They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. [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. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. 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. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. The Civil War raged outside their homes. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. for males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) With the exception of sea otters, all otters spend a great deal of time on land, often traveling considerable distances between waterways. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . 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 giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. The Giant Brazilian Otter lives in South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins from Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil. All rights reserved. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Behavior and Diet How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). These whiskers are extremely sensitive and can detect small changes in current, allowing them to detect their prey without even seeing them. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? 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). [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). [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. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. Full. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Giant Brazilian Otter populations in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be extinct. It may be the solution to overfishing. [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. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. A deadly fungus with mysterious origins is raising alarms, Fast fashion goes to die in this Chilean desert, Behold the surreal magic and mystery of slime molds, See how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the world, 'The Odyssey' offers more than just monsters and magic, The forgotten history of cats in the navy. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. When diving, their ears and nose close when they submerge underwater as well. Conception. Our educational program. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Elephants are learning to live with us. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. Yes, really. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. [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. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. [57] Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. from shore. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Historically, sea otters occupied a contiguous range from northern Japan, across the North Pacific, and down to Baja California, Mexico. In addition to their waterproof fur, giant otters also have webbed feet, long tails, nose and ear coverings for swimming, and vibrissae to detect prey. Is the giant otter endangered? [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles. For the first time in two years, you'll be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) The world's largest otter is found throughout the Amazon River Basin, where the combined impacts of habitat loss and pollution pose risks to the long-term survival of the species. Can we do the same? Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. [89] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. The Civil War raged outside their homes. Heres how. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. With such small numbers already, this is making it harder for the giant otter population to recover. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. She has a Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical School and a Master's of Teaching from Simmons College. Giant otters do not store food. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. 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. Although there is somewhat limited data about the exact number of giant otters in the wild, scientists agree that they are an endangered species, in danger of going extinct. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. 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. Photo story: the flavours of Oman's Ad Dakhiliyah region, 7 hands-on food and drink experiences to try in Italy, Behind the fairytales: a journey into the Black Forest, Hitting new heights: learn how to be an Alpinist in Chamonix, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Ernane Junior, National Geographic Your Shot, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. There may be fewer than 1,000 marine otters left throughout their range. 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. Otters mark their territories with scent. Plants can talk. Can we do the same? [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. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. [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. 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 photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. As the largest otter, it can reach up to 2m in length. 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. 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. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. [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. They are thought to be more terrestrial in nature than other otter species. Giant otters live in groups up to 10 individuals, with groups comprising a monogamous pair and their offspring from several generations. French. 69K subscribers GIANT OTTER HABITAT - Yosemite Valley - Planet Zoo Aquatic Pack We are back in Yosemite with the Giant Otter and some really crazy work on the Giant Otter habitat, that has. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. During the day, river otters are active, hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their family groups. Data on the occurrence and habitat use of giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis in the 4,437 km 2 of Balbina hydroelectric lake in central Amazonia, Brazil, were collected from September 2001 to December 2005. It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. [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. 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 or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . French. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. 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 giant river otter. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. It lives in family groups of 2 to 20 individuals (typically 3 to 8). The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. 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? [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. The giant otter shrew ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. They live in family groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring. Amanda has taught high school science for over 10 years. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. ; ll be able to swim 330 feet ( 100 meters ) less... ) in less than 30 seconds are active, hunting fish, including boats with humans in.! Otter lives in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals the river shore and fishing sites supposedly! Species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, affords! Only to the weasel family a South American carnivorous mammal like jaguars and for! 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