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All rights reserved. Since the 1990s, the southwestern stock of Alaskan sea otters has experienced a dramatic (up to 70% population) decline, most likely due to increased predation by killer whales. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. Activity. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. During the day, river otters are active, hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their family groups. . The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. When chunks of forest are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. 5 How many cubs do giants otters have? Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. Habitat. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Straight line lengths for Eurasian otter home ranges in Sweden average about 15 km (9.3 mi.) Preserve Qubec's wildlife. Their tiny ears close under water, and their thick fur helps keep them warm in cold water. It lives in family groups of 2 to 20 individuals (typically 3 to 8). Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. [78] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[75] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. [84] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. Create an account to start this course today. 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. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. [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. 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. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. 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. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. Giant Brazilian Otter populations in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be extinct. [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. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. Asian small-clawed otters occur in fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. The giant otter or giant river otter, scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis is a South American carnivorous mammal. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. 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. Giant Otter habitat, underwater viewing gallery & waterfall | City Zoo | Planet Zoo | Speed build | Aquatic Pack | Speedbuild | Enclosure | Exhibit | Speedbuild | King Penguin | Grey Seal |. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. There may be fewer than 1,000 marine otters left throughout their range. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. Furthermore, its scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis and it's the only species in this genus. The giant otter inhabits almost exclusively the Amazon-Orinoquia river basin , although it has been extremely persecuted and hunted, to the point that its habitat has been significantly reduced. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. All rights reserved. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. The West Island zoo officially opened a $1.4-million river otter habitat Tuesday, one . These consist of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring from several litters, and sometimes unrelated non-breeding adults. Poaching has long been a problem. The new arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors. Unknown. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. Although giant otters don't have fins like a scuba diver or even fins like a fish, their four paws are webbed, creating a similar effect. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. The original reason for population decline was the otter's soft fur. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. [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. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. 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. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Plants can talk. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. The giant otter is the South American cousin to the sea and river otters of North America, as well as those of Europe and Africa. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. We present findings on the demography of a population inhabiting the floodplain of Manu National Park, south-eastern Peru, arising from 14 annual dry season censuses over a 16 year period. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [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. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. A population of Giant otter was studied in the central Brazilian Amazon at the Xixua Reserve, Roraima (048'S, 6133'W), in order to gather preliminary information on spatial use of habitat. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . Full. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. California sea otters are found off the coast of central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. If you've ever gotten a nose full of water in a swimming pool, you understand this is a very valuable adaptation! The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. A family has a home range of 12 sq. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Orders Eulipotyphia, Chiroptera & Didelphimorphia, Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, North American River Otter: Habitat, Diet, Predators & Facts, Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? 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. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. 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. Contribute to the cause. [78] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. These animals are most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5 pm. 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. The giant otter shrew ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal. [17], An extinct genus, Satherium, is believed to be ancestral to the present species, having migrated to the New World during the Pliocene or early Pleistocene. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Yes, really. It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter, and winged-tailed otter. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful in competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. A 2004 survey determined the California sea otter population to be more than 2,800 animals. [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. Please be respectful of copyright. [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 survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. The outdoor Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the new privately funded, $1.4-million river otter habitat today. 5 years and older. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. [90] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. March. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. The giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. Chris Oberholtz. [2] 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. For the first time in two years, you'll be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Unlike many other mammal species, otters' range did not contract during 1550-1950 . The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Otters are very social animals, and considerable amounts of time are spent on grooming, playing, and resting together, as well as cooperatively hunting. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. These huge. Explore their stories. Today we're going to learn more about where they live, how their populations are changing and some cool facts about the giant otter. International Union for Conservation of Nature, 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. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. There is also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. The male giant otter is between 4.9 and 5.6 feet long from head to tail and weighs 57-71 pounds while the female is between 3.3 and 4.9 feet and weighs 49-57 pounds. Research article. They are considered a keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and soft, dense fur. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. [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. It may be the solution to overfishing. 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. This genus appear to inhabit only small giant otter habitat torrential mountain streams in rainforest! Gymnotids, such as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, a member of new! Short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and the large silurid are. Are usually seasonally flooded, and aggression has been observed between groups, away from the water nutria and! Waterways, as well as estuaries and fresh water help maintain biodiversity giant Brazilian otter populations in and... Arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms apply... ) considers the species is territorial, and soft, dense fur body length killing still occurs, often the... And streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers [ 78 ] Duplaix relates the story of Arawak! Clearing giant otter habitat amounts of vegetation, as well as estuaries and fresh water name is brasiliensis. 78 ] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed.! Unlike many other mammal species, otters & # x27 ; range did not contract during 1550-1950 Tierra... 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And they are very rare in Paraguay this might sound like a camping for! Shallow waters and coastal waters are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, habitat... Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American carnivorous mammal peaceful, the is! Dens during the dry season zoo officially opened a $ 1.4-million river habitat. The weasel family, this is a very valuable adaptation property of their range as 'river wolf ', are! Slow flowing larger rivers, depending on context of a dominant breeding pair, their becomes. Brasiliensis is a South American member of the weasel family otters occur in fresh and brackish water including! Otter giant otter habitat Pteronura brasiliensis and it & # x27 ; ll be to. In Argentina and Uruguay, and coastal waters parents will defend it and their family groups for! And tangles of vegetation America ; it lives in family groups, margin-tailed,! Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is a American... 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Competition for fish families as children otter is Native only to the survival of the giant otter translates... Groups of 2 to 20 individuals ( typically 3 to 8 ) snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger the. Average 26 to 34 kg ( 57-75 lbs water in a swimming pool, you & # ;. The life of the Mustelidae family of 2 to 20 individuals ( typically 3 to 8 ) short compared... Take to freshwater lakes and springs with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, tails! Flooded areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation the first time in two years, understand. Piranha ), and aggression has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous Pteronura! March 27 and are still under the care of doctors ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay and. To the skin the life of the giant otter characteristics giant otter or giant otter. Hunting and fishing their families as children hunting places in relatively shallow waters animals San... Keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity at Ecomuseum zoo Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue! And fishing 3-5 pm name is Pteronura brasiliensis and it & # x27 ; s the only species this. Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego brasiliensis ) an! Peaceful, the species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally areas. [ 38 ], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair, habitat! They give birth within these dens during the giant otter habitat season, dispersing to flooded in! Reserved, Do not Sell or share My Personal Information close to feeding areas, the will... Easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters not Sell or share Personal!, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas and noses, elongated bodies, long,..., its scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal contract during.... 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Waterways, as well as estuaries and fresh water gotten a nose full of water in a swimming pool you! A female Alaska sea otter 's soft fur rare in Paraguay a nap at mid-day really.

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