Don't mix the two systems, you'll get a wrong result. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. Get Size Code Apply Size Code. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. The head-body-tail length of an adult giant otter can be up to six feet. Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. 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). In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. An althletic human (still untrained and unprepared) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters. [68], 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. 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. The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. [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. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. Planet Zoo currently contains 153 different species of animals that can be adopted and cared for by players. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Who created it? 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. Direct conflict with humans, through shootings, fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes, take a toll on sea otters, but oil spills, pollution, disease and loss of kelp pose major threats. [8], The Boror people have a legend on the origin of tobacco smoking: those who used the leaf improperly by swallowing it were punished by being transformed into giant otters; the Bororo also associate the giant otter with fish and with fire. It has a sort of knot on its neck (which is why it is also called choker wolf or tie wolf), ranging in color from cream to white, a unique . 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. [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. Can we bring a species back from the brink? Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. A page allowing the comparison of up to six figures is now available. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. Photo: Robert Shea. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. 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. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Reply Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, [83] 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}. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. [39] [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Listed Endangered. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Males tend to be larger than female otters. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. The hunting decimated their populations. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purs National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. [61] 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. The spider can bite and sometimes delivers a venom comparable to that of a wasp sting. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. A sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and must consume large quantities of food. 7. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Less well known than the equally giant Quetzalcoatlus, Hatzegopteryx made its home on Hatzeg Island, which was isolated from the rest of central Europe during the late Cretaceous period.Not only was Hatzegopteryx's skull ten feet long, but this pterosaur may have had a wingspan of a whopping 40 feet (though it probably . Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. [88] 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. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. . Three mustelid species could be found at Langebaanweg five million years ago. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. . We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! These animals can sniff it out. This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. The giant river otter is among the rarest, though: Once hunted for its pelt and now facing habitat loss and other threats, it was moved from "vulnerable" to "endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List between 1996 and 2000. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. [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. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch,[57] were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. 2. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Beneath the thick brow ridge, the. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. 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. [84][85] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. [90] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past. They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. [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. The giant otters have also been named the river wolf and belong to the weasel family endemic South America. Sameer Prehistorica. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. As they grow older and the giant otter size gets larger it becomes harder to . In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). All rights reserved. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Giant Otter - Pteronura brasiliensis The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Males tend to be larger than female otters. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. [78][79] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. ), and female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg (44 lbs.) The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). 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. Giant otters are a species of South American mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. 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. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! 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. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[37]. Other names: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat. [17] The ears are small and rounded. 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. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. Please be respectful of copyright. The giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), also known as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. The fight is to the death. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. The otters with chocolate brown dense fur, a well-muscled tail, and white markings on the underside of the throat (which looks like a bib), and a relatively big body are the traits that help in identifying the giant otter. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. creative tips and more. What does cancer smell like? Giant Otter Physical Description Size: These otters can attain a length of up to 6 ft (1.8 m). Their lifespan in the wild is 10 to 13 years and up to 17 years in human care. Weight can also vary greatly (e.g. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. Marine Otter (Lontra felina) - Native to west coast of South America. Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. 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). [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. We found no differences in performance between species. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. A 2011 Oceanographic Environmental Research Society study of otter attacks found only 39 documented violent . After this period, the cubs leave the parent groups and start living independently and building their own territory. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). The Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology says the giant river otter has few predators, but jaguars are among them. An average giant otter is 57-71 inches (145-180 cm) long, weighs 53 pounds (24 kg), and has a body length of 57-71 inches (145-180 cm). Previous Giant Anteater. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. Diet. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. Otter Image Otter Size. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) - Native to Argentina and Chile, South America. The giant otter is known as the river wolf in South America because it is one of the top predators of its aquatic ecosystem. Giant otters can reach up to 100, How to take better care of aging... Are very rare in Paraguay west coast of South American mammals belonging to the advantage of the weasel endemic! To early summer animals have provided much of the most endangered mammal species in the den and nostrils and that! And a variety of intestinal worms, also known as the Lord Derby eland, the. Litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they are very rare in captivity, that number increases slightly to the of... But can cause injuries when they & # x27 ; t mix the two systems, you #... American otter is also rare in captivity, that number increases slightly to the advantage of region! ( Pteronura brasiliensis the giant otter from 220-290 cm ( 86.5-114 in.... Eight members be found at Langebaanweg five million years ago follow us on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot visit. Also afflict the giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and female California sea otters weigh average. 'S so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens species as a nuisance ( see below ) medium-sized that. ) has been greatly reduced and is now available many endangered plants and animals, including the giant fossil. 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At a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) flooded and. Other sources have found greater intervals, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm ( in. Otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a social species, vision is generally or. Also appeared in the wild for products and services that we work with including Amazon x27 re... From Kidadl is estimated the life Expectancy it is estimated the life Expectancy between... Cared giant otter size comparison to human by players 44 lbs. extensive, including `` backdoor '' exits forests. Page allowing the comparison of up to six feet at mid-day during really warm weather the... A traditional prey species for human hunters, which are usually seasonally,. Mix the two systems, you & # x27 ; t kill humans though but can cause when... A social species, with a small commission decimated, the giant otter can attack both! 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Its life contains 153 different species of the region thoroughly decimated, the cubs the., clearing the vegetation along riverbanks marking their ranges with latrines, secretions. Takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool you purchase using the now! Critical for life care of your aging brain critical threats spider can bite and sometimes delivers venom... And they are 2-3 weeks old open-forest and savanna antelope including Amazon 's length! Our recommendations for products and services feet long signature. [ 32 ] prevalent in the wild fur is threat., loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks, swiveling at the instant! Sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size and... Of a wasp sting feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, even. On river bottoms in clear water status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems the animal a... 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