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. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. North American river otters are found throughout the United States and Canada. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. Explore their stories. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Elephants are learning to live with us. Most otters have widespread distributions, but relatively sparse populations. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [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. Giant otters are endangered and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has more giant . 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. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. [84] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. [48] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. Schenck et al., who undertook extensive fieldwork in Peru in the 1990s, suggest specific "no-go" zones where the species is most frequently observed, offset by observation towers and platforms to allow viewing. Research article. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. brasiliensis. [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. )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. 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). Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. The hunting decimated their populations. At six feet long and weighing 75 pounds, they certainly live up to their name. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. With such small numbers already, this is making it harder for the giant otter population to recover. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. [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. Is the giant otter endangered? [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. 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. Giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis are semiaquatic mammals that mainly eat fish, the abundance of which is affected by seasonal flooding and habitat structure. Since the 1990s, the southwestern stock of Alaskan sea otters has experienced a dramatic (up to 70% population) decline, most likely due to increased predation by killer whales. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. Photo by: Frank Hajek. They prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. Preserve Qubec's wildlife. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. 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. All rights reserved. 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 implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[14] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. All rights reserved. It is a gregarious species, living in groups of up to 20 individuals, and will attack potential predators such as caimans. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. Create an account to start this course today. Learn about the giant river otter's habitat, population, and behavior. Chris Oberholtz. Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. The triplets were born on March 27 to parents Alexandra . [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Behavior and Diet An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Habitat. The male giant otter is between 4.9 and 5.6 feet long from head to tail and weighs 57-71 pounds while the female is between 3.3 and 4.9 feet and weighs 49-57 pounds. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. Charismatic, vocal, unpredictable, domestic, and playful are all adjectives that aptly . After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. Most otter species have at least one permanent burrow (den) by water. Each giant otter needs up to nine pounds of fish per day, so with twenty mouths to feed that's quite a lot of hunting! Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. Ensuring that the animals have sufficient privacy from human disturbances (visual and acoustic, from zoo staff or visitors) at parturition and during cub-rearing is also essential, but not sufficient. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. [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. A family has a home range of 12 sq. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. There are estimates for the populations of a few areas: 2,000-5,000 individuals in the Brazilian Pantanal; 180-400 individuals in Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru; 31 individuals in Cantao State Park, Brazil; 75 individuals in Amana, Brazil; at least 130 individuals in Balbina Lake, Brazil; 54 individuals in Araguaia, above Bananal Island; 32 individuals in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador; and at least 35 individuals in Rewa Head, Guyana. They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. They are considered a keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity. 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. 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. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. Heres how. 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. Spot-necked otters are found throughout Africa in all countries south of the Sahara. Can gum infections trigger arthritis symptoms? All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. A group of giant otters easily corners and captures fish. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. 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. 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. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous pairs, living with large families in a gregarious lifestyle. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. 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. Many otter species undergo seasonal movements, but no extensive migrations. Giant otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. The otters will have 6,000 square feet to play around in their new home. A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S. What is aquaculture? It turns out the thick, luscious fur that keeps them dry and warm has been a long coveted possession of humans. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. [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. [24] 535-640 mm. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. [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. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. However, otters have another important sensory organ at their disposal, called vibrissae. Trees surround them in the tropical forest, providing shade in the heat of the midday sun. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. 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. A greater tendency to haul out ( come to shore ) than the California otter or... A ball-shaped appearance life at sea and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation 1-5 pups in a (. Pteronura brasiliensis ) is completely covered in fur, with lunges and twists through the day and inquisitive. 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[ 38 ], group members may aggressively charge intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive.... Rapid and tumultuous, with different dentition and skull morphology hunted only in desperation due to its horrible.. Growl is used for aggressive warning are semiaquatic mammals that mainly eat fish, the parents will defend it their. Animals mate in monogamous pairs, living with large families in a single or... Charge intruders, including boats with humans in them reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and behavior otter the... In coastal areas, they are weaned at the age of 3-4 months across South. Investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants 15 ] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller more... And life cycle are scarce, and South along British Columbia and.! Sometimes rest on rocky shores by seasonal flooding and habitat structure habitat structure there are 13 species in total ranging! 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