Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. 6 What do giant otters eat? [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. [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. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak.

A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K.

. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. . As the largest otter, it can reach up to 2m in length. Elephants are learning to live with us. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. 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. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. Unknown. The giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. The giant otter is unusually sociable for a mustelid (member of the weasel family). Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [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. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. The constant need for food requires the family to work together. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Giant otters are endangered and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has more giant . [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 outdoor Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the new privately funded, $1.4-million river otter habitat today. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. [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. Habitat. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. 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? Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. Abstract. Who buys lion bones? Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. However, today the giant otter faces different challenges with humans. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Amanda has taught high school science for over 10 years. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. 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. The decline in more typical killer whale prey species has led some killer whales to switch to feeding on sea otters. She is also certified in secondary special education, biology, and physics in Massachusetts. Please be respectful of copyright. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. 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. 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. They look for fish and other aquatic animals, hunting skillfully in groups. [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. The hunting decimated their populations. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. It is found in the main rainforest block of central Africa from Nigeria to Zambia, with a few isolated populations in Kenya and Uganda. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. Sponsor a River otter. Giant otters are large aquatic carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal lakes in South America. Trees surround them in the tropical forest, providing shade in the heat of the midday sun. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. 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. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . [16] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". When chunks of forest are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. 2. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? [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. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. 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. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164ft) are proposed to offer further protection. French. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. The largest otter is the giant otter. Three giant otter pups were recently born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in the United Kingdom, a big win for the endangered species. They are considered a keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity. Asian small-clawed otters occur in fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. Congo clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Contribute to the cause. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. Cape clawless otters inhabit the southern two-thirds of the African continent. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. All rights reserved. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. for males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. The giant otter shrew ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal. They dwell in flooded forests, slow moving rivers, streams, lakes and swamps. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. Yes, really. Research article. Each giant otter needs up to nine pounds of fish per day, so with twenty mouths to feed that's quite a lot of hunting! Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. [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. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2004, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. [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. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. [61] 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. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. All rights reserved. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08sqmi). A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning.

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