and fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. [52] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. 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. Cape clawless otters and Asian small clawed otters love frogs, crustaceans, crabs and mollusks. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggressi… [16] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. [46] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. What do otters eat? [66] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[57]. Giant otters live in the tropical Amazonian region of South America, where the weather is invariably hot and humid, with frequent rain showers. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to Mora and Alexandra, two female Giant Otters from Duisburg Zoo in Germany. [6] All three names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. [57], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. Meet the Giant River Otter. These otters do have sharp teeth and if you're keeping otters you should be aware these wild animals can become aggressive if stressed. Giant river otters can eat piranhas. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[7] and among the Sanumá as hadami. [62], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. [57] 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. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. [68] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[12][69][70]. It depends on the species and whether they live in the wild or not. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. [45], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Giant otters regularly feed on piranha, and have also been known to take down alligators. [51], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. [36] 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. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. Once they locate their prey, the giant river otters proceed to capture and consume them. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. These family-loving animals spend most of their time together. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. Neotropical otter – As the name suggests this is one of the species that lives in warm environments. [67], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. Countries where giant otters live include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. [68][75], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. They also enjoy the eggs of larger creatures. In terms of otters, the giant one has the shortest coat and its … Further Information on the Giant Otter: E-mail to add your Giant Otter related website. Do otters lay eggs or give live birth? These semi-aquatic creatures live up to their name as the largest otters on earth – they weigh up to 70 pounds and can grow to 6ft long. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. The giant otter is the longest species among mustelids although not the heaviest. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Let us know on the Wide Open Pets Facebook page! Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. They are perfectly adapted to their watery environment, with large, webbed feet and stout tails to guide them through submerged vegetation, and ears and noses that close when they dive in search of prey. Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya have been found in the US Midwest, however fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9 Mya. 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. The wild animals are found in rivers and creeks in the Amazon basin within the Amazon rainforest. [50], The giant otter is very sensitive to human activity when rearing its young. [77] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[58] .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}. 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). [23] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. [57] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. © Magic Bones/Getty Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. The pups stay in their dens for about 3 weeks and are weaned at 3-4 months. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [74], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. [4] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. [38] 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. [80], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. [12] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. [37] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. Cape clawless otters and Asian small clawed otters love frogs, crustaceans, crabs and … All otters live singly, except for a short period, when the female is raising young. Giant Otter has 2n = … There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). If the otter gets all the right nutrients, they should live … As one the Amazon forest’s top predators, along with the jaguar, puma, caiman and anaconda, the giant river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). https://www.savacations.com/giant-river-otters-amazon-rainforest They reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. [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,[12] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. They dwell in flooded forests, slow moving rivers, streams, lakes and swamps. [18], 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. [27] The behavior of the otter. Giant River Otters are apex predators, partially due to these impenetrable family groups, and use 22 different vocalisations to communicate to one another. [37] Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. The main difference between the giant otter and the other relatives is its flattened tail. Group sizes can vary but have been recorded of … The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. Giant Otters are fascinating animals. Some are almost exclusively aquatic, like the sea otters that live in the Pacific ocean, and some spend more than half their time on land, like the giant otter that lives in the tropical rain-forests of South America. Check this one out: Giant otter with fish. Giant otters have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for swimming. [41] 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. Its thick, velvety brown fur has characteristic white markings around the neck. They do live in large family groups. Clawless and Spotted-necked otter family Mustelidae of South America mammal where do african clawless otters live belongs to the weasel family and lowland forests (. 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. Do giant otters live in a group? As predators that are near the top of the food chain, otters are hugely important for keeping their environments balanced. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. They live in family groups that consist of 4 - 10 members and they have a home range of around 12 x 12 kms It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [50] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. 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. [83] 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. [11] 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. [78][79] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. [38] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. [71] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. The Amazon rainforest is where the Giant Otter lives; it is their habitat, their home. The giant otter is … Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. [56] 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. [56] In some cases, supposed cooperative hunting may be incidental, a result of group members fishing individually in close proximity; truly coordinated hunting may only occur where the prey cannot be taken by a single giant otter, such as with small anacondas and juvenile black caiman. And the country of Russia remains partial been recovered from a cave in the of! Not the heaviest days, with lunges and twists through the day, suggesting giant... Bottoms in clear water years in the world 's largest, at some 6 feet long feet, water-repellent to... 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