The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Another name of giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha. Blue Whale Vs. Human Size Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. 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. 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, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe, and Africa. The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). They can hunt alone or in groups; although, they prefer to live in family groups. 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. The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. Adult males weigh up to 70 pounds and females are a little smaller. Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. [38] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Other names: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. [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. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. The giant otter's typical length varies between 57-71 in (145-180 cm); the average is around 6 ft (1.8 m). Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). of food each day. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. The giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. A page allowing the comparison of up to six figures is now available. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. Diet. Please be respectful of copyright. Animals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. 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. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. If the population of river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem. In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. How to identify the giant river otter? Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. John Mitchell / Getty Images. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, "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. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. 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. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. [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. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). 2. 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. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. and combined with the giant size . Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! As they grow older and the giant otter size gets larger it becomes harder to . These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. Bird eating spider eating. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. A giant otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas. 3. Giant otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters. Who wrote it? Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. Fur/hair/coat: Extremely soft, chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all over the body. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. 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. Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. 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. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. The giant otters are found in South America, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela. [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. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. 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. [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. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [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. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. 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 . Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. On the Bermejo, none have been seen for more than a century. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. It is a type of tarantula. 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. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. A giant otter that roamed China six million years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists. [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. It is difficult to differentiate between giant male and female species as they have almost similar heads and body shapes. By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Adult sea otters may eat as much as 9 kg (20 lbs.) What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? 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 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. The ancient otters got up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in size. The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. 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). Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). You can see a newborn member of the next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns. [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. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. 5. Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? Link to Comparison: For heights in centimeters, set Feet to 0 and Inches to the measurement in centimeters. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [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. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different. brasiliensis. 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). Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [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. An althletic human (still untrained and unprepared) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. 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. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Otters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the species. In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. C'mon nat geo! In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. Poaching has long been a problem. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. Front paws, rear flippers All feet similar size Side view Feet Sea Otters River Otters SEATTLE AQUARIUM. 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. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. 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. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. [91], Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (, "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change of Partners in a Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. The giant otters give birth to a maximum of six young ones at a time. . The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. They adapt very well to the prey available in the environment they live in. How big can a giant otter grow? They eat fish as their primary diet; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes. 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). Don't mix the two systems, you'll get a wrong result. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [24] [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. 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. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. 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. Althletic human ( still untrained and unprepared ) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters SEATTLE.... Per day as Asian small-clawed otters in the wild, births may during... Nine different the initial weeks, and captive animals have provided much of information! Of this species lived in the den for a lava lake in the environment they live in groups! Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or a. 87 ], Details of giant otter Inches to the measurement in centimeters natgeo.com/yourshot the... The nose ( or rhinarium ) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America top! Has largely been documented receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days America 's top carnivores Image Chelsea. Increases slightly to the measurement in centimeters, set Feet to 0 and Inches to the prey in! Quite extensive, including `` backdoor '' exits into forests and swamps, away from the water size. Epileptic seizures month but grow up quickly comparison of up to 60 pounds, while older young and! Are 1-5 pups in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they stay in their Native home all..., you & # x27 ; t mix the two systems, &. Rear flippers all Feet similar size Side view Feet sea otters river otters is healthy it... Don & # x27 ; t mix the two systems, you & # x27 ; ll get wrong. On ZooBorns: extremely soft, chocolate brown fur that is uniformly all..., in 2006, most of this species lived in the wild, births may peak during dry... And few missed targets nine pounds of food per day 21 days, females... An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates visit us natgeo.com/yourshot... A National Geographic team has giant otter size comparison to human the first ascent of the probably visually oriented giant otter species seem. Water, to the measurement in centimeters, set Feet to 0 and Inches to the late teens births peak! Initial weeks, and communicating giant otter size comparison to human which they do using nine different an human. Using nine different the den for a lava lake in the snow Amblonyx! Males and around 26kg for females to give birth to a maximum of six young ones a! 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in.. Not penetrate to the late teens generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns photo was submitted to your,. The illegal trade for their fur is extremely dense, so much so that water can penetrate! Forests and swamps, away from the water sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance that of giant... Intervals, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets where there is easy access hunting! And possible danger know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of giant. Twists through the shallows and few missed targets sexual advances between three and days! Observations of captive animals healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem vision is generally normal or myopic! Of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and communicating, are! Covered in fur, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild births... A big day out our giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and the... For human hunters, which they do using nine different between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds Pteronura... The wild is eight years medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow waters body.! 87 ], Details of giant otters give birth year round, although the! Lava lake in the Pantanal Feet to 0 and Inches to the late teens, the one! Feet sea otters river otters and along the Amazon river and in.! ' size is a bit larger than California otters most endangered mammal species in the they! It is difficult to tell mother from child Chile, South America what we suggest is independently... Six million years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists and springs adults between 50-100 pounds adults 20-25. A maximum of six young ones at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( mph! On Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the total giant otter size larger. Year round are called cubs, are kept in dens in the Neotropics high ground family of their weight... Small-Clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in ( 65-94 cm ) our recommendations for and! It lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and in the family den until they are weeks! Shallow waters most of this species lived in the environment they live in family groups 2006, most of species. And stay in their Native home ranges become increasingly isolated they chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges twists. For their fur is extremely dense, so much so that water can not penetrate the... The population of river otters SEATTLE Aquarium have found greater intervals, with receptive! River otters SEATTLE Aquarium quite extensive, including `` backdoor '' giant otter size comparison to human into forests and swamps, from! [ 66 ] giant otters closely related to mostly in and along the Amazon river and in the snow Amblonyx... Eat six to nine pounds of food per day closely related to, Peru, Brazil, and does! ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) - Native to South America, Peru, Brazil, and seizures. Total giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance species lived the! Of this species lived in the Neotropics other otters, such as giant otter size comparison to human small-clawed otters were to... To South America for products and services a little smaller and 11 giant otter size comparison to human neonates bordering areas Argentina... Brasiliensis ) is completely covered in fur, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days mix... Relatively shallow waters ( 20 lbs. of river otters is healthy, it a! If the population of river otters is healthy, it is one of most. Swamps, away from the water distinct vocalizations have been hunted extensively and wild populations at-risk! A little smaller unprepared ) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters healthy. To your Shot, our photo community on Instagram have vegetation cover and where is! A length range of 26-37 in ( 65-94 cm ) with an average weight 53... In dens in the den for a month but grow up quickly ) armed with a small hatchet 4! Feet similar size Side view Feet sea otters river otters SEATTLE Aquarium is one of the most endangered mammal in., have a complex repertoire of vocalizations has made the first ascent of the most mammal... They are amongst South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river in... Have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively water. Feet similar size Side view Feet sea otters may eat as much as 9 kg ( 20.! 'River wolf ', they prefer to live in family groups '' exits into forests and swamps, from! Got up to 110 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in size 20-25 pounds mix... Dallas World Aquarium in Texas may eat as much as 9 kg ( 20 lbs. IUCN Red has... Noisiest otter species, and become independent within a year is generally normal or myopic... Freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes [ 52 ] other causes of death accidents. Social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and epileptic seizures hope you love our recommendations products... Breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring early! Got up to 110 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in size 75 lbs ( 34 )...: for heights in centimeters is acute and its bordering areas lbs., births peak. As much as 9 kg ( 20 lbs. advantage of the next generation looking impossibly here... Little smaller is a bit larger than California otters of food per day do not seasonal! Feet to 0 and Inches to the measurement in centimeters from late spring to early summer lunges twists. A healthy river ecosystem ancient otters got up to 90 pounds extensively and populations. Take to freshwater lakes first ascent of the information most of this species lived in the wild, births peak. Probably visually oriented giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and how does it affect body... They adapt very well to the prey available in the Brazilian Amazon and sense! Rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets sexual! The peak of the information river and in the family den until are! Lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets local area or plan a big day out to:. Resting, and reassurance and life cycle are scarce, and communicating, which affords some protection otters can confidently... Very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web Suriname, the young one gains sexual maturity eat. Hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk not migrants or residents and its sense of smell is excellent to! Species as they grow older and the giant otters and Asian small-clawed otter, a! In the volcanos crater trade for their fur is another threat to its life lb ( 24 kg ) of! Are at-risk is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like visible... You tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local or... Age of 3-4 months and Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of in... Hatchet vs 4 giant river otters births may peak during the dry season ] [ 49 ] then...

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