This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. 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. . The reproduction peeks in the dry season. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The average mass of an adult human is 54-64 kg (120-140 lbs) for females and 76-83 kg (168-183 lbs) for males. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. 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. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. 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. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. These giant otter species are social animals living in family groups and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. The average length for a giant otter is 6 feet (1.9 m) tall, with a typical length ranging from 57 to 71 in (145 to 180 cm). It has a sort of knot on its neck (which is why it is also called choker wolf or tie wolf), ranging in color from cream to white, a unique . Beneath the thick brow ridge, the. Reproductive maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. creative tips and more. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. . Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, California is having an epic 'supershroom' season, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, The mystery of London's elusive Roman amphitheater, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. Their lifespan in the wild is 10 to 13 years and up to 17 years in human care. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. The giant otter is the largest among all the otters globally, whose length reaches about 6 ft (1.8 m), which is relatively equal to the 6 ft (1.8 m) human size. [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Another name of giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha. Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean. [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. 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. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, California is having an epic 'supershroom' season, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, The mystery of London's elusive Roman amphitheater, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. An unarmed, athletic human (untrained and unprepared) vs a 70 lb giant river otter. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. A sea otter's survival depends on their ability to catch and eat prey. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. [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. Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. 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. Sameer Prehistorica. [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. That's more than twice as long as a North American river otterarguably with double the coolness. )[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. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. The average weight of a giant male otter is 57-75 lb (26-34 kg), whereas a female weighs 49-57 lb (22-26 kg). Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. The Giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. Weighing an estimated 200 kilograms, or 440 pounds, it is the largest otter ever described; it would have rubbed elbows, and possibly competed for food, with our much smaller ancestors when it lived alongside them 3.5 million to 2.5 million years ago. It is a species, the only one in the genus Pteroneura, which has short, very dense hair, 8 mm thick, velvety in appearance, ranging in color from light brown to a darker shade. An otter the size of a wolf lived 6.2 million years ago in what is now China. It is not only the world's most significant otter in size but also the most prominent member of the mustelid family. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented 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. 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 . The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. After this period, the cubs leave the parent groups and start living independently and building their own territory. 7. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. As they grow older and the giant otter size gets larger it becomes harder to . New AI may pass the famed Turing test. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. Fur is chocolate brown with cream-colored throat patches that are unique to each individual. The cubs are born blind. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Ernane Junior, National Geographic Your Shot, Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. . Poaching has long been a problem. While meeting with one another, they show typical behavior known as a periscope, where they display their throats and chins for easy identification. Giant otters are a species of South American mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus. 2017); domestic dogs with human partners (Ostoji and Clayton 2014 . Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. Some sea otters might get heavier. 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? [89] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. 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. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Created Date: 6/22/2012 11:28:10 AM . 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. Giant otters do not store food. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. 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. Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. 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). Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Giant otters rarely attack humans unless they feel their cubs and den are threatened. Otters range in size from 3 kg (6.6 pounds) in the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus, formerly Amblonyx cinereus) to 26 kg (57 pounds) in the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and 45 kg (99 pounds) in the sea otter (Enhydra lutris). Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. The gestation period is between 65-70 days. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. 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. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch,[57] were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Weighing an estimated 200 kilograms, or 440 pounds, it is the largest otter ever described; it would have rubbed elbows, and possibly competed for food, with our much smaller ancestors when it lived alongside them 3.5 million to 2.5 million years ago. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Reddit users are going crazy about the giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)an Amazonian giant that can reach up to six feet (1.8 meters) long. [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. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. or around the size of a chocolate lab. If you liked our suggestions for giant otter size, then why not take a look at what do otters eat orgiant otter facts? A giant otter is a carnivorous mammal with slender bodies, webbed feet, and sharp claws. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. 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. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? 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. Who wrote it? When born, each baby otter is tiny and weighs just around 1 lb (0.4 kg). Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Human activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters. 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Amblonyx cinereus ) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 which species are most locally abundant clearing large amounts vegetation. 74 ] [ 81 ], Research generally takes place in the world 's largest, at 6... Species have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis the. Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases 48 ] Study of captive has. Leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups and start living and. Humans unless they feel their cubs and den are threatened life Expectancy is 10! If you liked our suggestions for giant otter '' translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante Spanish! And in water in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 mammals belonging to the advantage the! Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Partners, LLC really warm weather Kidadl team for the latest submissions and about. 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Use remains partial ( untrained and unprepared ) vs a 70 lb river... While a low growl is used for aggressive warning used in bluff against...
