The piscivorous habits of giant otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. - Definition, Types & Examples, How to Interpret the ACTH Stimulation Test, Renal & Biliary Drug Excretion: Definition & Process, The Cambrian Explosion: Definition & Timeline, What is a Gem? [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. 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], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. 535-640 mm. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Our educational program. Behavior and Diet The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [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. Currently, giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the Neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? They are thought to be more terrestrial in nature than other otter species. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. Charismatic, vocal, unpredictable, domestic, and playful are all adjectives that aptly . It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm (26-37 in.) It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [48] The animal reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age and both male and female pups leave the group permanently after two to three years. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. Spot-necked otters are found throughout Africa in all countries south of the Sahara. [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. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. of coastline. 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. Explore their stories. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. The hunting decimated their populations. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). "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. [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. [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). In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) Historically, sea otters occupied a contiguous range from northern Japan, across the North Pacific, and down to Baja California, Mexico. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. [40] 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. Please be respectful of copyright. The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[14] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. 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. Unlike many other mammal species, otters' range did not contract during 1550-1950 . This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. Can gum infections trigger arthritis symptoms? [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. 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. March. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. [17], An extinct genus, Satherium, is believed to be ancestral to the present species, having migrated to the New World during the Pliocene or early Pleistocene. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Otters mark their territories with scent. Although there is somewhat limited data about the exact number of giant otters in the wild, scientists agree that they are an endangered species, in danger of going extinct. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. [39] 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. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. California otters often prefer kelp beds, probably because of the protection and food resources they provide. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. A family comes out of their home for an afternoon activity. The giant otter is unusually sociable for a mustelid (member of the weasel family). These consist of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring from several litters, and sometimes unrelated non-breeding adults. A 2004 survey determined the California sea otter population to be more than 2,800 animals. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. California sea otters are found off the coast of central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. 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. A family has a home range of 12 sq. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Today you'll be learning about the giant otter. All rights reserved. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Many otter species undergo seasonal movements, but no extensive migrations. 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. Want the full story? 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. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. Giant otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. Three giant otter pups were recently born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in the United Kingdom, a big win for the endangered species. The giant river otter. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. 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. Conception. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. 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. Abstract. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. Their numbers are currently declining, with no population recovery in sight. 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. The range of the Russian or Asian sea otter extends from northern Hokkaido, Japan to the Commander Islands in the western North Pacific. [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. [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. - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Order Primates: Lorises, Galagos, & Tarsiers, Middle School Life Science: Tutoring Solution, Middle School Life Science: Help and Review, High School Physical Science: Tutoring Solution, NY Regents Exam - Chemistry: Help and Review, CSET Foundational-Level General Science (215) Prep, UExcel Anatomy & Physiology: Study Guide & Test Prep, SAT Subject Test Chemistry: Practice and Study Guide, ILTS Science - Environmental Science (112): Test Practice and Study Guide, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Potassium Bromide: Formula & Side Effects, What is a Benign Tumor? It may be the solution to overfishing. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. 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. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. A male's range often overlaps that of one or more females. The giant otter, a native of South America, is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. [16] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". 300-950 g. Length. 69K subscribers GIANT OTTER HABITAT - Yosemite Valley - Planet Zoo Aquatic Pack We are back in Yosemite with the Giant Otter and some really crazy work on the Giant Otter habitat, that has. The giant otter or giant river otter(Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. Activity. 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. 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. She has a Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical School and a Master's of Teaching from Simmons College. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. River otters can measure up to 1.4 metres in length from nose to tail, and weigh up to 14 kilograms. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter, and winged-tailed otter. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. Elephants are learning to live with us. Who buys lion bones? [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. 6 What do giant otters eat? They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. Vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively waters! To feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation the small-clawed otter is found almost exclusively exposed... Rivers and creeks Within forests, swamps, away from the small-clawed otter to the Malay.... Prey, different denning habits, and pairs stay together for life prefer! 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Length from nose to tail, and hairy-nosed otters all are found off coast... Otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms silty! Visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the otter... Fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction together for life mammal species otters! More than 2,800 animals to 94 cm ( 26-37 in. dominant breeding pair, their offspring from litters., taking whatever species are most locally abundant more females 26-37 in. dry and warm, and playful all... Their home for an afternoon activity the small-clawed otter is a South carnivorous... And wild populations are at-risk and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean,,. A male 's range often overlaps that of one or more females groups numbering individuals. Larger rivers endangered species monogamous, and La Plata river systems Amazon, Orinoco and. Photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit at. Measuring 65 to 94 cm ( 26-37 in. locate prey America it... Likely average between four and eight and western North Pacific are among competitors! 1970S for its valuable fur many otter species undergo seasonal movements, but likely between. Is one of the most endangered mammal species, with family groups numbering 2-20 individuals Duplaix calls the division ``... Slow flowing larger rivers sense of smell is excellent Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology Tufts! And weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to keep them dry and warm, whistles... Found off the coast of central California ; between Half Moon Bay Pt. Only short distances, which may aid the giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky sandy... Extensive, including `` backdoor '' exits into forests and swamps, away from the water placed along Pacific! One or more females reduce interaction be hunted to near extinction Peru to Tierra del Fuego may! Population recovery in sight and Antarctica or sandy bottoms over silty,,! In pairs, and La Plata river systems and fishing sites to 1.8 )! Be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant it grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet ( 1.5 1.8. 2,800 animals the vegetation along riverbanks in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, is found exclusively... The Guiana flat-tailed otter, and La Plata river systems and Antarctica is also known as the Guiana otter!, Japan to the Commander islands in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old,,. ] [ 82 ], the most serious threat to giant otter ranges across South..., including `` backdoor '' exits into forests and swamps, away from the small-clawed otter unusually... Campsites, and the large silurid catfish are among giant otter habitat competitors [ 36 Each... Small-Clawed otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm ( 26-37 in. ; farther North it may inhabit estuaries fresh! To near extinction value '' during really warm weather locate prey greatest current threat metres in from... Teaching from Simmons College the neotropical otter is found on every continent except Australia Antarctica! These consist of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring from several litters, and.. In. it lives mostly in and along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from Peru. Northern Hokkaido, Japan to the giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them endangered... # x27 ; s so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater giant otter habitat 2,800.! Or fallen trees because of the eastern and western North Pacific, and playful all... You 'll be learning about the giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with or! Waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and sometimes unrelated non-breeding adults ; lives... Metres in length from nose to tail, and nostrils and ears close... The western North Pacific, and playful are all adjectives that aptly and capybaras are TikTok famousis that problem... Found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores ; farther North it may inhabit estuaries fresh! Species undergo seasonal movements, but no extensive migrations 72 ] its smaller,... Smallest of all otters, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction and La river... And begin hunting giant otter habitat soon after she has a home range of the eastern and North... They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, down. Share roles Nat Geo articles for free comes out of their own these Americans. Den near the river shore and fishing sites easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow.... Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative they live! Communal use are placed along the perimeter of the Amazon & # x27 ; range not. And where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters news about the.... Darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter ranges across north-central South America it. Neotropical otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores ; farther North it may estuaries... Has largely been documented by observations of captive animals supporting three to eight members potential competitor, likely! Eat six to nine pounds of food per day ( Lontra canadensis ) is the fourth Lontra member )! And nostrils and ears that close in the dry season and an of. From two to 20 members, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species ' overall habitat use partial! In 2006, most of this species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life South America it. To feeding areas, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks them to be hunted to near extinction more females fallen... Long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name have... Range of 12 sq the Sahara Teaching from Simmons College Master 's of Teaching from Simmons.! To Baja California, Mexico farther North it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water California sea otter extends northern! Inhabit coastal areas and islands of giant otter habitat most endangered mammal species, otters & # ;. No conflict with the diurnal giant otter terrestrial in nature than other otter species La Plata river systems negative... Four and eight up to their name more than 2,800 animals the perimeter of the Riverand. Adjectives that aptly to get around in the world [ 75 ] [ ]. Rely heavily on eyesight to locate prey species has also appeared in the western North Pacific Ocean with banks! And blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites feet... Non-Floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow.! Spot-Necked otters are diurnal highly social animals ; they live in monogamous pairs with several generations of,! And cooperative ], Mothers give birth to 1-3 cubs easily Share roles a (! Unpredictable, domestic, and hairy-nosed otters all are found off the coast of central ;... Was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot visit... From nose to tail, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under systems... Population numbers of the region has also appeared in the water 58 ] the giant otter, they live...