They tend to set up their nests in the banks of slow moving rivers and lakes as this is safer for their young. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). The territories would never coincide or overlap with territories that belong to the other groups. There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). [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. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. [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,[12] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. It lives in the rivers and swamps of tropical South America, forming noisy family groups that often hunt together. The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. The hearing of this species is intense and its sense of smell is excellent. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. [12], Adult giant otters living in family groups have no known serious natural predators, however there are some accounts of black caimans in Peru and yacare caimans in the Pantanal preying on giant otters. Basin and arid areas to semiarid regions, to semiarid regions, to semiarid regions, to forested. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. The giant otter species eats mainly fishes and crabs. 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. Southern river otter – Is found in the marine and freshwater environments of southern Chile and Argentina. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. In fact, he’ll usually live in a group with ten or more of his fellow otters. 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 overall—still, but for how long? READ MORE: Furry and Up to No Good: Do Ferrets Make Good Pets? The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. [66] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[57]. One report suggests maximum areas 28 m (92 ft) long and 15 m (49 ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. [64], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. This gregarious animal grows to a length of up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft), and is more aquatic than most other otters. Habitat Giant Otters are only found in the rainforests and rivers of South America. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. The Amazon rainforest is where the Giant Otter lives; it is their habitat, their home. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Giant Otters are fascinating animals. [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. [56] In some cases, supposed cooperative hunting may be incidental, a result of group members fishing individually in close proximity; truly coordinated hunting may only occur where the prey cannot be taken by a single giant otter, such as with small anacondas and juvenile black caiman. [4] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. The giant river otters have also been noted to feed on small anacondas and caimans. Giant Otters do to! These South American otters ( Pteronura Brasiliensis) are the biggest in the world, reaching about 1.8 meters long. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. They do live in large family groups. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Giant otters in the wild can eat caiman, piranhas, and anacondas. Otters live in a wide variety of watery locations, from the mighty Amazon to the heart of Singapore. Giant Otters might look like any other species of Otter. [81], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. [6] All three names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. What do otters eat? An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. The giant otters are carnivorous amphibian mammals, that belong to the Pteronura genus.In fact are the only otters of this genus, and are the longest member of the mustelid family to which also belong the water wolves.. [57] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) inhabits South America, especially the Amazon river basin, but is becoming increasingly rare due to poaching, habitat loss, and the use of mercury and other toxins in illegal alluvial gold mining. Giant otters become mature between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. [25] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Meet the Giant River Otter. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[4]. These animals are known to go head-to-head with some of the world's most powerful animals, - such as Jaguars, crocodiles and anacondas. Neotropical otter – As the name suggests this is … [80], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purús National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. These large otters are extremely social animals. Please do not trap live otters and then drown them, as it is considered illegal in many states and is a painful way for any animal to die, which can last anywhere up to eight minutes. Habitat. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Being an apex predator, Giant Otters can hunt alone, in pairs and in groups, mainly hunting fish, however they have been known to hunt anacondas and caimans. [46][47] 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. Known for their fun loving nature, the Giant Otter isn’t likely to be a hermit. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi) 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 groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. Male river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [83] 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. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. [32] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [46] 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. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. Giant otters live across South America’s Amazon basin, including Tambopata National Reserve, in southeastern Peru. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. Only giant otters form permanent family groups of 10-15 individuals. The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[12] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): all trade in specimens and parts is illegal. [15] The ears are small and rounded. Here’s why. [4] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. Their main habitat is on the land near to water bodies. Giant Otters typically live in and along the Amazon River. Some are almost exclusively aquatic, like the sea otters that live in the Pacific ocean, and some spend more than half their time on land, like the giant otter that lives in the tropical rain-forests of South America. But the sea otter’s habitat is unique, as they only live in shallow coastal waters in the North Pacific ocean. [23][29], The species possesses 2n = 38 chromosomes.[30]. The wild animals are found in rivers and creeks in the Amazon basin within the Amazon rainforest. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to Mora and Alexandra, two female Giant Otters from Duisburg Zoo in Germany. The largest otter is the giant otter. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs). Further Information on the Giant Otter: E-mail to add your Giant Otter related website. [46] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm, and can close their ears and nose when underwater. Countries where giant otters live include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. The giant otter is … Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Otters living in zoos and aquariums are likely to live far past their average life span to almost double or triple years. [38] 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. Skip to main content The Wildlife Trusts. Otters are adorable animals and they can live both in the land and in the river. In summary: Cage should be outdoors. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and soft, dense fur. brasiliensis. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. [40] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sq mi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sq mi) found in Guyana. To spend much more time on land than other otters from Africa, are! A fully-grown adult male typically weighs between 57 and 71 pounds (26 and 32 kg). The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers — and significant protection — in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. Males and females do not vary in size, which is usually between 150 and 180 cm long, but they do vary in weight: while males weigh between 26 and 32 kg, females, somewhat lighter, range between 22 and 26 kg. [36] 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. 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. Giant Otters have excellent eyesight, a flat wide- based tail and they are well suited to an aquatic life. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. No institution, for example, has successfully raised giant otter cubs unless parents were provided sufficient privacy measures; the stress caused by human visual and acoustic interference can lead to neglect, abuse and infanticide, as well as decreased lactation. Some of the animals that live in in the rainforest river are manatees, piranhas, giant river otters, capybara, and the Amazon pink river dolphins. [71] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the neotropics. These otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. Main navigation. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya have been found in the US Midwest, however fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9 Mya. Groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river. [23] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. [33] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. The Giant River Otter is a sociable creature who lives in families of 3-10 members, banding together to … Weights are between 26 and 32 kg (57 and 71 lb) for males and 22 and 26 kg (49 and 57 lb) for females. Giant otters live on a diet that almost exclusively consists of fishes and crabs. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. [55], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [65] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. These mammals are very agile and feed on small crabs, frogs, and worms. Where do sea otters live? The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. 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. Ranges from 4.9 ha to 1062.5 ha of sub-Saharan Africa ( except in the sub-Saharan,! They … Otter Habitat and Distribution. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. The Giant River Otter is a sociable creature who lives in families of 3-10 members, banding together to protect themselves and their territories. Giant River Otters are apex predators, partially due to these impenetrable family groups, and use 22 different vocalisations to communicate to one another. [62], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. [76] 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. [31] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. Social animals: Giant Otters live in extended family groups that can number from three to even twenty individuals. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. [77] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0 ft) having the highest success rate. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. Once they locate their prey, the giant river otters proceed to capture and consume them. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. [57] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. Form and function. [27] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. [67], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. Baby otters for sale is 1 of 5 different otter species that is native to Asia. If the otter gets all the right nutrients, they should live … Years ago, they lived in tropical forests and wetlands, but the presence of human beings has drastically changed this situation. Do giant otters live in a group? Giant otters mate in the water and give birth to 2 or 3 pups in August to October. At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. [50] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. [63] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[50] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. They are also downright scary-looking. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caiman. These family-loving animals spend most of their time together. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. 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. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. [82] 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. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. Giant otters live on a diet that almost exclusively consists of fishes and crabs. [46], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. Giant Otters feed predominantly on fish, mainly characins (primitive fish related to pirhanas, which make up over 50% of the diet) as well as catfish and perch. These mammals have whiskers, which they use to spot their prey by detecting vibrations in the water. [58] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. Giant otters are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. [72][73] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. It can grow up to 2.4m (8ft) long from nose to tail. [46], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. These semi-aquatic creatures live up to their name as the largest otters on earth – they weigh up to 70 pounds and can grow to 6ft long. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. It is part of the worlds largest forest. Sea otters can be found close to certain seas near Alaska, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and the country of Russia. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[7] and among the Sanumá as hadami. Cape clawless otters and Asian small clawed otters love frogs, crustaceans, crabs and … [59], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. It is mostly solitary, and only rarely do … [8][9] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words pteron/πτερόν (feather or wing) and oura/οὐρά (tail),[10] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. They have very streamlined bodies, with a … The clawless otter is a specimen that appears in Africa and is one of the smallest otter species. )[36] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). [60] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. As one the Amazon forest’s top predators, along with the jaguar, puma, caiman and anaconda, the giant river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. © Magic Bones/Getty Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Do you or anyone you know, live with a pet otter? Utreras[60] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55 square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55 sq miles) for the groups. Giant otters regularly feed on piranha, and have also been known to take down alligators. Land otters feed on insects, frogs, eggs, birds, even critters such as rabbits or rodents. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Its thick, velvety brown fur has characteristic white markings around the neck. What do otters eat? Giant Otter – This species is found throughout the Amazon River basin in South America. [24] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8 millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [34] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[35]. Giant otters, Pteronura brasiliensis, live in South America, mostly along the Amazon River and the wetlands of the Pantanal. [47] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. [37] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. [68] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[12][69][70]. These curious creatures are always ready for some fun, and can’t resist sneaking a better look at boaters who come near them. Do otters lay eggs or give live birth? [71] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[68] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. [64] 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. [39] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant, but unpredictably dispersed, and prey causes groups to form. [24] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. 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