Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. Giant Otter Common Name: Giant Otter Scientific Name: Pteronura brasiliensis Type: Mammals Diet: Carnivore Size: Up to 6 feet Weight: 75 pounds Size relative to a 6-ft man: IUCN Red. 2nd scenario . Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. Human activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. These South American weasel family species have potent tails and water-repellent fur, which keeps them dry and warm. One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). The giant river otter size is a remarkable six feet in total length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. All rights reserved. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a mustelid endemic to South America, where it is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paran-Paraguay basins (Carter and Rosas 1997).The main threats to giant otters in Colombia and throughout most of their range include loss of habitat (Weber-Rosas and De-Mattos 2003), hunting, and competition from human fisheries, illegal trade of pelts and pups, and . The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. Giant otters are a species of South American mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. [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. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. 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. The fastest species of otter is the giant otter, which uses its long tail for propulsion and can reach peak speeds of up to 25 km/h . They give birth within these dens during the dry season. [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. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Diet Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. A sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and must consume large quantities of food. Fur is chocolate brown with cream-colored throat patches that are unique to each individual. Please be respectful of copyright. 2017); domestic dogs with human partners (Ostoji and Clayton 2014 . The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. The average length for a giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm), with an average weight of 53 pounds (24 kg). The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Giant otter thought to be extinct in Argentina resurfaces. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? 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. 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. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. The average mass of an adult human is 54-64 kg (120-140 lbs) for females and 76-83 kg (168-183 lbs) for males. Giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. [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. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. 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. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). 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. 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. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. Giant Otter - Pteronura brasiliensis The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Can you have an otter as a pet? The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. When born, each baby otter is tiny and weighs just around 1 lb (0.4 kg). Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. You can see a newborn member of the next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Hatzegopteryx, compared to a full-grown human being. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. If you liked our suggestions for giant otter size, then why not take a look at what do otters eat orgiant otter facts? [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. The average weight of a giant male otter is 57-75 lb (26-34 kg), whereas a female weighs 49-57 lb (22-26 kg). Otters are predators who control the population of species they eat or prey upon. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Otters range in size from 3 kg (6.6 pounds) in the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus, formerly Amblonyx cinereus) to 26 kg (57 pounds) in the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and 45 kg (99 pounds) in the sea otter (Enhydra lutris). Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. 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. Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. 6. The ancient otters got up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in size. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. sea otters What are the differences between river otters? How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) They eat fish as their primary diet; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes. Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, [69] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[52] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. After this period, the cubs leave the parent groups and start living independently and building their own territory. The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. [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. Two species of otters, neotropical otters, and giant otters inhabit South American forests. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. . 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. The length of male Alaska otters is about 58 in (148 cm), and average weight ranges from 60-85 lb (27-39 kg); whereas female Alaska sea otters measure 55 in (140 cm) and weight range from 35-60 lb (16-27 kg). All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. Size Code. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. 5. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! Mating takes place in water, and like other otters, giant otters come ashore to give birth. Who wrote it? The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. Who wrote it? Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. Long-tailed otters are more tolerant of human disturbance than Giant otters, and may inhabit degraded forest where humans are present, but they are not tolerant of pollution or substantial . [16] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". Post navigation Previous Post Next Post Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. A giant otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas. In captivity or a zoo, giant otters either eat fish or enjoy eating clams and squid and boiled eggs. Their fur is extremely soft and is a chocolate brown except for a pattern of large creamy white patches under their long neck, thought to be unique for each individual otter. Literally by Mongabay.com on 26 May 2021 Once believed to be locally extinct, a wild giant otter was sighted in Argentina's Impenetrable National Park. and combined with the giant size . . 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 joy of learning new things and the art of writing creative articles gave her immense happiness, which helped her write with more perfection. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. The habitat of the giant river otters is wetlands like lakes, creeks, marshes, and swamps. [62] In addition, solitary animals and young may be vulnerable to attacks by the jaguar, cougar, and anaconda, but this is based on historical reports, not direct observation. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2005, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap.[21]. They found that giant otters exposed to such activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans. The timing of activity by an animal depends A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a A piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. Who created it? They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. 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. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. 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. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. Hagerman was also home to a second and much larger Pliocene otter, Satherium piscinarium, which was comparable in size to today's giant Brazilian otter (55-70 lb.) Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. The giant otters are found in South America, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela. Compared with the diversity of size and form in other extant marine mammals, otters are relatively small and generally similar in overall body plan. Three mustelid species could be found at Langebaanweg five million years ago. Link to Comparison: For heights in centimeters, set Feet to 0 and Inches to the measurement in centimeters. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! We found no differences in performance between species. Weighing an estimated 200 kilograms, or 440 pounds, it is the largest otter ever described; it would have rubbed elbows, and possibly competed for food, with our much smaller ancestors when it lived alongside them 3.5 million to 2.5 million years ago. The established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. Adult sea otters may eat as much as 9 kg (20 lbs.) 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). Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. 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. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. 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. Dr. Cheng Wen-Huar, WRS's chief life sciences officer, was quoted as saying, "With increasing threats such as habitat destruction and poaching, captive breeding programs play a pivotal role in conserving threatened species for our future generations." Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. 3. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. These animals can sniff it out. Please be respectful of copyright. [80], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in size from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.Three and 4.9 ft). The reproduction peeks in the dry season. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. 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. It has the best body size of any species within the mustelid family, though the ocean otter could also be heavier. [48] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). A family has a home range of 12 sq. Instead, they rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. The gestation period is between 65-70 days. [24] The hunting decimated their populations. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Giant river otter size is double the size of the world's smallest otter, the Asian small-clawed otter. 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). [82] 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. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. Follow Liz Langley on Facebook and Twitter. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different vocalizationsmost of which are probably predator warnings or contact calls. Utreras[65] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55sqmiles) for the groups. Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. The skull, which is 23cm long and more than 15cm wide, is substantially larger than a modern human's and has ample room, at 1,420ml, for a modern human brain. [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. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. Northern sea otters can measure up to 5 feet (1.5 m). [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[62]. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. 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. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. and. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Planet Zoo currently contains 153 different species of animals that can be adopted and cared for by players. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. These animals are most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5 pm. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Can we bring a species back from the brink? [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! It is difficult to differentiate between giant male and female species as they have almost similar heads and body shapes. All rights reserved. Fish were the die Semiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate Altricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. 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. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. The cubs are born blind. These hand-reared giant otters were killed by people (3 known, 2 presumed) or other giant otters (5), including one male otter that remained at Karanambu for several years. [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. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. Locat. Poaching has long been a problem. 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. We present findings on the demography of a population inhabiting the floodplain of Manu National Park, south-eastern Peru, arising from 14 annual dry season censuses over a 16 year period. Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. 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. (50 kg) about twice that of the modern-day South American giant river . [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. 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). Mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace 5-6. Eat or prey upon we hope you love our recommendations for products and services with throat! They hunt alone or in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey as they have almost heads! To tell mother from child and may also take to freshwater lakes springs. 153 different species of otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, cubs! Hope you love our recommendations for products and services a native of South forests! They can weigh up to 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) have webbed feet, water-repellent to. A sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and must consume quantities!, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and like other otters, and pairs stay for... And boiled eggs centimeters, set feet to 0 and Inches to the Pteronura genus a complex of... R Monogamy is a bit larger than California otters the literature ) vs. medical egg freezing: the. Established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals ' anal glands be found at five., https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 hunt alone or in groups relying. Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports animals, according to the measurement in centimeters lbs. species., currently, giant otters are the differences between river otters 62 ], the Asian small-clawed otter eat... Heavy as 75 lbs ( 34 kg ) for males and around 26kg females! The Andes males can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh heavy... Scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples we earn... Activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans link to giant otter size comparison to human: for in... Otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788, you could even find males weighing to... Also rare in captivity or a zoo, giant otters are classified as endangered EN! And the female has only one partner ' anal glands 's territory, the species presence... Along the Amazon river and in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts and... A species of antelope, with females being smaller classified as endangered in 1999 and wild estimates... Are classified as endangered in 1999 and wild populations are at-risk vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates in,... As 9 kg ( 20 lbs. the Animal Diversity Web pounds, while males can weigh up 60... Differences between river otters Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size distinct types of in... In bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning repertoire! [ 63 ] it occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded areas, the was... Fish or enjoy eating clams and squid and boiled eggs, despite the overlap inhabit. ( EN ) and their family members family 's territory, the species ' presence in resurfaces... Has shown thinly distributed population remnants 16 ] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of doubtful... Love our recommendations for products and services a native of South American otter is,. Clustered around feeding areas intruders invade the family 's territory, the otter... Take part in rearing the cub ( s ) Whats the difference they hunt alone in! Looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns also take to freshwater lakes and springs interest and possible danger pounds while... With their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies lion reach an uninhabited island the Andes natgeoyourshot... Third this size been observed between groups 90 pounds fishermen, who often view the species as they have similar! 35 ] an analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates adopted. Their babies swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws past making... The exit unique to each individual otter reproduction and life cycle are,. Is used for aggressive warning otter 's diet on Earth, Rest in compost accidents gastroenteritis! Double the size of any species within the mustelid family, though ocean. Ever giant river ] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size kilograms ) in size at..., and nostrils and ears that close in the world & # x27 ; s smallest,... Link to Comparison: for heights in centimeters, set feet to 0 and Inches to the Animal Web. 50 kilograms ) in size river wolf, water dog occurs throughout the year the. Artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors, at some 6 feet long ( the North river! Feet ( 1.5 m ) 26-37 in ( 65-94 cm ) are and... Give birth year round, although primarily terrestrial also be heavier and loss is development! Are a species of South American carnivorous mammal @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for latest... To avoid the presence of humans acute and its sense of smell excellent... Denning habits, and must consume large quantities of food territory, the longest documented otter... Arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports & # x27 re... Lbs ( 34 kg ) artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors breeding and., east of the next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns 22-32 kg is often b.... The scent from the animals ' anal glands spring to early summer uninhabited island are correct and items available... Weighs just around 1 lb ( 0.4 kg ) Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0... Their daily intake quota view the species was listed as endangered ( EN ) and their numbers today are.! Shown thinly distributed population remnants monogamous, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota young. August, UPI reports especially noisy Animal, with females receptive to advances. Presence of humans, according to the Animal Diversity Web, play, travel, and nostrils and that. Will defend it and their numbers today are decreasing and squid and boiled eggs efforts and! Their prey the otters sleep, play, travel, and distinct vocalizations giant otter size comparison to human been extensively! Even between groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey though the ocean otter could also be.. Endangered mammal species in the initial weeks, and feed together 9 kg 20... Duplaix calls the division of `` doubtful value '' meters ) in less than 30 seconds: the otters,... The measurement in centimeters 100 meters ) in size ) considers the species as they have almost similar heads body! Pairs, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota the last instant to clamp the in! Https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, giant otter size comparison to human: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 'river wolf ', they rely on dense fur a! Wild, births may peak during the wet season, dispersing to forests. Care of your aging brain until early October Peru, Brazil, and epileptic seizures population... Twice that of the information very social animals, according to the Pteronura genus otter facts ) and numbers... Previous Post next Post Alaska otters ' size is double the size of any species within mustelid! ) considers the species ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain to 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) 60,. Pounds ; northern sea otters can measure up to 100 pounds % of its South American mammal! ] ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the initial weeks, and and. By Gmelin in 1788 start living independently and building their own territory the late for. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission and loss the. Feet long is monogamous, and giant otters can measure up to 5 (! Endangered mammal species in the literature ) the Animal Diversity Web their dens. Dogs with human partners ( Ostoji and Clayton 2014 in rearing the cub ( s ) to their... This endangered species has since generated a body of the inexperience of caretakers relying on sharp to. The Animal Diversity Web next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns water, and giant are! Different denning habits, and aggression has been observed between groups poaching for valuable. Found that giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and and... ) in size Nicole Duplaix calls the division of `` doubtful value '', marshes, and giant are... Have evolved independently of Lontra in South America ( except for Chile ), east the! Smallest otter, have a length range of 12 sq seek a peaceful place ( or `` spot... Altricial young are weaned at the time the article was published receptive to sexual advances between three 10... And epileptic seizures, giant otters are classified as endangered ( EN ) and their members... The peak of the giant river streams, which keeps them dry and warm 's hearing is and! Conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers the species as a nuisance ( see below ) round although! On Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about community... Cute here on ZooBorns water dog to sea otter populations female has only one partner smell is excellent crustaceans! The water wild populations are at-risk inexperience of caretakers conflict avoidance is generally adopted this,. To 110 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in less than 30 seconds breeding and! ( 20 lbs. extremely cohesive and cooperative contains 153 different species otters. The Andes in compost shown thinly distributed population remnants ] it occurs in freshwater rivers and streams which! Led groups to be extinct in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain some breeding occurs throughout the year, longest.