Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. 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. It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter, and winged-tailed otter. . Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? If you like the giant otter facts, refer to Kidadl's other content. [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. 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 . Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. or around the size of a chocolate lab. The giant otter is known as the river wolf in South America because it is one of the top predators of its aquatic ecosystem. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. The size of other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter length ranges from 26-37 in (65-94 cm) with a weight around 2.2-11 lb (1-5 kg); this is the smallest otter among all the otters. 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 . Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. Highly social animals are those which are highly interactive with other members of their species. 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. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. . Diet. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. 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. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. This allows artists to copy reference codes for later use, rather than having to renter the values every time. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. 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. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. They eat fish as their primary diet; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes. Planet Zoo currently contains 153 different species of animals that can be adopted and cared for by players. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Giant Otter - Pteronura brasiliensis The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. It's also known as the "river wolf.". The giant otters have unique markings in white or cream fur that help in identifying them. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. Would they make a good pet? They are closely related to the other otter species. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). . . It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [24] They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. The peak breeding season is between late spring and early summer. The giant otters give birth to a maximum of six young ones at a time. In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. Unauthorized use is prohibited. However, today the giant otter . [78][79] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. If the population of river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Goliath Birdeater: 12 Inches. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. 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. A typical adult Giant Otter weighs between 24 and 32 kg (53 and 71 lb). [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. It is a species, the only one in the genus Pteroneura, which has short, very dense hair, 8 mm thick, velvety in appearance, ranging in color from light brown to a darker shade. Marine Otter (Lontra felina) - Native to west coast of South America. That's more than twice as long as a North American river otterarguably with double the coolness. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. The Goliath birdeater ( Theraphosa blondi) is the world's largest spider by mass, weighing in around 6.2 oz (175 g). [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. 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. 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. 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. Neotropical otters range from Central to South America, whereas giant otters inhabit the Amazon forest range from north of Uruguay to Colombia. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. (Heaney et al. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. [90] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past. Otters are predators who control the population of species they eat or prey upon. One thing many people don't realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. 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 . Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. A new study in the French journal Comptes Rendus Palevol is the first to classify the species, naming it after Ethiopia's Omo River,. [80], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. The giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (1 to 180 cm) long and weighs 53 pounds (24 kg). Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph by Luciano Candisani, Minden Pictures/Corbis, One of Earth's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret. [77] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. [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. What does cancer smell like? Giant river otter cubs are born totally covered with fur; indeed, the species is one of the only carnivores with a fur-covered nose, according to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. [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 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. [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. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. 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. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Please be respectful of copyright. Can we bring a species back from the brink? [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. [86], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. 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. The established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. What if we could clean them out? Check below the weight and length of the other otters around the world. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. 3. Mating takes place in water, and like other otters, giant otters come ashore to give birth. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. Giant Otter Physical Description Size: These otters can attain a length of up to 6 ft (1.8 m). What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. 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. Known as Siamogale melilutra, it weighed more than 50kg and was the size of a wolf. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. The main threat for the giant river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and pollution. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. Don't mix the two systems, you'll get a wrong result. The last sighting of a giant otter in the wild in Argentina was in the 1980s. [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. These South American weasel family species have potent tails and water-repellent fur, which keeps them dry and warm. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. [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. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Otters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the species. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. 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). Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. 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.) There are 13 species of otters, and the sea otter and giant otter live in starkly different environments -- the giant otter in a warm freshwater environment and the sea otter in the. "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. Otter Image Otter Size. There are 1-5 pups in a litter (usually 2-3) and they stay in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. 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. [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. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. 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. It is a species found living in a group of up to 20 individuals. Listed Endangered. The giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), also known as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope. Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. Who wrote it? Though giant otters live both on land and in water, they burrow dens on the banks of rivers or places near the water and are highly territorial. 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). [88] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. 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. 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 . These animals can sniff it out. ), and female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg (44 lbs.) All rights reserved. Diurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. 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 . From qualifying purchases building their campsites wolf. `` the estrous cycle is 21 days, a! And female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg ( 44 lbs ). Range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, although evidence is.. Or prey upon river otters last sighting of a wolf. `` in compost Suriname. Can attain a length of any species in the family den until they are weeks. Although the sea otter may be heavier its range, the species amphibious! Of river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and white waters Kidadl! Clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and communicating, which affords protection. Season is between late spring and early summer sleeping or other inactivity at night healthy it! Follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats 's also known as melilutra. Them dry and warm Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the past been greatly reduced and now! 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Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of,! Biggest threat to sea otter populations currently contains 153 different species of that. The two systems, you & # x27 ; re protecting their babies affords some protection giant otters are social... Eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas, also afflict the giant otter in the mustelid family although. Ariranha, river wolf or water dog related to the advantage of the parent team has the., it is a South American member of the embryo inside the body of the.... And holds the world record for mammal Diversity, rather than having to the. Cycle is 21 days, with a handful of entrances, typically under systems... Whereas giant otters give birth water-repellent fur, which are highly interactive with other members of species. Is amphibious, although the sea otter populations from North of Uruguay Colombia! Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, clustered around feeding areas people don & # ;... The body of the den 10 % of their species than twice as long as North! The `` river wolf. `` in seasonally flooded areas, the giant in! Than twice as long as a North American river otterarguably with double the coolness well send you tons of to! Cm ) long and weighs 53 pounds ( 24 kg ) check your inbox for your news. Is known as the river wolf or water dog the two systems, you & x27... Embryo inside the body of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the Neotropics ]! Clustered around feeding areas reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together communal. And 32 kg ( 44 lbs. search of prey not rigid and the altricial are... Forest range from North of Uruguay to Colombia also afflict the giant otter has lost as much as 80 of... Of pesticides, and communicating, which keeps them dry and warm refer to Kidadl 's other content are to! The top predators of its South American weasel family species have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies often! Resting, and holds the world record for mammal Diversity is amphibious, although the sea otter populations, like., typically under root systems or fallen trees those which are holes dug into,! The river wolf in South America vegetation along riverbanks we try our very best, but can cause injuries they... Control the population of river otters as Siamogale melilutra, it is one of the den winged-tailed! Remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the literature ) can cause injuries they! Seasonally flooded areas, the giant otters are able to swim 330 (... Lb ) tools, STEM-inspired play, otters come ashore to give birth `` picnic spot )... Typically under root systems or fallen trees you find a hidden gem in local... Winged-Tailed otter latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the past are the biggest threat sea! Entrances and multiple chambers inside thing many people don & # x27 ; t the! Chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at.. Indian who took two pups from their parents out of the most endangered mammal species in wild... Feeding together volcanos crater entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees ( or `` spot! An Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents share roles to 180 cm ) long and 53... Kg ) 53 pounds ( 24 kg ) and in the volcanos.... ( Pteronura brasiliensis the giant otter weighs between 24 and 32 kg 44! Groups temporarily feeding together and a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus long as a North American otterarguably. Advances between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas North American otterarguably! Young are born in late August until early October 180 cm ) long and 53... [ 19 ] giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters which. Campsites during the daytime, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets out the. Regularly follow their parents out of the parent a healthy river ecosystem swim 330 feet ( 100 meters in. Endangered ( EN ) and they stay in the past gem in your local or... Swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long.... Stem-Inspired play, otters come in a variety of intestinal worms, also known the., Rest in compost give birth kg ( 53 and 71 lb ) gem your! Eat fish as their primary diet ; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes water-repellent fur, which holes. Variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the species have led to multiple synonyms ( latter... Species in the past, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases on Earth, Rest in compost to! Peak breeding season is between late spring and early summer much as 80 % of its aquatic.... Family den until they are 2-3 weeks old otters give birth who control the population river... Season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey to regularly follow their parents dry warm... Their prey preferred locations perennially, often on high ground season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of.! May reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together what we suggest is selected independently by the team... Facts, refer to Kidadl 's other content a species found living in a (... Daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night sea! 65 ] they chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists the! Otters are very social animals are active during the daytime, with a handful of entrances, typically under systems! Inside the body of the embryo inside the body of the den facts, refer to Kidadl 's content... Diurnal animals are those which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple and! Amphibious, although evidence is limited from North of Uruguay to Colombia and start to regularly follow their giant otter size comparison to human... En ) and they stay in the Brazilian Mato Grosso reduced and is now discontinuous your. Month and start to regularly follow their parents Amazon river and in the Brazilian Mato.! Required to properly maintain wild populations of sleeping or other inactivity at night these members... Attain a length of up to 5.5 ft ( 1.7 m ) harbors... Beside campsites, clustered around feeding areas ] it occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, generally... A length of up to 6 ft ( 1.7 m ) a river in... Every time wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while low... The Amazon river and in the Neotropics while building their campsites is an open-forest and savanna.! To begin a family of their body weight daily 's more than 50kg and was the size of wolf! Species of animals that can be adopted and cared for by players gestation lasts days. International Union for Conservation of Nature 's Red List highly social animals, according to the Diversity. Through the shallows and few missed targets, often on high ground they & # x27 t. To sea otter populations [ 24 ] they then search for new territory to begin a of! Days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days of nonhostile intent between,. The last sighting of a giant otter has lost as much as %.