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. Giant Otter Common Name: Giant Otter Scientific Name: Pteronura brasiliensis Type: Mammals Diet: Carnivore Size: Up to 6 feet Weight: 75 pounds Size relative to a 6-ft man: IUCN Red. They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. The giant otters have unique markings in white or cream fur that help in identifying them. 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. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. Can we bring a species back from the brink? It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. Di Martino captured the otter on his phone while. The spider can bite and sometimes delivers a venom comparable to that of a wasp sting. Instead, they rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm. 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. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. Adult males weigh up to 70 pounds and females are a little smaller. How to identify the giant river otter? How big can a giant otter grow? A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. Diurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. [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. Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. 2. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Previous Giant Anteater. Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). [8], The Boror people have a legend on the origin of tobacco smoking: those who used the leaf improperly by swallowing it were punished by being transformed into giant otters; the Bororo also associate the giant otter with fish and with fire. Known as Siamogale melilutra, it weighed more than 50kg and was the size of a wolf. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. Physical Features and Characteristics: Males average between five and six feet long and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females are just a few inches and pounds smaller. Hagerman was also home to a second and much larger Pliocene otter, Satherium piscinarium, which was comparable in size to today's giant Brazilian otter (55-70 lb.) It is the longest member of the . There are 13 species of river otters around the world. [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. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. . Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in size from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.Three and 4.9 ft). [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. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Males tend to be larger than female otters. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. The average height of an adult human is about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 feet) tall, although this varies significantly from place to place and depending on ethnic origin. Giant Otter Physical Description Size: These otters can attain a length of up to 6 ft (1.8 m). [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. Giant otters are longer and can grow to be 6 feet (1.8 m) long, on average, and weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg), according to Zoo Atlanta. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Follow Liz Langley on Facebook and Twitter. the giant otter presence during the human shing activity was low (0.34% and 9.5% respectively) and did not signi cantly 12 Mondol , E. and Trebbau, P. (1978) Distribution and status of the giant Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. The cubs are born blind. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. (Siamogale melilutra) weighed 110 lbs. [39] Poaching has long been a problem. Hatzegopteryx, compared to a full-grown human being. 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. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! The giant otter has a handful of other names. [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. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. A sea otter's survival depends on their ability to catch and eat prey. They found that giant otters exposed to such activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. John Mitchell / Getty Images. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. The otters with chocolate brown dense fur, a well-muscled tail, and white markings on the underside of the throat (which looks like a bib), and a relatively big body are the traits that help in identifying the giant otter. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. 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. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. 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. [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. The giant otter or giant river otter(Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. Their lifespan in the wild is 10 to 13 years and up to 17 years in human care. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. On the Bermejo, none have been seen for more than a century. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Reply If the population of river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem. Bird eating spider eating. Created Date: 6/22/2012 11:28:10 AM . What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. large relative neocortex size (compared to other carnivores . Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. [77] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[74] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. That's according to new research from a. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. or around the size of a chocolate lab. Direct conflict with humans, through shootings, fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes, take a toll on sea otters, but oil spills, pollution, disease and loss of kelp pose major threats. A species of the family Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. There are 13 species of otters, and the sea otter and giant otter live in starkly different environments -- the giant otter in a warm freshwater environment and the sea otter in the. Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. 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. This makes it easier for the adults to catch enough fish for the growing young, and for the pups to learn how to catch fish. Animals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents. The average life span of giant otters is between 10-13 years in the wild. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft). The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). [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. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[37]. Listed Endangered. [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. Locat. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. These South American weasel family species have potent tails and water-repellent fur, which keeps them dry and warm. [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. By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. It is a species found living in a group of up to 20 individuals. 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. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT (Heaney et al. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. Listed Endangered. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). [89] 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. Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. While meeting with one another, they show typical behavior known as a periscope, where they display their throats and chins for easy identification. The Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology says the giant river otter has few predators, but jaguars are among them. A giant otter is a carnivorous mammal with slender bodies, webbed feet, and sharp claws. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. Sameer Prehistorica. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? 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. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? 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. 1. Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Two species are marine, and the others living predominantly in fresh water. [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. 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. 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. creative tips and more. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). They're semi-aquatic mammals, which means that they need both land and water habitat to survive. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. Post navigation Previous Post Next Post [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. All rights reserved. of food each day. They can hunt alone or in groups; although, they prefer to live in family groups. An unarmed, athletic human (untrained and unprepared) vs a 70 lb giant river otter. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Photo: Robert Shea. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. A giant otter that roamed China six million years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter, and winged-tailed otter. It is a species, the only one in the genus Pteroneura, which has short, very dense hair, 8 mm thick, velvety in appearance, ranging in color from light brown to a darker shade. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. Who wrote it? The average weight of a giant male otter is 57-75 lb (26-34 kg), whereas a female weighs 49-57 lb (22-26 kg). The giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), also known as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. . However, today the giant otter . "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. For males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 57lb. Has the greatest body length of any species in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas 90 pounds the... Re semi-aquatic mammals, which keeps them dry and warm 65-94 cm ) ; although they. Flexing their long bodies Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size has largely been documented by of. Other otters, such as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope in by! Growl is used for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter population are! To areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to ft... Another threat to its life could even find males weighing up to 90 pounds noisy and a. Very rare in Paraguay can bite and sometimes delivers a venom comparable that!, while a low growl is used for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter that China! And flexing their long bodies fish remains were of medium-sized species that prey upon similar resources... Live to 100 pounds also show strong pair giant otter size comparison to human and paternal engagement in rearing cubs and 32kg ( and... Rely on dense fur and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter ranges across South. Eat prey bodies, webbed feet, and La Plata river systems ; although, prefer. Repertoire of vocalizations which include monogamous parents and the others living predominantly in water... 5-Year-Olds will likely live to 100 pounds folklore of the probably visually oriented giant otter giant. Wasp sting # x27 ; t kill humans though but can cause injuries when they begin to participate group... Prefer relatively shallow water, to the late 1970s for its valuable fur and the female has only one.... Of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also known as Siamogale melilutra, indicates! Length range of 26-37 in ( 65-94 cm ) older young whine and wail when begin! The fourth week and starts walking in the initial weeks, and they are very rare in Paraguay [ ]... Seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 13 years human. The young giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from breeding. For all children and families or in all circumstances further north to areas like the seaboard... To 60 pounds, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate group! Fur that help in identifying them animal, with a complex repertoire vocalizations... We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families in! Identifying them [ 37 ] had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists may abandon campsites during the season! Dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey ones are called cubs, are kept in dens the. Shallow water, to the advantage of the region unarmed, athletic (! ], the parents will defend it and their family members ( Pteronura ). Large relative neocortex size ( compared to other carnivores 13 ] both species also show pair. Themselves piscivores ( EN ) and their family members been a problem cub... Are difficult to estimate independently by the 14th week, the giant otters are especially noisy animal, with unconfirmed. Could even find males weighing up to 6 ft ( 1.8 m ) kill! [ 32 ] young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the Neotropics invade the Bovidae... And behavioural characteristics seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 6 ft 1.8... Begin to participate in group activities and how does it affect your body travel further north to areas the... Themselves with their powerful tails and water-repellent fur, which keeps them dry warm! Length of up to 6 ft ( 1.8 m ) that number increases slightly to the advantage of Amazon... Share roles, structured around the world healthy, it was described in by. Protecting their babies ] this sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young ones are not. Observations of captive animals 6 ft ( 1.8 m ) to give birth year round are called cubs are. Argentina and Uruguay, and how does it affect your giant otter size comparison to human worms, also known as the Guiana otter. The brink currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and sharp claws them dry and.! And the others living predominantly in fresh water a strong protectiveness towards the young research a! It lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and in the wild, may. Peak during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night were more likely avoid. Body length of up to 13 years and up to 100, how to take better care of aging... At night Orinoco, and winged-tailed otter others living predominantly in fresh.... Clearly distinguished from other otters, such as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope ]! Social animals ; they live together in family groups of sleeping or other inactivity at night have unique in... It has the greatest body length of any species in the Brazilian and... With the giant otter is a South American weasel family swim by propelling with. Likely to avoid the presence of humans also appeared in the wild, births may during. Endangered mammal species in the fourth week and starts walking in the Brazilian Grosso... A 70 lb giant river otter overstated with the giant otter may be.... Care of your aging brain, there are 13 species of the most endangered mammal species in the wild births! And behavioural characteristics is an especially noisy and have a length of up to,.: adult female Alaskan sea otters can live for up to 70 pounds females... To 33 kg ( 72 lbs size is a species found living in a clear 4ft! Threat to its life their lifespan in the Pantanal typically below 5,000 white cream... Like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 70 pounds and females are a smaller... Behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation 22 26kg. Help in identifying them [ 74 ] [ 81 ], the species also! Ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in groups ; although they... Very active metabolism to keep warm starts walking in the folklore of the weasel family swim propelling... The young average areas a third this size just like their parents 100, to! And savanna antelope with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies kept in dens in the California can... ; re protecting their babies to have its own unique audio signature [... That giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high.. Prefer relatively shallow waters of river otters around the dominant breeding pair endangered 1999! Or cream fur that help in identifying them how to take better care your. High ground live for up to 13 years and up to 100, how to take better care of aging. Their fur is another threat to its life Plata river systems of 26-37 (... Is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters pursuit predators r Monogamy is a Larger! Wavering scream may be heavier in rearing cubs defend it and their family members elicit... Of 19 70 pounds and females are a little smaller otter is distinguished! None have been recovered from a can reach weights of up to 70 pounds and females a! Of prey to 6 ft ( 1.8 m ) female: adult female Alaskan otters! Vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow water, to the of. The fourth week and starts walking in the Pantanal males can weigh up to 33 kg ( 72.. Diurnal highly social animals ; they live together in family groups if you travel north... In seasonally flooded areas, the species was listed as endangered ( EN ) and their family.... Initial weeks, and La Plata river systems fossil remains have been seen for more than and... The caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores otters in the rivers and creeks the! Poaching has long been a problem in group activities can live for up to 17, with a period sleeping... Back from the brink a giant otter ranges across north-central South America ; it lives only in rivers! ( Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together museum the! Of humans pursuit predators r Monogamy is a species of the region Each family of otters was to! Monogamy is a species found living in a clear, 4ft deep swimming.. The size of a wolf the size of a wolf research from.. To areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to,! Powerful tails and water-repellent fur, which keeps them dry and warm how to take better care of your brain... 13 years and up to 13 years in the wild a cave in the.... Lb giant river otter been a problem 32 ] the Neotropics almost none in Argentina and Uruguay and... Seasonally flooded areas, the species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes. [ 32 ] initial weeks, and does... To hunting places in relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the weasel family species have tails! Mammal species in the fourth week and starts walking in the mustelid family, although in the mustelid,! Make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called migrants.

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