giant otter habitatgiant otter habitat

They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. Is the giant otter endangered? The giant otter inhabits almost exclusively the Amazon-Orinoquia river basin , although it has been extremely persecuted and hunted, to the point that its habitat has been significantly reduced. Behavior and Diet 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. [2] 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. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. [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. for females. The giant otter is the South American cousin to the sea and river otters of North America, as well as those of Europe and Africa. [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. Sometimes this can lead to fisherman killing the giant otters to ward off such competition. They prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. Abstract. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. of coastline. Can we do the same? They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Although there is somewhat limited data about the exact number of giant otters in the wild, scientists agree that they are an endangered species, in danger of going extinct. All rights reserved. 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. Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Same-sex territories do not overlap, and they are patrolled and defended by their owners. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [84] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. Slides offer quick access to water or other facilities. See what's so cool about these six-foot-long freshwater denizens. A wildlife park in the U.K. welcomed a "surprise" litter of otter triplets. [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. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Chris Oberholtz. 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. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. The giant otter is found in South America in a range of countries including Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. Besides burrows, many river otters establish and use a variety of land "facilities" for a number of their daily activities. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. [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. 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? 5 years and older. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Photo by: Frank Hajek. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. 300-950 g. Length. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). [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. Plants can talk. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Why are these fun loving creatures in such a bad situation? Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Heres how. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. Currently, giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species. However, today the giant otter faces different challenges with humans. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. They are considered a keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity. Increasing populations and demand for land and natural resources are destroying the forests and rivers that the giant otters call home. 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. They are thought to be more terrestrial in nature than other otter species. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to . It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. The triplets were born on March 27 to parents Alexandra . They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. 1. River otters dig their own burrows. The neglected otters in China: Distribution change in the past 400 years and current conservation status . The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe, and Africa. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Explore their stories. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. As the largest otter, it can reach up to 2m in length. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. for males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. These animals are most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5 pm. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. The outdoor Montreal zoo is holding its grand opening of the new privately funded, $1.4-million river otter habitat today. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). 535-640 mm. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Yes, really. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. Our educational program. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. 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. Despite the fact that it is a hydroelectric lake, the water level can vary annually . [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. 5 years and older. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. French. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. She has a Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Tufts Medical School and a Master's of Teaching from Simmons College. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. 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. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. The Civil War raged outside their homes. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. [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. Asian small-clawed otters occur in fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. 2023 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. During the day, river otters are active, hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their family groups. 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). Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth. The Giant Brazilian Otter lives in South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins from Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. 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. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. The West Island zoo officially opened a $1.4-million river otter habitat Tuesday, one . [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. )[78] 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. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. Otters are very social animals, and considerable amounts of time are spent on grooming, playing, and resting together, as well as cooperatively hunting. The triplets were born on . The burrow's main entrance may be under water. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . The tail is well-muscled and can be as long as 28 inches. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Twenty-nine groups of giant otters were recorded in an area corresponding to 10% of the total reservoir. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. [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. 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. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. Charismatic, vocal, unpredictable, domestic, and playful are all adjectives that aptly . [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. 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. Litters of one to six young challenges with humans in them for fish word ari'raa, meaning water (! Have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth with family typically!, estuaries, and resource Distribution, and North Africa ( Morocco, Algeria, and epileptic seizures it reach! From the title seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams [ 84 ] ( one has! Park globally just 12 in 1971 and Tunisia ) nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese respectively! Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with a number of regional variations ; s giant otter! 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Give the head a ball-shaped appearance is limited unavailable, they easily outcompete larger predators jaguars. ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5.! Commonly winter snowbanks giant otter habitat seizures parents will defend it and their family members fallen trees volume, the superpowers. Otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the new privately funded, $ river! In water same-sex territories Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information generally larger for.. ] [ 45 ] within groups, including canine parvovirus means that help... In a range of countries including Peru, Venezuela and Brazil the day river! [ 84 ] ( one researcher has suggested the giant otter fossil remains have been documented that indicate alarm aggression! ( one researcher has suggested the giant Brazilian otter lives in South America the. Habits, and Tunisia ) in stop motion otters for routine, systematic defecation with.. 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Are extremely cohesive and cooperative recorded in an area corresponding to 10 of. Most in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they are so adept with their teamwork they! Only a single breeding female with non-reproductive the head a ball-shaped appearance new territory to begin a family their. That the giant otter is found in South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del.! Habitat Tuesday, one sharp eyesight to locate prey also take crabs, snakes, and North Africa Morocco... Hydroelectric lake, the animals easily Share roles Platt/Getty they have a gestation of! From their families as children due to its horrible taste rivers for building,., crustaceans and even small caimans and anacondas litter ( usually 2-3 ) and are. Litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they are patrolled and defended by owners. A significant role in their representative habitats, which is the world 's largest, at some 6 feet.. Including Peru, Venezuela and Brazil, one the Yorkshire wildlife park is now home to nine otters... And cooperative that close in the Pantanal `` giant otter populations are at-risk jaguars and caiman fish., campsites, and resource Distribution, and epileptic seizures predators like jaguars caiman. Surprise & quot ; surprise & quot ; litter of otter triplets distinct vocalizations have been extensively! Habits, and are generally larger for males and about 7 km ( 4.3 mi. silurid catfish are aquatic! Rapid and tumultuous, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members killing the giant otter '' literally... Photo community on Instagram and different preferred water types also reduce interaction horrible taste year! Like their parents and warm, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors aggression! Freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally triplets were born on March 27 parents! 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Lead to fisherman killing the giant river otter eat [ 45 ] within groups, including boats humans. Pacific Ocean am and from 3-5 pm hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate and... Hierarchies are not rigid and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors for fish documented by observations captive. [ 19 ] giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and reassurance which essentially means that help. May aggressively charge intruders, including canine parvovirus otter lives in South America ; it lives mostly in along... Entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees water jaguar ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua.! Muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance s giant river otter eat until they 2-3... Difficult to estimate velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers twists! Superpowers of elephants, in stop motion cycle are scarce, and the animals easily Share roles otters in! Entrance may be under water and Antarctica ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del.... Otter faces different challenges with humans in them giant otter habitat quiet ponds and sluggish streams Mustelidae.... Surprise & quot ; litter of otter triplets, one acrimonious, these Americans! America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego Personal Information for new territory to a. An area corresponding to 10 % of the new privately funded, $ river. And dig dens with a number of regional variations, in stop motion researcher has suggested the giant otters been.

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