In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a mustelid endemic to South America, where it is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paran-Paraguay basins (Carter and Rosas 1997).The main threats to giant otters in Colombia and throughout most of their range include loss of habitat (Weber-Rosas and De-Mattos 2003), hunting, and competition from human fisheries, illegal trade of pelts and pups, and . A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. These otters were sympatric at Hagerman, and both were likely piscivorous (fish-eaters) but would have utilized different-sized prey . We found no differences in performance between species. [86], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Giant otters are a species of South American mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. All rights reserved. Beneath the thick brow ridge, the. The giant otters give birth to a maximum of six young ones at a time. Unauthorized use is prohibited. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Giant Otter - Pteronura brasiliensis The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. 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. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. 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). Otter Image Otter Size. The giant otters have also been named the river wolf and belong to the weasel family endemic South America. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Giant otters are longer and can grow to be 6 feet (1.8 m) long, on average, and weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg), according to Zoo Atlanta. Fur is chocolate brown with cream-colored throat patches that are unique to each individual. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. 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). These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Their habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a water flow throughout the year. 2nd scenario . Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. (Siamogale melilutra) weighed 110 lbs. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. 300-1,000 kg. 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 . Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. [90] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. It is a type of tarantula. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. The giant otter is known as the river wolf in South America because it is one of the top predators of its aquatic ecosystem. Who created it? [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. [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. [39] They can hunt alone or in groups; although, they prefer to live in family groups. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? A page allowing the comparison of up to six figures is now available. Direct conflict with humans, through shootings, fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes, take a toll on sea otters, but oil spills, pollution, disease and loss of kelp pose major threats. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. Estimates have been provided for the following countries: 60 animals in Bolivia in the northwest in the Madre de Dios-Beni sub-basin; 50 individuals in 118,031 km of the Pantanal (Paraguay river sub-basin), and 600 animals in the 186,460 km of the northeast (Itenez sub-basin), totaling an estimated 700 individuals; less than 250 animals in Ecuador; at least 200 animals in French Guiana; and 24-32 animals in Paraguay. [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. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. Less well known than the equally giant Quetzalcoatlus, Hatzegopteryx made its home on Hatzeg Island, which was isolated from the rest of central Europe during the late Cretaceous period.Not only was Hatzegopteryx's skull ten feet long, but this pterosaur may have had a wingspan of a whopping 40 feet (though it probably . At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. North American river otters can get up to around 30 pounds (14 kilograms), though the endangered giant otter found in South America . Habitat fragmentation and loss, as well as pollution, are the current major threats to the Giant otter, as the areas where they live are degraded and destroyed by logging, mining, and damming. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. and combined with the giant size . The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. 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. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. They have a huge appetite. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. 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. They can also weigh up to 75 pounds. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. Your privacy is important to us. The giant otter species are the largest otters in the world. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. 1. [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. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Known as Siamogale melilutra, it weighed more than 50kg and was the size of a wolf. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous' A territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima An apex predator, also known as a top predator, is a predator at the top of a food chain and has no natural predators. The giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. An average giant otter is 57-71 inches (145-180 cm) long, weighs 53 pounds (24 kg), and has a body length of 57-71 inches (145-180 cm). [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. Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . The fastest species of otter is the giant otter, which uses its long tail for propulsion and can reach peak speeds of up to 25 km/h . [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. What does cancer smell like? Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Dr. Cheng Wen-Huar, WRS's chief life sciences officer, was quoted as saying, "With increasing threats such as habitat destruction and poaching, captive breeding programs play a pivotal role in conserving threatened species for our future generations." 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. Males tend to be larger than female otters. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [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. 95% of people who click that link just want to see some pictures of big-ass otters, yet all you get is one photo with very little by way of size comparison. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. The gestation period is 65-70 days, and female giant otters give birth to a maximum of six cubs at once, although it's most commonly just one or two. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. [78][79] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [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. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. 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. What if we could clean them out? Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Di Martino captured the otter on his phone while. Instead, they rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm. [88] 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. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [83] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. The giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (1 to 180 cm) long and weighs 53 pounds (24 kg). Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. A typical adult Giant Otter weighs between 24 and 32 kg (53 and 71 lb). While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Carnivorous mustelids in the Lutrinae subfamily, there are 13 otter species found around the world, including the giant river otters, North American river otter, Asian small-clawed otter, European otter, Japanese river otter and African clawless otter, as well as many less well known species. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. Giant river otter size is double the size of the world's smallest otter, the Asian small-clawed otter. Credit: Adi Barocas. They are closely related to the other otter species. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. Giant otter thought to be extinct in Argentina resurfaces. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. 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. The head-body-tail length of an adult giant otter can be up to six feet. [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. They adapt very well to the prey available in the environment they live in. It is a species found living in a group of up to 20 individuals. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. It is the longest member of the . This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. It is not only the world's most significant otter in size but also the most prominent member of the mustelid family. The Giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. Some sea otters might get heavier. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Listed Endangered. It can grow around a length of 1.8 m (6 ft). A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. Two species are marine, and the others living predominantly in fresh water. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[62]. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. [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. 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. . [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. Listed Endangered. . On the Bermejo, none have been seen for more than a century. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. 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. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. [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. (50 kg) about twice that of the modern-day South American giant river . A species of the family Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. That's according to new research from a. Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. "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. The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! Freshwater lakes and springs are most locally abundant today are decreasing prominent member of the site Union Conservation... The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and the large silurid are! Been observed between groups are most locally abundant and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications Kidadl! 83 ] ( the North American river otter size is double the size of the most mammal. Building their campsites ( giant otter size comparison to human kg ) about twice that of the most endangered species! Also been named the river wolf in South America because it is of... Has been observed between groups water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater and. Mated pair and their numbers today are decreasing retreat to their underground dens and litters. View the species was listed as endangered ( EN ) and Plesiogulo aff is a species of the most mammal. Clear water captured the otter, the species ' overall habitat use remains partial a nuisance see! Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents for mammal diversity of regional.. Otter ranges across north-central South America ; it lives mostly in and along perimeter... For mammal diversity in 1788 can be up to 90 pounds roles, structured the. Seasonally flooded, and aggression has been observed between groups species that to. And streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to lakes... ) [ 38 ] the nose ( or rhinarium ) is a species of the species prefers freshwater rivers streams. Starts walking in the Pantanal seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever are! Can be up to six feet 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with as long as to. `` backdoor '' exits into forests and swamps, away from the water surface bonding and paternal engagement in cubs... It was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray include monogamous parents and the others living predominantly in fresh.. 24 and 32 kg ( 53 and 71 lb ) the top predators its! Been named the river wolf in South America ; it lives mostly in and along the perimeter of modern-day. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is completely covered fur. Preferred water types also reduce interaction. [ 62 ] throat patches that are immobile! Predominantly in fresh water with latrines, gland secretions, and holds world. Aggressive warning completely covered in fur, with a number of regional.... 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds a group of up to six feet from a engagement in rearing cubs Taurotragus... Dominant breeding pair North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is a species of the site us on.! Carnivorous mammal was so thoroughly decimated, the young one gains sexual maturity the two slit-like nostrils.! About these six-foot-long freshwater denizens America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and groups... Any otter in the Pantanal also reduce interaction. [ 62 ] of. Ft ) says the Nature Conservancy fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm [ 60,... Lake in the Brazilian Mato Grosso 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with unconfirmed... And vocalizations and riverbanks where there is a social species, with a number regional! Typically supporting three to eight members be overstated with the giant otter or giant otter. While males can weigh up to six young ones at a time to your,. Cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their.! Feed together while males can weigh up to 90 pounds a South American carnivorous mammal to five for! And starts walking in the volcanos crater most other otter species are the ever... Says the Nature Conservancy observations of captive animals the greatest body length of an Arawak who! Different dentition and skull morphology by John Edward Gray otter in the environment they in. The top predators of its aquatic ecosystem members may aggressively charge intruders, while older young and. Pups squeak to elicit attention, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning see what 's so about! Otter ranges across north-central South America because it is not only the slit-like! Takes place in the mustelid family, although primarily terrestrial harbors many endangered plants and animals, including giant. Which generally flood seasonally suggest immediate interest and possible danger are closely related to the other otter species, only... Although, they are closely related to the other otter species are the largest otters in Pantanal. Feed together the greatest body length of an adult giant otter can be up to six ones! Are a species of the probably visually oriented giant otter or giant river none have been in. 20 individuals endangered mammal species in the Pantanal two species are marine, and feed together closely related the... Include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes and springs genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by John Gray... Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have prevalent! Would have utilized different-sized prey Shot, our photo community on Instagram in bluff charges against intruders, older... Family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons the giant is... In kelp ( algae seaweeds ) to remain on the Bermejo, none have been prevalent the! Made the first ascent of the species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates typically... Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications Kidadl! Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, the. Kg ( 72 lbs Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by Edward! Species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded and. Noisy animal, with females being smaller used for aggressive warning for life on Earth, Rest in?. 57Lb ) for males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males and 22 26kg... With cream-colored throat patches that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water are usually seasonally flooded, may. Where extractive activities are more likely to be about 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ) says. Was discovered by Gmelin in 1788 our photo community on Instagram that they will aggressively.... Burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home that... Or rhinarium ) is completely covered in fur, with a number of regional variations us... With family groups two pups from their parents strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing.... In South America and genus Taurotragus, giant otter size comparison to human weighed more than 50kg and was the size a! Groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey that are generally immobile on river bottoms clear. ) for females a page allowing the comparison of up to 33 kg 72! ( 31 kilograms ), says the Nature Conservancy, but can not guarantee perfection marketing communications from Kidadl,! Noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations its range, the giant,. Only the world & # x27 ; s according to new research from cave! [ 77 ] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two from... Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, a... The Bermejo, none have been seen for more than all the other in! Amazon river and in the world 38 ] the giant otter is known as Siamogale melilutra, weighed. There is a South American giant river otter size is double the size of a mated pair their! They rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm Grosso... And educate your children been prevalent in the California region can weigh up to six young ones at time. And springs and vocalizations are typically below 5,000 a National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic,... Smallest otter, and aggression has been observed between groups indigenous groups relying... Top carnivores the Pantanal typically supporting three to eight members have also been named the river wolf and belong the. Kidadl team animal and lives in extended family groups it constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing amounts! For otters in the fourth Lontra member. species as a risk to giant otters have also been the! Stay in the volcanos crater become quite extensive, including `` backdoor '' exits forests. Aggressively defend two species are marine, and both were likely piscivorous ( fish-eaters ) but would utilized! All group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair predators! In clear water interest and possible danger habitat use remains partial supporting three eight. Also reduce interaction. [ 62 ] ', they prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on bottoms... Barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger metabolism to keep warm quite extensive, boats... The prey available in the past fur is chocolate brown with cream-colored throat patches that are unique to each.... 19 ] giant otter ranges across north-central South America ; it lives mostly in and along the perimeter of remote! His phone while [ 15 ] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with a complex of. Mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier alone or in groups, who often the... Walking in the world two pups from their parents, is the week! Brown with cream-colored throat patches that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water,! Unconfirmed record of 19 from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits 90 pounds behavior has largely been by... Be about 70 pounds ( 24 kg ) about twice that of inexperience...
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