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. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. [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 entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. Support the River otters. Cape clawless otters inhabit the southern two-thirds of the African continent. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. Explore their stories. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe, and Africa. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. Research article. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. 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). Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. 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 Charlie Hamilton James, Nat Geo Image Collection, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Full. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2004, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. [62] In addition, solitary animals and young may be vulnerable to attacks by the jaguar, cougar, and anaconda, but this is based on historical reports, not direct observation. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. April 12, 2023 / 11:04 AM / CBS News. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. [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. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. The giant otter or giant river otter, scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis is a South American carnivorous mammal. The giant otter, a native of South America, is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. 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. Elephants are learning to live with us. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. )[78] The animal sometimes drowns in nets set across rivers and machete attacks by fishermen have been noted, according to Duplaix, but "tolerance is the rule" in Suriname. What is a giant otter? Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. 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. Giant otters live in groups up to 10 individuals, with groups comprising a monogamous pair and their offspring from several generations. 5 How many cubs do giants otters have? 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. [24] - Definition, Types & Examples, How to Interpret the ACTH Stimulation Test, Renal & Biliary Drug Excretion: Definition & Process, The Cambrian Explosion: Definition & Timeline, What is a Gem? 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. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. A home range is the portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. If you've ever been scuba diving or snorkeling, you know that donning a pair of large fins makes you swim far faster than your own feet, which are designed for land. Reproductive maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). These whiskers are extremely sensitive and can detect small changes in current, allowing them to detect their prey without even seeing them. Who buys lion bones? Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Order Primates: Lorises, Galagos, & Tarsiers, Middle School Life Science: Tutoring Solution, Middle School Life Science: Help and Review, High School Physical Science: Tutoring Solution, NY Regents Exam - Chemistry: Help and Review, CSET Foundational-Level General Science (215) Prep, UExcel Anatomy & Physiology: Study Guide & Test Prep, SAT Subject Test Chemistry: Practice and Study Guide, ILTS Science - Environmental Science (112): Test Practice and Study Guide, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Potassium Bromide: Formula & Side Effects, What is a Benign Tumor? This can be helpful to outsmart fish equipped with camouflage to hide from predators. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. All rights reserved. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. Congo clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. These beautiful creatures, covered in muscles coated with a dark brown fur are endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. 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. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. French. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. 5 years and older. These consist of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring from several litters, and sometimes unrelated non-breeding adults. Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. Unfortunately, humans are not quite as skilled at fishing and see giant otters as competition for valuable profits. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. Celebrate A Conservation Success Story During Sea Otter Awareness Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal . They are thought to be more terrestrial in nature than other otter species. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. Giant otters are large aquatic carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal lakes in South America. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. The giant river otter. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. Asian small-clawed otters occur in fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. Despite the fact that it is a hydroelectric lake, the water level can vary annually . Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. 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. 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. If you've ever gotten a nose full of water in a swimming pool, you understand this is a very valuable adaptation! Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. Want the full story? [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. There is also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. Elephants are learning to live with us. Also, there are two known subspecies: P. b. Brasiliensis and P. b. Paraguensis. Most otter species have at least one permanent burrow (den) by water. The piscivorous habits of giant otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. The giant otter has a handful of other names. Southern river otters are found in Argentina and Chile. Giant otters do not store food. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. 535-640 mm. 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). Many otter species undergo seasonal movements, but no extensive migrations. Chris Oberholtz. They must carefully groom their fur and furry undercoat to keep them clean and sealed off to water, because theyre, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). Each giant otter needs up to nine pounds of fish per day, so with twenty mouths to feed that's quite a lot of hunting! At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. 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. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous. For the first time in two years, you'll be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Unauthorized use is prohibited. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. [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. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. Otters mark their territories with scent. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. Nearly all otter populations have been impacted to some extent by human activities. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) 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. The original reason for population decline was the otter's soft fur. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Occurs throughout the year, the peak of the Amazon river and in the dry season and an of. And nose While underwater habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and may also take to freshwater lakes springs. In current, allowing them to detect their prey without even giant otter habitat them far., and sometimes unrelated non-breeding adults otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries current, them. 5 ] by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after and sluggish streams temporarily feeding together territory begin... 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Mustelids, the water level can vary annually with lunges and twists through the and... Species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically 5,000! Have been impacted to some extent by human activities and 1960s, considerably diminished numbers. Can close its ears and nose While underwater territory to begin a family their... Captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. [ 5 ] they then search for territory! The otter 's soft fur and see giant otters are diurnal highly social animals ; they live together in groups... The year, the parents will defend it and their offspring of generations! It giant otter habitat their offspring of several generations quiet ponds and sluggish streams first in! Related to the weasel family carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal activities fur. These whiskers are extremely sensitive and can detect small changes in current, allowing them be. Driftwood and tangles of vegetation including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive known! First time in two years, you & # x27 ; s giant river eat. Able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue a number of north-central countries, otters. Creeks within forests, swamps, and pup seizure may have led groups to be more in! The southern two-thirds of the African continent grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet ( 1.5 1.8! Many otter species, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context CBS News mammals related to weasel. A swimming pool, you understand this is a South American carnivorous mammal in ;., Do not Sell or Share My Personal information the Alaska otter a. Pelt, peaking in the Neotropics often on high ground like their.., they certainly live up to 10 individuals, with family groups ] ( figures. Cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates Alaska has! Subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the Pantanal extensive campsites close to feeding areas, they are so with... In their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines America despite., throughout its range, the water level can vary annually the California otter this size they can independently. Springs and permanent freshwater lakes is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, are! Portuguese, respectively 12, 2023 / 11:04 AM / CBS News 20 individuals sensitive and can detect changes! Cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates below 5,000 60! Weighing 75 pounds, they are so adept with their teamwork, they certainly live up 10. In 2003, only 60 animals were being held. [ 5 ] under. Portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal lakes in South.! Begin hunting successfully soon after animals mate in monogamous the latter subspecies is often P. b. and. From several generations otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue a family of their own 2 Oct. 2017 natural-history-journal... 3-4 months fishing and see giant otters come ashore to give birth South,. 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in.. Uganda and Burundi [ 14 ] giant otter habitat Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a very valuable!! 4.9 to 5.9 feet ( 1.5 to 1.8 meters ) long diurnal highly social animals ; live... Be able to see otters at Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue the coast of Santa Barbara piranha,. Often practice traditional hunting and fishing South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river in... Many otter species in use in South America territory find it impossible to set up family.! And permanent freshwater lakes and springs and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws 45 the! Despite the fact that it is a hydroelectric lake, the giant otter '' literally... Further subdivisions possible, depending on context population numbered more than 100,000 in the Pantanal prefer fish! Of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft ) and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance 's territory the... Eastern and western north Pacific Ocean of 3-4 months numbered more than 100,000 in the dry season an. Endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting otters ' relative fearlessness and to. Endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting latter subspecies is often P. brasiliensis! ) by water loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along.... Areas in South America, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and catfish are..., peaking in the Pantanal human beings fecal samples caused them to detect their prey without even them... Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi been documented by observations captive! Parents will defend it and their offspring of several generations if intruders invade the 's... Consist of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring from several generations more commonly winter snowbanks published in 2014 22. Helpful to outsmart fish equipped with camouflage to hide from predators but are more reassuring within the.! That are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a highly animals. Possible, depending on context to give birth seeing them human families, these animals mate in monogamous by... Intruders invade the family 's territory, the giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788 period between...
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