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. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. They inhabit slow moving rivers in forests, swamps and marshes, preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks and over . [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. They are thought to be more terrestrial in nature than other otter species. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. [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. [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. 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. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. 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. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Their numbers are currently declining, with no population recovery in sight. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. 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. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. Today we're going to learn more about where they live, how their populations are changing and some cool facts about the giant otter. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. [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. 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. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 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). The new arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors. 1. These huge. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. 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). [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. They look for fish and other aquatic animals, hunting skillfully in groups. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. River otters can measure up to 1.4 metres in length from nose to tail, and weigh up to 14 kilograms. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. All rights reserved. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. When diving, their ears and nose close when they submerge underwater as well. [39] When chunks of forest are clearcut away, their habitat becomes disrupted, causing habitat fragmentation. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. They live in family groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring. Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. Otters are widely distributed. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. Although giant otters are losing the battle in human conflict, they have evolved amazing adaptations to help them survive nature's challenges in the wild. [63] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous pairs, living with large families in a gregarious lifestyle. This review provides a reference for future research work and a source of information for future restoration of giant panda habitat. 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). Giant otters are large aquatic carnivores that inhabit rivers and seasonal lakes in South America. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. It may be the solution to overfishing. 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. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? The giant otter is almost 1.5 m long, with an additional metre provided by its tail. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. 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. Unlike many other mammal species, otters' range did not contract during 1550-1950 . They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. [78] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. 04. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. The Giant Brazilian Otter lives in South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins from Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. If you've ever gotten a nose full of water in a swimming pool, you understand this is a very valuable adaptation! The giant otter is the longest species in the mustelid family. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. Sometimes this can lead to fisherman killing the giant otters to ward off such competition. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. 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. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. 55 ], the species was so thoroughly decimated, the longest documented giant otter ranges north-central. Species was so thoroughly decimated, the secret superpowers of elephants, in stop.. 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