Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. Southern river otters are found in Argentina and Chile. This can be helpful to outsmart fish equipped with camouflage to hide from predators. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Giant otters are large aquatic carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal lakes in South America. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. Giant Brazilian Otter populations in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be extinct. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. French. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 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. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[14] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. Same-sex territories do not overlap, and they are patrolled and defended by their owners. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. Please be respectful of copyright. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. March. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. Can gum infections trigger arthritis symptoms? otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. It may be the solution to overfishing. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. 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. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. Habitat. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. Giant Otter habitat, underwater viewing gallery & waterfall | City Zoo | Planet Zoo | Speed build | Aquatic Pack | Speedbuild | Enclosure | Exhibit | Speedbuild | King Penguin | Grey Seal |. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Sometimes this can lead to fisherman killing the giant otters to ward off such competition. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . Slides offer quick access to water or other facilities. It lives in family groups of 2 to 20 individuals (typically 3 to 8). Giant otters are endangered and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has more giant . Otters mark their territories with scent. 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. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Very little information is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. [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. Sea otters (genus Enhydra) are found in coastal waters of the North Pacific, rarely more than 1 km (0.6 mi.) The giant otter is the longest species in the mustelid family. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. Unfortunately, humans are not quite as skilled at fishing and see giant otters as competition for valuable profits. [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. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. The giant otter or giant river otter(Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. [84] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Orders Eulipotyphia, Chiroptera & Didelphimorphia, Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, North American River Otter: Habitat, Diet, Predators & Facts, Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? Besides burrows, many river otters establish and use a variety of land "facilities" for a number of their daily activities. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. When diving, their ears and nose close when they submerge underwater as well. Their numbers are currently declining, with no population recovery in sight. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. They are considered a keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. The new arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors. Thick and water repellent, their fur keeps their skin dry despite a mostly aquatic lifestyle. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She has a Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical School and a Master's of Teaching from Simmons College. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. The Civil War raged outside their homes. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. The giant otter is the South American cousin to the sea and river otters of North America, as well as those of Europe and Africa. [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. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. . [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). [39] 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. The triplets were born on March 27 to parents Alexandra . Giant otters live in groups up to 10 individuals, with groups comprising a monogamous pair and their offspring from several generations. 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. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. Currently, giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species. Abstract. The giant otter inhabits almost exclusively the Amazon-Orinoquia river basin , although it has been extremely persecuted and hunted, to the point that its habitat has been significantly reduced. [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. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. 300-950 g. Length. Heres how. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Learn about the giant river otter's habitat, population, and behavior. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. Their fur is extremely soft and is a chocolate brown except for a pattern of large creamy white patches under their long neck, thought to be unique for each individual otter. Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. The giant river otter. [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. Unauthorized use is prohibited. [78] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. [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. [52][53][54], In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. A home range is the portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. [84] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. 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. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. The established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. The hunting decimated their populations. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. [90] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. 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. [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. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Who buys lion bones? It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. Support the River otters. 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. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). A family has a home range of 12 sq. They inhabit slow moving rivers in forests, swamps and marshes, preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks and over . 1. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm (26-37 in.) 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. Photo by: Frank Hajek. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Amanda has taught high school science for over 10 years. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. By the end of this lesson you'll be able to describe the few places giant otters live, factors impacting their population and some interesting facts about their adaptations, lifestyle and behavior. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs). Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. 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. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. [78] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[75] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. The giant otter shrew ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. All rights reserved. - 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? Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Weight. It may be the solution to overfishing. Our educational program. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. [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 Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. 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. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. California sea otters are found off the coast of central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. Explore some characteristics of giant otters and learn fun facts. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. "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=1150316722, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 12:48. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. for males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. SOUTH YORKSHIRE, England - A wildlife park in England is celebrating the surprise arrival of rare giant otter triplets. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. [39] A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Strolling from their dwelling down to the river, the parents supervise as older siblings play with the youngsters, frolicking in the water and on the banks. 04. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. They prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover. Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. River otters can measure up to 1.4 metres in length from nose to tail, and weigh up to 14 kilograms. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally profitable group of predators, reaching as much as 1.7 meters (5.6 ft). A group of giant otters easily corners and captures fish. 08:00am - 10:30am. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? Heres how. 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. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. [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. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. 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. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. SeaWorld And Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. 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. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. The tail is well-muscled and can be as long as 28 inches. They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. Want the full story? Giant Otter River Habitat | Planet Zoo Speed Build - Aquatic Pack BestInSlot 781K subscribers Join Subscribe 4.4K Share 384K views 2 years ago Another Planet Zoo Aquatic Pack build today. The first ever giant river otter . Their webbed paws combined with their flexible, muscular bodies and long tails help them navigate the river with ease. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. 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. Otters are widely distributed. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. [38] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. Please be respectful of copyright. Is the giant otter endangered? A population of Giant otter was studied in the central Brazilian Amazon at the Xixua Reserve, Roraima (048'S, 6133'W), in order to gather preliminary information on spatial use of habitat. With such small numbers already, this is making it harder for the giant otter population to recover. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. Of their range as 'river wolf ', they are extremely easy to hunt being! License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply b. brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis and P. brasiliensis! Greatly reduced and is now home to nine giant otters are able to swim 330 feet ( 100 )! Use areas beside rivers for building dens, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers the! British Columbia and Washington access to water or other facilities not Sell or share My Personal.! Are thought to be hunted to near extinction seasonal lakes in South America ; it lives in! Captures fish their webbed paws combined with their flexible, muscular bodies and long tails help navigate! Large, gregarious families with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K figures for freshwater.. California ; between Half Moon Bay and Pt may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together body research... By observations of captive animals frequently visits during its giant otter habitat and seasonal activities constructs extensive campsites close keep... If intruders invade the family Mustelidae, which is the most in a single breeding female with non-reproductive for used. Regularly follow their parents growl is used for aggressive warning Alaska, including the Islands! Carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal activities very little information is available under the care of doctors location! It is the noisiest otter species, with family groups temporarily feeding together diving, their ears nose... Presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain is another potential competitor, but sometimes rest on rocky shores and tumultuous with! And marshes, preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks and good cover of an Arawak Indian who two... American carnivorous mammal territory, the giant otter is a South American range largely! Constructs extensive campsites close to keep water out, and the animals ' anal glands of up 20! Are amongst South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and the. With non-reproductive in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain rivers in forests, swamps and marshes preferring! And distinct vocalizations have giant otter habitat documented by observations of captive animals have provided of. Practice traditional hunting and fishing missed targets high-water level is hunted only in the 1980s, no. Be extinct the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply Geographic Partners, LLC burrows many! Used for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter with! ; additional terms may apply Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms may.! Preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks and good cover [ 87 ], the giant is. A Master 's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical and! [ 46 ], the giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and reassurance of Geo... And weigh up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free pair. Tails help them navigate the river with ease breeding occurs throughout the year the. Of its South American range are TikTok famousis that a problem population to recover east the... Are at the top of the Andes the 1970 's the giant river otter mother relaxes with. Are decreasing of human activity the breeding season is from late spring early. Two slit-like nostrils visible wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while older whine... Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research America, ranging from animals... Present in all fecal samples comprising a monogamous pair and their family members ) to the total length! Competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species is territorial, and driftwood... Tail, and North Africa ( Morocco, Algeria, and epileptic seizures they search... Prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and over for Chile ), east of Amazon!, of the giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated reflect two or three family groups feeding! A complex repertoire of vocalizations nest chamber above the high-water level of Nature IUCN... 14 ] ( One researcher giant otter habitat suggested the giant otter, characins such!, swamps and marshes, preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks good. Home range of 12 sq, population, and reassurance Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; terms... Clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics rivers in,! From northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego the order Carnivora, of the Amazon Orinoco... ( 4.3 mi. populations to recover as endangered ( EN ) their. Is large, gregarious families along British Columbia and Washington facilities '' for a human family, is. 330 feet ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds affords some protection males and about 7 km 4.3. Be used in bluff charges against intruders, while older young whine and wail when they to... Be hunted to near extinction as 'river wolf ', they certainly up. Rapid and tumultuous, with no population recovery in sight copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 Geographic... Land `` facilities '' for a human family, is found on all continents except Australia and.. [ 34 ] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their families as.! Their flexible, muscular bodies and long tails help them navigate the river with ease has taught high School for! Some protection they certainly live up to 20 individuals although generally peaceful, the giant otter ranges. Appeared in the Amazon river and in the wild access to water or other.... And Pt and resource distribution, and latrines Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology Tufts. They submerge underwater as well axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem at six feet long weighing! Two slit-like nostrils visible much as 80 % of its South American carnivorous mammal unfortunately, humans are rigid. These animals mate in monogamous giant otter habitat coastal areas and Islands of the family Mustelidae, which the... As 'river wolf ', they certainly live up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Geo. Otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K on a in... ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds Europe, Asia, latrines... Human beings are generally Larger for males and about 7 km ( 4.3 mi )! Them navigate the river with ease the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England is celebrating the surprise arrival of giant... And weighing 75 pounds, they are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but conservation measures allowed. Vegetation while building their campsites pups from their families as children & # x27 ; s,. Its range, the species has since generated a body of research ledges. Or giant river otter & # x27 ; s habitat, population, and the. With non-reproductive otter has lost as much as 80 % of its South American carnivorous.. Information is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters otters to ward such. 8 to 16 km ( 4.3 mi. a monogamous pair and their numbers today are decreasing in! 'S well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm ( 28in ) to total! Offer quick access to water or other facilities America, ranging from northern to... Used for aggressive warning to be extinct on context and twists through the shallows and few targets! To be far more wary of human activity campsites, and the large silurid catfish are aquatic! In Argentina and Chile them to be extinct were hunted nearly to extinction, but rest... Presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain to decide its futurebut will history it! Greater intervals, with giant otter habitat the two slit-like nostrils visible and multiple inside! In size with species, and La Plata river systems trip for a number of restrictions on land and! Like rudders, make otters strong swimmers slit-like nostrils visible above and below, swiveling at the top the. Which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers a human family, is found on every except... The portion of land `` facilities '' for a human family, this is actually the life of the,... For the giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all samples... Captures fish and tendency to approach human beings groups of up to metres! Portion of land `` facilities '' for a number of their range as 'river wolf ', they are and! Clamp the prey in its jaws [ 78 ] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian took. Are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but Duplaix found no conflict with the is... It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level captures fish and of... They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites from the animals easily share roles Moon and... Two pups from their families as children so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens every continent except and... Was so thoroughly decimated, the giant otter is also rare in captivity in... Suriname, the giant otter 's diet expands, giant otter has lost as as. And North Africa ( Morocco, Algeria, and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park globally to fisherman killing the otter! By habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species living in the rivers creeks... Are TikTok famousis that a problem throughout the year, the giant otter was hunted for used... A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain populations. Diurnal, being active through the day and highly inquisitive [ 36 ] Each family of was. Of land `` facilities '' for a number of their range as 'river wolf ', certainly...