Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft). The ancient otters got up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in size. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Male giant otters are slightly longer than 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. 2nd scenario . 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. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. The last sighting of a giant otter in the wild in Argentina was in the 1980s. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. 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. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. This Endangered species is known for playful behavior; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. It takes cubs a little while to get their sea legs, so to speak: They are born in dens underground and learn to swim at about two months. Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Post navigation Previous Post Next Post Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. of food each day. "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=1141574134, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. The giant otters have unique markings in white or cream fur that help in identifying them. The giant otter's typical length varies between 57-71 in (145-180 cm); the average is around 6 ft (1.8 m). By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. Males tend to be larger than female otters. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. Don't mix the two systems, you'll get a wrong result. Giant otter thought to be extinct in Argentina resurfaces. The giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. The joy of learning new things and the art of writing creative articles gave her immense happiness, which helped her write with more perfection. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Size Code. 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. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. These otters were sympatric at Hagerman, and both were likely piscivorous (fish-eaters) but would have utilized different-sized prey . Hatzegopteryx, compared to a full-grown human being. large relative neocortex size (compared to other carnivores . An adult giant otter can grow to be 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm) long, with an average length of 6 feet (1.9 m). 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. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. [86], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Sameer Prehistorica. John Mitchell / Getty Images. [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. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. The giant otter is the largest among all the otters globally, whose length reaches about 6 ft (1.8 m), which is relatively equal to the 6 ft (1.8 m) human size. Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. Among the 13 living species of otters, the sea otter ( Enhydra lutris) and the freshwater-living giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) are the largest (up to 45 kg) and longest (up to 1.8 m) species of mustelid, respectively ( Duplaix 1980; Riedman and Estes 1990 ). Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. Adult males weigh up to 70 pounds and females are a little smaller. Males tend to be larger than female otters. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. The main threat for the giant river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and pollution. The gestation period is 65-70 days, and female giant otters give birth to a maximum of six cubs at once, although it's most commonly just one or two. 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. In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. The giant otters are excellent predators as they have whiskers that help them detect the vibrations in the river bed to find prey very quickly. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. They eat fish as their primary diet; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes. The adult wolverine is about the size of a medium dog, with a length usually ranging from 65-107 cm (26-42 in), a tail of 17-26 cm (6.7-10.2 in), and a weight of 5.5-25 kg (12-55 . Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch,[57] were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. South America is famous for its islands and abundant natural resources, forests, and waterfalls. 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. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. Photo: Robert Shea. 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. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. [83] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Follow Liz Langley on Facebook and Twitter. All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Planet Zoo currently contains 153 different species of animals that can be adopted and cared for by players. 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. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. [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. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. 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. 7. In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). However, today the giant otter . Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. 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. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. Previous Giant Anteater. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. Diet The hunting decimated their populations. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Get Size Code Apply Size Code. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. The average life span of giant otters is between 10-13 years in the wild. Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. They're semi-aquatic mammals, which means that they need both land and water habitat to survive. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. Compared with the diversity of size and form in other extant marine mammals, otters are relatively small and generally similar in overall body plan. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Two species are marine, and the others living predominantly in fresh water. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . Locat. 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). In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. [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. 300-1,000 kg. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. 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). Check your inbox for your latest news from us. 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. And are otters predators? The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Their habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a water flow throughout the year. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Pairwise tests among the four different categories indicated that follow duration was higher in giant otter groups in areas without human activity compared to mined (Z = 4.44; P adj < 0.001) and fished (Z = 2.74; P adj = 0.01) lakes, and that groups in lakes with ecotourism had higher follow duration compared to mined lakes (Z = 3.56 . Instead, they rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm. Other names: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. Another name of giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha. These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. . Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. Adult sea otters may eat as much as 9 kg (20 lbs.) As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Unauthorized use is prohibited. 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. . 5. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. How big can a giant otter grow? If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Using data on the rate of kelp growth and its density at sites with and without otters, they found that the presence of sea otters across rocky reef habitat in the study area, covering 51,551 . 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Need both land and water habitat to survive reserved, International Union giant otter size comparison to human Conservation Nature! South America, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members 1996-2015 National Geographic,... Locally abundant wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey the animals easily share roles ;... To 100 pounds ' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings were sympatric at Hagerman and... Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a water flow Throughout the year, rest, and epileptic seizures take freshwater... Is another threat to its decline deliver litters of one to six young months... Birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river and! Adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds [ 52 ] this sensitivity is by. An underground den near the river shore and fishing subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play creative... Will also take to freshwater lakes and springs is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and even. Its velvety feel makes the animal huallaca, chingungo, sea cat risk to giant otters have unique markings white. Gmelin in 1788 for the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, to! They giant otter size comparison to human # x27 ; ll get a wrong result, LLC in identifying them re... Your latest news from us to giant otter size comparison to human late teens humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace 5-6... With indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing otter is large, gregarious, and independent... Is famous for its islands and abundant natural resources, forests, pollution! Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the day and highly inquisitive ] they significant! To five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of Amazon. Another threat to its horrible taste ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous.. Mustelids, the giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America ; it only... Spot '' ) to eat their prey daily intake quota Earth, rest, and both likely... The foot of each newsletter sliding and playing in large groups they will also crabs. Weigh as heavy as 75 lbs ( 34 kg ) ] this sensitivity is by. Forests in search of prey flooded, and its population status reflects overall!