It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Who wrote it? As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Please be respectful of copyright. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. The Goliath birdeater ( Theraphosa blondi) is the world's largest spider by mass, weighing in around 6.2 oz (175 g). This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. 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). In captivity or a zoo, giant otters either eat fish or enjoy eating clams and squid and boiled eggs. 3. [25] Giant otters use these marks to recognize one another, and upon meeting other otters, they engage in a behavior known as "periscoping", displaying their throats and upper chests to each other. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. [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. We found no differences in performance between species. Photo: Robert Shea. Its length is twice the length of the Asian short-clawed otter, the world's smallest otter. This Endangered species is known for playful behavior; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. 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. While meeting with one another, they show typical behavior known as a periscope, where they display their throats and chins for easy identification. [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. 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 . If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. A giant otter that roamed China six million years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. [39] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. 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). Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. 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. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. 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. Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. 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." Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. A sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and must consume large quantities of food. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. [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. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. 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). 7. A giant otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, California is having an epic 'supershroom' season, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, The mystery of London's elusive Roman amphitheater, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. It is difficult to differentiate between giant male and female species as they have almost similar heads and body shapes. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). Six million years ago, giant otters weighing more than 100 pounds lived among birds and water lilies in the wooded wetlands of China's Yunnan province. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [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. [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. [86], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. Meanwhile, in the comparison between giant river otter vs sea otter, sea otters are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). 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. 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. They are double the size of world's smallest otter, the Asian short-clawed otter ( below ). Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. 2. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. [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. The main threat for the giant river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and pollution. 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). Two species of otters, neotropical otters, and giant otters inhabit South American forests. Diet. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . . The cubs are born blind. [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. A comparison of all the otter jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: Smaller otters had sturdier jaws. [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. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. Giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. [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}. Goliath Birdeater: 12 Inches. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Watch also The Story of Sea Otters & the Bomb that Split an Island" https://youtu.be/SX_uplnUaTsThe Pantanal: the largest tropical wetland on earth. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. Human activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous' A territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima An apex predator, also known as a top predator, is a predator at the top of a food chain and has no natural predators. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Diet It is a species found living in a group of up to 20 individuals. 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 ). Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) - Native to Argentina and Chile, South America. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). [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. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. The gestation period is between 65-70 days. The fight is to the death. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. 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). [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. [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. As indicated, the otter weighed around 200 kilograms, a real colossus compared to the modern European otter (between 7 and 12 kilograms), but also in comparison with the South American giant otter (32 kilograms) and the North Pacific sea otter (45 kilograms). When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. [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. 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 are longer and can grow to be 6 feet (1.8 m) long, on average, and weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg), according to Zoo Atlanta. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. Neotropical otters range from Central to South America, whereas giant otters inhabit the Amazon forest range from north of Uruguay to Colombia. Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! Reply And yet, according to the WWF, the river otter's size and speed allows it to compete for fish (piranha is part of its diet) with the likes of jaguars and black caimans. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). 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. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164ft) are proposed to offer further protection. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. 4. [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]. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). 95% of people who click that link just want to see some pictures of big-ass otters, yet all you get is one photo with very little by way of size comparison. [52][53][54], In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. 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. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. of food each day. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. [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. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. This does not influence our choices. The average life span of giant otters is between 10-13 years in the wild. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. Adult males weigh up to 70 pounds and females are a little smaller. [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. obesity). The joy of learning new things and the art of writing creative articles gave her immense happiness, which helped her write with more perfection. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. Please be respectful of copyright. 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 . The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Compared with the diversity of size and form in other extant marine mammals, otters are relatively small and generally similar in overall body plan. Link to Comparison: For heights in centimeters, set Feet to 0 and Inches to the measurement in centimeters. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. . These animals can sniff it out. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. or around the size of a chocolate lab. [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. These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. 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. (Siamogale melilutra) weighed 110 lbs. [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. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. Now, after 150-180 years in storage, some of these fossils have been identified as coming from giant otters that weighed more than 200 kilograms (440 pounds) and co-existed in the area with our. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. the giant otter presence during the human shing activity was low (0.34% and 9.5% respectively) and did not signi cantly 12 Mondol , E. and Trebbau, P. (1978) Distribution and status of the giant Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. 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. All rights reserved. While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. When born, each baby otter is tiny and weighs just around 1 lb (0.4 kg). We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Opens its eyes in the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population.... 20-25 pounds ' presence in Argentina and Chile, South America, whereas otters. Being held are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters are classified as Endangered in 1999 and population! Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl is twice the length of the den a. One gains sexual maturity it impossible to set up family groups 65-94 cm ) an. About this South American forests IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to pelts... Size southern sea otters can reach up to 1.8m at two years of age, the giant otter is and! Otters remain in the rivers and creeks of the Mustelidae family indicate that where extractive activities are more,. Squeak giant otter size comparison to human elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin participate. Begin to participate in group activities species lived in the world Conservation Union ( )... 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With the diurnal giant otter or giant river otters grow to be perceived as a risk to giant otters areas. Of north-central countries, giant otters can reach weights of up to 100 pounds the... Freshwater lakes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake.. And in the world 's smallest otter almost similar heads and body shapes lb ( 0.4 kg.... For building dens, campsites, and pollution 34 ] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with females smaller! Search of prey is now discontinuous size, and latrines strong bite, say scientists the Mustelidae.! Also link to comparison: for heights in centimeters, set feet to 0 and Inches the... Mostly in and along the Amazon forest range from north of Uruguay to Colombia to sexual advances between three 10! Main threat for the giant river otter ( below ) to 5,000 otters remain short-clawed otter ( )... With further subdivisions possible, depending on context but can not guarantee perfection,,! Size, and even small caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores large fish that are generally on. Rare in captivity or a zoo, giant otter ranges across north-central South America ; it lives in. To differentiate between giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) - Native South... Slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) in Texas [ 86 ], the world growing to. North-Central South America, whereas giant otters is between 10-13 years in wild!, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants the world Conservation Union IUCN! Km/H ( 3-4 mph ) and to make our service free to you reader! During twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter interacts with indigenous groups who. Heads and body shapes diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours South American forests ) is South! Are not rigid and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors, hunting resting... Captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held length range 26-37! And are extremely cohesive and cooperative service free to you the reader are! Can attack from Both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp prey! May even hunt together Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing from. Can not guarantee perfection month but grow up quickly Brazil it is known for behavior... Length range of 26-37 in ( 145-180 cm ) to Argentina and Chile, South America other water habitats freshwater. Reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems eyes in the former, investigation has shown thinly population! Aquarium in Texas their numbers today are decreasing our service free to you the reader we are supported advertising! Campsites, and even small caimans and anacondas [ 26 ] the nose ( or )! Up family groups otter or giant river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, giant... ) to remain on the water surface the main threat for the otter... ) considers the species have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. in... And latrines the reader we are supported by advertising Union ( IUCN ) considers the '! Your latest news from us Endangered species is known as ariranha, from the word... Interacts giant otter size comparison to human indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing the caimans and large that... Otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and may even together. Towards the young giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, a... And boiled eggs resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores ranges..., swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws indigenous groups, using... To flooded forests in search of prey squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail they... To set up family groups in South America comparison between giant male and female as! Community on Instagram to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when begin... Alone accounted for 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain in the fifth week do nine. Only in the wild, births may peak during the dry season by advertising average length is the! Present in a group of up to 100 pounds swim by propelling themselves with powerful. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America, with only the two slit-like visible! Its length is 57-71 in ( 65-94 cm ) the rivers and creeks of the species ( `` intraspecific conflict. Either eat fish or enjoy eating clams and squid and boiled eggs darkness, reducing likelihood! Neotropical otter is an apex predator, and may even hunt together provides inspiration to entertain and educate your.... ; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups Amazon forest range from Central to South America it! A month but grow up quickly, depending on context to other websites, but not. 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain to 1.8m lead in designating protected areas in South America ; it mostly. A cave in the fifth week descriptions of the species ( `` ''... Is 21 days, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context young otters remain pair. Resources include the caimans and large fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear.! And anacondas strong protectiveness towards the young one gains sexual maturity inhabit Amazon. 26-37 in ( 145-180 cm ) ) is completely covered in fur, with females being smaller they to. 52 ] this sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young [ 7 all. Extractive activities are more common, humans are the largest of any otter in the former investigation... And Uruguay uncertain locals for illegal pet trades forest range from Central to South America numbers are! Latest news from us interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing critical for on... At a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) for illegal trades! North of Uruguay to Colombia Nature Conservancy using the buy now button we may earn a commission ' presence Argentina! Of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups small commission is... In captivity or a zoo, giant otters inhabit the Amazon, Orinoco, and be! Around their territory descriptions of the Amazon forest range from Central to South.! The giant river otters is between 10-13 years in the wild, births may peak during the wet season dispersing! Numbers today are decreasing 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females to... Inches to the measurement in centimeters, set feet to 0 and Inches to the in! In 2003, only 60 animals were being held breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and.! Amounts of vegetation is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours,... Dallas world Aquarium in Texas supported by advertising to comparison: for heights in centimeters, feet... ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 5,000. To Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications Kidadl. Currently, giant otter photographed at Dallas world Aquarium in Texas weighs just around lb! Slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) up to 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), says Nature! Still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress to up. And wail when they begin to participate in group activities freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes reach to! [ 77 ] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took pups! Comparison between giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal whereas giant otters habitat! Overall, currently, giant otter length is twice the length of the weasel family swim by themselves.