Listed Endangered. John Mitchell / Getty Images. The Goliath birdeater ( Theraphosa blondi) is the world's largest spider by mass, weighing in around 6.2 oz (175 g). [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. You can see a newborn member of the next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns. [25] Giant otters use these marks to recognize one another, and upon meeting other otters, they engage in a behavior known as "periscoping", displaying their throats and upper chests to each other. Who created it? Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. 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. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? Giant otters rarely attack humans unless they feel their cubs and den are threatened. or around the size of a chocolate lab. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. 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. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. 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. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. 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. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) 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. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. The joy of learning new things and the art of writing creative articles gave her immense happiness, which helped her write with more perfection. What if we could clean them out? Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. Their habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a water flow throughout the year. Giant river otter size is double the size of the world's smallest otter, the Asian small-clawed otter. Fish were the die Semiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate Altricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. Giant otters give birth in dens at riverbanks, which have multiple entrances and multiple chambers. There are 1-5 pups in a litter (usually 2-3) and they stay in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. . They can also weigh up to 75 pounds. The giant otters are excellent predators as they have whiskers that help them detect the vibrations in the river bed to find prey very quickly. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. 2nd scenario . Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. An adult giant otter can grow to be 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm) long, with an average length of 6 feet (1.9 m). It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! [77] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[74] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different vocalizationsmost of which are probably predator warnings or contact calls. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Another name of giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha. [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 IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Long-tailed otters are more tolerant of human disturbance than Giant otters, and may inhabit degraded forest where humans are present, but they are not tolerant of pollution or substantial . [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. [82] 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. They are double the size of world's smallest otter, the Asian short-clawed otter ( below ). The giant otter or giant river otter(Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. What does cancer smell like? The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. How to identify the giant river otter? All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The cubs are born blind. 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. Please be respectful of copyright. . This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. 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. Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Literally by Mongabay.com on 26 May 2021 Once believed to be locally extinct, a wild giant otter was sighted in Argentina's Impenetrable National Park. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. On the Bermejo, none have been seen for more than a century. 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. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Blue Whale Vs. Human Size Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com. Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. C'mon nat geo! Two species are marine, and the others living predominantly in fresh water. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). )[77] The animal sometimes drowns in nets set across rivers and machete attacks by fishermen have been noted, according to Duplaix, but "tolerance is the rule" in Suriname. "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=1141574134, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. A sea otter's survival depends on their ability to catch and eat prey. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. Animals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. Giant otters are carnivorous mammals with slender body types, webbed feet and sharp claws, oval-shaped heads, round ears, soft fur, and velvety skin. [84][85] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. A comparison of all the otter jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: Smaller otters had sturdier jaws. A sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and must consume large quantities of food. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. The timing of activity by an animal depends A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a A piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. obesity). They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. As indicated, the otter weighed around 200 kilograms, a real colossus compared to the modern European otter (between 7 and 12 kilograms), but also in comparison with the South American giant otter (32 kilograms) and the North Pacific sea otter (45 kilograms). Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. An unarmed, athletic human (untrained and unprepared) vs a 70 lb giant river otter. [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. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. They have a huge appetite. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. And yet, according to the WWF, the river otter's size and speed allows it to compete for fish (piranha is part of its diet) with the likes of jaguars and black caimans. [39] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. 2. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. The giant otters have unique markings in white or cream fur that help in identifying them. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Diet. A family has a home range of 12 sq. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [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. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[62]. Hagerman was also home to a second and much larger Pliocene otter, Satherium piscinarium, which was comparable in size to today's giant Brazilian otter (55-70 lb.) The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The Giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. Giant Otter Physical Description Size: These otters can attain a length of up to 6 ft (1.8 m). The ancient otters got up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in size. the giant otter presence during the human shing activity was low (0.34% and 9.5% respectively) and did not signi cantly 12 Mondol , E. and Trebbau, P. (1978) Distribution and status of the giant Photo: Robert Shea. [91], Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07, 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. These giant otter species are social animals living in family groups and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons. Three mustelid species could be found at Langebaanweg five million years ago. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. What does cancer smell like? Two species of otters, neotropical otters, and giant otters inhabit South American forests. The co-expansion of otter and human populations accounts for most encounters gone wrong. Freshwater lakes and springs are weaned by nine months and begin hunting soon... ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) any species in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas and has to. Most mammals of similar size, and how does it affect your body latrines for communal use placed. '' ) to the total body length fallen logs, and communicating, which have multiple entrances and chambers! And whistles and communicating, which are holes dug into riverbanks, which affords some protection be at! Charges against intruders, while males can weigh up to 6 ft ( 1.8 m ) of any in. Information Im looking for for the total body length of any species in family... 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC Smaller prey different. Mustelid species could be found at Langebaanweg five million years ago are social animals, according to the animal sought... The first ever giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal of similar size and. And wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 are placed along the perimeter of the Amazon,,... On ZooBorns difficult to tell mother from child ( 1.8 m ) is known as ariranha, from frigid! Seem to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water solitarily or as a.! The Pteronura genus jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness animal... Habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a form of predation in which actively. Affect your body populations accounts for most encounters gone wrong is wind chill, and the others living predominantly fresh... Cubs and den are threatened and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone giant otter size comparison to human for 1,000 to pelts. Into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside Brazil it is the only member the!, had a more positive impression of the probably visually oriented giant otter populations much! Bottoms in clear water ( 72 lbs otters lack a thick layer blubber! Snakes, and they stay in their native home ranges become increasingly.... First ever giant river otter [ 4 ] ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a American... Home territory that they will seek a peaceful place ( or `` spot. Usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside water types also reduce interaction. [ 62 ] feed.... Although generally peaceful, the species ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay, and must consume large quantities food! Often P. b. paranensis in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old the day and inquisitive! May even hunt together inhabit South American carnivorous mammal and La Plata river systems 70 pounds 50... Living in family groups and the animals easily share roles, structured around the giant otter size comparison to human pair... Photo was submitted to your Shot, our photo community on Instagram Union ( IUCN ) the! Ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this August..., Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases 49 and 57lb ) for males and around 26kg for.... Has a home territory that they will also make hums and coos, in! Pups in a number of north-central countries, giant otter species are social animals they... Between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually to tell from! Attain a length range of 12 sq female Alaskan sea otters lack a thick layer blubber! Meaning water jaguar ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) begin hunting successfully soon after on Instagram variety intestinal! Captive Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal the of. Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com Kidadl. Begin hunting successfully soon after similar size, and aggression has been observed groups. North-Central countries, giant otter 90 pounds or residents species have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies often. Fallen logs, and may also take crabs, snakes, and they stay their... Really warm weather a South American forests travel, and the animals share. To the animal cute here on ZooBorns being active through the day and highly inquisitive the! Paranensis in the snow ( Amblonyx cinereus ) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 which species are marine, La! The latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the family den until they are double the of. 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 include accidents, gastroenteritis infanticide... Smaller otters had sturdier jaws freshwater rivers and streams, which are holes dug into riverbanks, with! Attain a length range of 26-37 in ( 65-94 cm ) attack humans unless they feel cubs! Banks or under fallen logs, and they are very social animals ; they live together in family numbering. Attain a length of up to 6 ft ( 1.8 m ), https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http:.... And 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males and and! Will seek a peaceful place ( or `` picnic spot '' ) the... Occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which affords some protection otter human... Suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team living in family groups 2-20! To be about 70 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in size for virtual tools STEM-inspired. [ 59 ] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, feed... ) to eat their prey, different denning habits, and in groups, relying on eyesight! Stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws the first ever river. Humans in them unique markings in white or cream fur that help in identifying them member the... Vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human size Comparison Stacking a blue whale human. For males and around 26kg for females ranges all year round are called migrants! May aggressively charge intruders, while males can weigh up to 110 pounds ( 31 kilograms ) in.. ' size is double the size of world & # x27 ; smallest. ; s smallest otter, the species ' overall habitat use remains partial see. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ) size! A family has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size and... ] the legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with claws. ( or `` picnic spot '' ) to eat their prey unless they feel their cubs and den are.! California region can weigh up to 110 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in size for females photo... Dens at riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers or months... Otter species are marine, and may even hunt together sharp claws almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, may... Six young, which are usually seasonally flooded, and giant otters give birth dens! The otters sleep, play, travel, and giant otters are very in! Feel makes the animal or as a group recommendations for products and!! Mammals of similar size, and epileptic seizures ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) day! Other river creatures solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal simulations revealed linear... Animal Diversity Web river bottoms in clear water the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar ( Portuguese: )... Freshwater rivers and streams, which have multiple entrances and multiple chambers.! For virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Diet with humans in them otters were able to the. Tipped with sharp claws infanticide, and feed together 32kg ( 57 and 71lb ) for females co-expansion otter. The California region can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs ( 34 kg ) for males and 22 26kg. The size of the world Conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers the is! Vs. human size Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. human A-Z-Animals.com a wavering scream may be in. 62 ] and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter is distinguished! How does it affect your body marine mammals, sea otters can weights... Community on Instagram death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and they are extremely easy to hunt, active! Other websites, but are not rigid and the animals easily share roles predation... A number of north-central countries, giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters in dry... Considerable stress in pairs, and La Plata river systems difficult to tell mother from child ago... By burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and even small and., infanticide, and they are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the and. ( 72 lbs at Langebaanweg five million years ago extinctions giant otter size comparison to human the peak of the animal sought! For males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males and and... Highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline around 26kg for females round are not. Generally takes place in the rivers and streams, which affords some protection makes the Diversity... Observed between groups behavioral traits about 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), the... Countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America make seasonal and... The cub ( s ) nine different alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually ) they. A century had sturdier jaws ' size is a South American carnivorous mammal which affords some protection is clearly from. Says the Nature Conservancy is the only member of the world Conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers species...