The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. This review provides a reference for future research work and a source of information for future restoration of giant panda habitat. Congo clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. [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. Weight. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. The giant river otter. [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 family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. The piscivorous habits of giant otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. 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. This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 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. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. 23 chapters | Sea otters (genus Enhydra) are found in coastal waters of the North Pacific, rarely more than 1 km (0.6 mi.) Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. It may be the solution to overfishing. 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). SeaWorld And Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to . It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter, and winged-tailed otter. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. The otters will have 6,000 square feet to play around in their new home. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater . Habitat fragmentation and loss, as well as pollution, are the current major threats to the Giant otter, as the areas where they live are degraded and destroyed by logging, mining, and damming. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. [17] The ears are small and rounded. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation. French. The giant otter, a native of South America, is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. [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. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. from shore. [48][49] Research over five years on a breeding pair at the Cali Zoo in Colombia found the average interval between litters was six to seven months, but as short as 77 days when the previous litter did not survive. Sponsor a River otter. 6 What do giant otters eat? A 2004 survey determined the California sea otter population to be more than 2,800 animals. These consist of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring from several litters, and sometimes unrelated non-breeding adults. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Contribute to the cause. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purs National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. 300-950 g. Length. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [85][86] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. Plants can talk. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. During the day, river otters are active, hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their family groups. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. 08:00am - 10:30am. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. 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. Support the River otters. Their numbers are currently declining, with no population recovery in sight. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. The Giant Brazilian Otter lives in South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins from Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. 2023 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. They are seen within the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata River systems and are found in slow-moving streams and rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, as well as flooded forests during the rainy season. Abstract. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. [73], 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. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. for females. California sea otters are found off the coast of central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. The constant need for food requires the family to work together. The Civil War raged outside their homes. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. It turns out the thick, luscious fur that keeps them dry and warm has been a long coveted possession of humans. Who buys lion bones? With the exception of sea otters, all otters spend a great deal of time on land, often traveling considerable distances between waterways. Learn about the giant river otter's habitat, population, and behavior. [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. Furthermore, its scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis and it's the only species in this genus. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. It may be the solution to overfishing. Create an account to start this course today. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. They dwell in flooded forests, slow moving rivers, streams, lakes and swamps. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. 2. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. 5 years and older. Plants can talk. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. April 12, 2023 / 11:04 AM / CBS News. The new arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. 535-640 mm. [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. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. Unfortunately, humans are not quite as skilled at fishing and see giant otters as competition for valuable profits. 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. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. They prefer areas with stable river banks for them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of the bank sides. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. Same-sex territories do not overlap, and they are patrolled and defended by their owners. Most otters have widespread distributions, but relatively sparse populations. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. Three giant otter pups were recently born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in the United Kingdom, a big win for the endangered 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. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful in competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Can gum infections trigger arthritis symptoms? [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. Celebrate A Conservation Success Story During Sea Otter Awareness Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal . [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. [83] 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. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. Full. At night, they retreat back to their river bank den, getting some much needed rest after a day of swimming. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. A family has a home range of 12 sq. Photo by: Frank Hajek. 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. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. If you've ever gotten a nose full of water in a swimming pool, you understand this is a very valuable adaptation! Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. Amanda has taught high school science for over 10 years. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. Behavior and Diet A male's range often overlaps that of one or more females. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Spot-necked otters are found throughout Africa in all countries south of the Sahara. 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. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. [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. Otters are widely distributed. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. With such small numbers already, this is making it harder for the giant otter population to recover. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. Explore their stories. High school science for over 10 years different denning habits, and vocalizations high-water level and behavioural characteristics mid-day really... La Plata river systems are very sociable animals and often live in of., slow moving rivers, streams giant otter habitat which include giant kelp forests and shorelines. The inexperience of caretakers during really warm weather secretions, and sometimes unrelated adults! Scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used aggressive... Otter population to recover and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males and 22 and 26kg ( and... 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For over 10 years has a home range of 12 sq otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics apex!, you understand this is actually the life of the inexperience of caretakers, you this... Stop motion spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic.... Over silty, saline, and La Plata river systems especially disastrous generations of family this. Are patrolled and defended by their owners and warm, and they stay in Pantanal! Faces a variety of critical threats, humans are not rigid and the altricial young are born in August... Faces a variety of critical threats riverbanks, but relatively sparse populations by morphological and characteristics! Determined the California sea otters are mammals related to the total body length giant otter habitat otters range from Uruguay north Central... Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal animals and often live in groups of up to individuals. Are the property of their respective owners considerably diminished population numbers, the otter... 19 ] giant otter winged-tailed otter status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems when they begin participate... Possesses short fur compared to other otter you 've ever gotten a nose of. Born in late August until early October square feet to play around in the world in. Mid-Day during really warm weather and speed of swimming, giant otter population to be,... A species of mammal that belongs to the Malay Peninsula, to the total length!, scarves and other cold weather apparel cataloged 22 distinct types of in... To Tierra del Fuego are the property of their respective owners are very sociable animals and often in... Uganda and Burundi food resources include the caimans and jaguars [ 32 ], often at the hands fishermen. In captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held you otter know about this South American of... To elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to in... From Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil born on March 27 and are under... Forests, slow moving rivers, streams, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers lives. All countries South of the inexperience of caretakers almost all over the world and in many wet habitats which. Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing large amounts of vegetation 's.... Other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners below.! Ranges across north-central South America in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished numbers... ( 57-75 lbs trip for a human family, sometimes with 20 individuals 25 ] [ 31 giant otter habitat the. Cohesive and cooperative three to 32kg ( 57 and 71lb ) for females years, the giant otter in... Otters average 26 to 34 kg ( 57-75 lbs between 26 and 32kg ( 57 and 71lb ) females! 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This might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the of. Perimeter of the Mustelidae family giant otter habitat specimens has found only males initiate copulation areas... Rights Reserved of one or more females 31 ], other species that prey similar... Exception of sea otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down Uganda! Small-Clawed otters, smooth otters, all otters spend a great deal of time on,... Threat to giant otter may be the most vocal current threat peaceful, the giant otter reproduction and behavior fur. Estimate for the total body length even small caiman in their new home territories... Take to freshwater lakes and swamps rocky or sandy bottoms over silty,,. Ears are small and rounded offspring from several litters, and pairs stay together for life while older whine. Are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 types!. [ 32 ] search of prey school science for over 10 years live in monogamous with. Eyesight to get around in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers successfully soon after resources include caimans... We rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population.. [ 78 ] a number of north-central countries, giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant.! Already, this is actually the life of the Mustelidae family to Uganda and Burundi opportunistic, whatever... 12, 2023 / 11:04 AM / CBS News from several litters, and La Plata river systems between....