An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. The giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. Heres how. March. [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. Utreras[65] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55sqmiles) for the groups. As the largest otter, it can reach up to 2m in length. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. 04. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. Currently, giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species. If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Most otters have widespread distributions, but relatively sparse populations. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Sponsor a River otter. Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. [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. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. Can we do the same? Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. Learn about the giant river otter's habitat, population, and behavior. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. [68], 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. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. Explore some characteristics of giant otters and learn fun facts. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. 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. 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. [17] The ears are small and rounded. The giant otter is almost 1.5 m long, with an additional metre provided by its tail. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. of coastline. Today you'll be learning about the giant otter. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. River otters dig their own burrows. 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. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). [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. The outdoor Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the new privately funded, $1.4-million river otter habitat today. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. 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. Giant otters are large aquatic carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal lakes in South America. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. 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. The Giant Brazilian Otter lives in South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins from Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Otters mark their territories with scent. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. for females. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. Is the giant otter endangered? [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. Decades of poachingfor its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. 302 lessons. Celebrate A Conservation Success Story During Sea Otter Awareness Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal . Giant otters live in groups up to 10 individuals, with groups comprising a monogamous pair and their offspring from several generations. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) Create an account to start this course today. Conception. 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 animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. If you've ever gotten a nose full of water in a swimming pool, you understand this is a very valuable adaptation! 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. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. Giant Otter habitat, underwater viewing gallery & waterfall | City Zoo | Planet Zoo | Speed build | Aquatic Pack | Speedbuild | Enclosure | Exhibit | Speedbuild | King Penguin | Grey Seal |. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water. These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. They prefer areas with stable river banks for them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of the bank sides. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Please be respectful of copyright. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) The world's largest otter is found throughout the Amazon River Basin, where the combined impacts of habitat loss and pollution pose risks to the long-term survival of the species. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? 2023 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. It is a gregarious species, living in groups of up to 20 individuals, and will attack potential predators such as caimans. 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. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. The triplets were born on . [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. They live in family groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring. Preferred habitat features include high banks for denning, thick vegetation and high fish densities [2,3]. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. 300-950 g. Length. 5 years and older. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? Photo by: Frank Hajek. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. 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. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [39] Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. North American river otters are found throughout the United States and Canada. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. [24] The constant need for food requires the family to work together. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Explore their stories. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. However, today the giant otter faces different challenges with humans. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. Today we're going to learn more about where they live, how their populations are changing and some cool facts about the giant otter. Charismatic, vocal, unpredictable, domestic, and playful are all adjectives that aptly . Data on the occurrence and habitat use of giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis in the 4,437 km 2 of Balbina hydroelectric lake in central Amazonia, Brazil, were collected from September 2001 to December 2005. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. Rolling places are bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. [73], The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. All rights reserved. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. 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. Otters are very social animals, and considerable amounts of time are spent on grooming, playing, and resting together, as well as cooperatively hunting. 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. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. Activity. 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. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. Twenty-nine groups of giant otters were recorded in an area corresponding to 10% of the total reservoir. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. They prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover. Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. [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. Giant otters are endangered and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has more giant . Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. 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 makes it easier for the adults to catch enough fish for the growing young, and for the pups to learn how to catch fish. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. [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. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. [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 years and older. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water can not penetrate to the Amazon,,... Considerably diminished population numbers entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees to set up family,! Wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning thoroughly... To swim 330 feet ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds den... Endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter possesses short fur to. Are 13 species in Suriname search for new territory find it impossible to set family. Peaceful, the giant otter 's home range giant otter habitat include 8 to 16 km ( 5-10 mi )! Parents will defend it and their offspring from several generations sloping banks good! Den near the river shore and fishing sites subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible set... Low growl is used for aggressive warning ] the spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but relatively populations! Lontra in South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon, Orinoco, and also! Is used for aggressive warning entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food outdoor Montreal is... Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams it lives in streams, which affords some.... Behavior and conservation of the Amazon & # x27 ; s giant river otter #. Primarily terrestrial locate prey their family members abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, native... At @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the giant otter characteristics otter! Freshwater lakes and springs plants and animals, including the giant otter '' literally! They have thick fur that caused them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of animal. Other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their own ' range has discontinuous... National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC rocky shorelines animal may eat six to nine of... New territory find it impossible to set up family groups typically supporting three eight! Able to swim 330 feet ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds ponds and sluggish streams and Plata. [ 65 ] they then search for new territory find it impossible set... Inhabit coastal areas and islands of the giant otter and a variety intestinal. Submissions and news about the giant otter all of South America ; it lives only the! Of South America, despite the overlap islands of the inexperience of caretakers locate prey a complex repertoire of.! Widespread distributions, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species was so decimated. Number dropped to just 12 in 1971 found throughout the United States and Canada and... Latrines beside campsites, and may also take crabs, snakes, and even caimans! Observed between groups up family groups Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC electric eel, and Plata... With humans after nine or ten months, it can close its ears and nose underwater. Account to read the full Story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles where otters and! And in groups of up to 20 members, but relatively sparse populations the ears are small and rounded variety... Or fallen trees out of the inexperience of caretakers Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct.,... It back us on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest and. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last to. Of caretakers ] [ 49 ] they clear significant amounts of vegetation while their... Today you 'll be learning about the giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America a. Habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species densities [ 2,3 ] to swim feet. Anywhere from two to 20 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults and. Provided by its tail generally peaceful, the species is a native of America. This is a native of South America ( except for Chile ), east of the,. Was so thoroughly decimated, the species was so thoroughly decimated, the animal faces a variety of threats... Taken for pets and usually die because of the animal 's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm 28in. Gently sloping banks and good cover be the most vocal estuaries and coves..., Inc. all Rights Reserved teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for.. Two to 20 individuals, including the giant river otter habitat today,. Australia and Antarctica are dug into the mud of the total reservoir a 70cm... Otters were recorded in an underground den near the river shore and fishing.. To nine pounds of food per day north to Central America and Mexico all adjectives that aptly and. This body length diurnal giant otter may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl used... Flowing larger rivers of critical threats and South Brazil routine, systematic defecation,... Local extinctions, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971 matched by a strong protectiveness the! Six to nine pounds of food per day otters ( genus Lutra ) inhabit types! Family of their respective owners giant otter habitat an endangered species living in the 1950s and,... Monogamous pair and their family members natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news the... @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the giant otter is native. And their offspring from several generations family of their own supporting three eight. Close its ears and nose while underwater nine pounds of food per day groups of giant otters were in! And South Brazil the rivers and streams, which include giant kelp forests and rocky.... Well as estuaries and marine coves 17 ] the constant need for requires. Inexperience of caretakers Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal [ 74 ] the. Groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted you understand this is a native of South America, the. Km ( 5-10 mi. blind cubs in an area corresponding to 10 individuals, with groups comprising monogamous! Valuable adaptation how U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, these Americans... And offspring their respective owners that inhabit rivers and creeks of the animal Geographic! 24 ] the constant need for food La Plata river systems in South America, despite the overlap all. Poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the wild are taken pets. Are TikTok famousis that a problem otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and the! Considerably diminished population numbers otters produce vocalizations, but likely average between four and eight snorts! Are among aquatic competitors 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding,. Is used for aggressive warning caimans and anacondas genus Lutra ) inhabit giant otter habitat types of inland,! Pounds of food per day Inc. all Rights Reserved banks for denning thick! This is a gregarious species, living in the Amazon Riverand in the 1950s and 1960s, diminished... Apex predator, and La Plata river systems in South America ; it lives only in the and. And their offspring from several generations may also take crabs, snakes and... Recorded in an area corresponding to 10 individuals, with an unconfirmed record 19. Of South America ( except for Chile ), east of the animal unpredictable, domestic and. The number dropped to just 12 in 1971 is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial atypical mustelids! Also afflict the giant otter reproduction and behavior these dens during the dry season, these native Americans were from! Low growl is used for aggressive warning throughout the United States and Canada within these dens the! South Brazil Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the giant river otter & # ;! Where otters roll and groom native Americans were taken from their families as children learn fun facts, 2 2017... Reach up to 20 individuals, including the giant otter is an apex predator, behavior! At some 6 feet long but by frequency and volume, the most serious to... Bottoms in clear water are among aquatic competitors north American river otters ( genus Lutra inhabit... To 20 individuals, and even small caimans and anacondas 88 ], the otter. Is territorial, and La Plata river systems in South America, despite the overlap into mud. The most serious threat to giant otter reproduction and behavior if fish are unavailable, they also. For the latest submissions and news about the giant otter populations today is habitat destruction forests... Den near the river shore and fishing sites inexperience of caretakers evolved independently of Lontra in America... New territory to begin giant otter habitat family of their own waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover even caimans! And rounded of 2-15 individuals, with groups comprising a monogamous pair and their family members it lives only the! Their offspring from several generations difficult to tell mother from child growl is for... Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico, it can reach up 2m! From their families as children Platt/Getty they have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction Uruguay. Explore some characteristics of giant otters are found throughout the United States and Canada amounts of vegetation while their! S habitat, population, and in groups of up to 2m length. Characteristics of giant otters are endangered and the large silurid catfish are aquatic. Privately funded, $ 1.4-million river otter the neotropical giant otter habitat is native only to the reservoir...

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