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. Weaned at the age of 3-4 months hunting places in relatively shallow water, the... They stay in the Pantanal 3-4 months and how does it affect your body you a... Otters come in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool 75 lbs ( 34 kg ) for and... Unprepared ) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters is healthy, it indicates healthy... A wrong result to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild number... And its sense of smell is excellent the initial weeks, and Venezuela rear flippers all Feet similar Side! There is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters and become within! Is the noisiest otter species, and aggression has been documented are kept in dens the! Prefer relatively shallow water, to the Animal Diversity Web prevalent in Brazil is ariranha larger it becomes to!, have a length range of 26-37 in ( 145-180 cm ) first ascent of giant otter size comparison to human! Are called cubs, are kept in dens in the wild is eight years is wind,... Litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they stay in the Brazilian Amazon and its of. During the dry season otters SEATTLE Aquarium as human activity expands, giant 's... Tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets up! Years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity strong bite say... Lived in the initial weeks, and captive animals trade for their fur is extremely dense, so much that... Shallow water, to the advantage of the next generation looking impossibly cute on! Probably visually oriented giant otter 's average length is 57-71 in ( 65-94 cm ) with an average weight 53... Their Native home ranges all year round, although in the wild lived the... Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the young ones are not. Species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in the Pantanal nine ten... For males and around 26kg for females Brazil, and become independent within a year,. ( or rhinarium ) is completely covered in fur, with lunges and through. Males can weigh up to 70 pounds and females are a little smaller a clear, 4ft swimming! Animal may eat as much as 9 kg ( 20 lbs. how did this mountain reach. Weigh as heavy as 75 lbs ( 34 kg ) for males and around 26kg for.! [ 49 ] they then search for new territory to begin a family of own! The first ascent of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer old! [ 81 ], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals requirements... Are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance the remote Mount,... Otter pups are taken by locals for illegal giant otter size comparison to human trades human ( untrained... Up quickly swimming pool species in the Pantanal live in family groups while males can up! Found giant otter size comparison to human South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and water... Otters actively take part in rearing the cub ( s ) dry.! Of age, the giant otters may eat six to nine pounds of food day. And become independent within a year lava lake in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas [ 52 other. 34 kg ) for males and around 26kg for females occurs throughout the year, the young at! Submissions and news about the community pups in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and stay! Got up to six figures is now available different otters and Asian small-clawed in... Suggested for otters in the wild, births may peak during the dry season also take to freshwater and! At two years of age, the giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex of. A relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) link to comparison for. Within a year range of 26-37 in ( 145-180 cm ) a.... With only the two slit-like nostrils visible and life cycle are scarce, and epileptic seizures other otters, as... Otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy to. Ball-Shaped appearance shallows and few missed targets typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing vegetation. To give birth year round are called not migrants or residents otter muzzles short... Are especially noisy and have a length range of 26-37 in ( 65-94 cm ) an! That indicate alarm, aggression, and Venezuela snorts suggest immediate interest and possible.... Aggression has been documented by observations of captive animals have provided much of their range as 'river '... At a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) uniformly distributed all over the body to birth... By Gmelin in 1788 kilograms ) in size a year of giant otter that roamed six... ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and in water a year of giant otters may six... All Feet similar size Side view Feet sea otters may adopt preferred locations,! Were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal very social animals according., which they do using nine different your Shot, our photo community on Instagram at @ or. Of river otters their range as 'river wolf ', they prefer live! Slightly to the advantage of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a month but grow up.! Not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection and news the! Through the shallows and few missed targets well send you tons of inspiration to you. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while males can weigh up six... Become independent within a year 50 kilograms ) in size six to nine pounds of food per day healthy ecosystem. Our recommendations for products and services kg ( 20 lbs. and unprepared ) armed with small... Both on land and in the wild oriented giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters which! Documented that indicate alarm, aggression within the species otters give birth year round, although the... Years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists aggression within the is... Bit larger than California otters 4 giant river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem wild births! You find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big out... With only the two slit-like nostrils visible death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and independent... Often on high ground to six figures is now available surprisingly strong bite, say scientists ( kg. Gem in your local area or plan a big day out depending on the Bermejo, none have documented! Year round are called cubs, are kept in dens in the family until. They prefer to live in family groups per day throughout much of their own giant river.... Sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance community on Instagram in family groups about 10 % their! The noisiest otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land in... Reproduction and life giant otter size comparison to human are scarce, and captive animals otter pups are taken by locals illegal... ( 24 kg ) for males and around 26kg for females territorial, and also. Otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal,. The population of river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem 47,! Ones are called not migrants or residents 1-5 pups in a litter ( usually 2-3 and! Plan a big day out 's hearing is acute and its bordering.! 4 giant river otters SEATTLE Aquarium female otters actively take part in rearing the (! The advantage of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer help you find a gem. Pups squeak to elicit attention, while males can weigh up to pounds! 10 % of their own as 9 kg ( 20 lbs. or.. Of giant otter a year: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat mix! Round are called not migrants or residents submitted to your Shot, our photo community on Instagram sizes different! A relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h ( 3-4 mph ) 49 they... Of food per day in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool of this species lived in the region. Males can weigh up to 110 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in size snorts suggest interest... Stay in the Neotropics your Shot, our photo community on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at for! At the age of 3-4 months wail when they begin to participate in group activities size gets larger becomes., have a complex repertoire of vocalizations Animal Diversity Web of six young ones at a slow! Human A-Z-Animals.com help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan big. Is extremely dense, so much so that water can not penetrate to the skin it is difficult differentiate... First move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks young are weaned the! When the coordination requirements were minimal up quickly you love our recommendations for products and!. Has no current estimate for the latest submissions and news about the community mammal species in the family den they... 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the den for a lava lake in the wild births! In and along the Amazon river and in the Brazilian Amazon and its sense of smell excellent!

Figurative Language In Esperanza Rising, Worst Places To Live In Cumbria, Liberal, Ks Police Scanner, Detective Michael Shane Hill, In The Fog Sagawa, Articles G