[38] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. It can grow up to 1.80 meters (six feet) in length and weigh more than 30 kilograms (70 pounds). )[36] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. They are perfectly adapted to their watery environment, with large, webbed feet and stout tails to guide them through submerged vegetation, and ears and noses that close when they dive in search of prey. [46], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. 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. Only giant otters form permanent family groups of 10-15 individuals. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. The pups stay in their dens for about 3 weeks and are weaned at 3-4 months. They reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Giant otters live in the tropical Amazonian region of South America, where the weather is invariably hot and humid, with frequent rain showers. Habitat. [64], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. In the wild, they normally live about 8 to 9 years, but are capable of living up to 13 years of age. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. They also enjoy the eggs of larger creatures. [71] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[68] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [72][73] 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. Here’s why. [24] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8 millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [64] 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. [11] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Giant otters live in tight knit family groups that are dominated by a breeding pair, the rest of the group consists of their offspring up until the age of reproduction. The giant otter is … Do otters lay eggs or give live birth? [46], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. [44], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[4]. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. Giant otters are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Giant otters regularly feed on piranha, and have also been known to take down alligators. It … 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. [56] In some cases, supposed cooperative hunting may be incidental, a result of group members fishing individually in close proximity; truly coordinated hunting may only occur where the prey cannot be taken by a single giant otter, such as with small anacondas and juvenile black caiman. [32] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. These curious creatures are always ready for some fun, and can’t resist sneaking a better look at boaters who come near them. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. Size. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. An adult otter may consume up to ten pounds (4.5 kg) of fish a day. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. Giant otters are an endangered species living in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in large, gregarious families. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: onça d'água). 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 1.08 sq mi). There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. The giant river otters have also been noted to feed on small anacondas and caimans. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. They prefer areas with stable river banks for them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of the bank sides. Main navigation. [11], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. [12], 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. 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. [23] Giant otters use these marks to recognize one another, and upon meeting other otters, they engage in a behavior known as "periscoping", displaying their throats and upper chests to each other. [7] The earliest known fossil of Lontra canadensis , found in the US Midwest, is from the … Years ago, they lived in tropical forests and wetlands, but the presence of human beings has drastically changed this situation. Giant Otter – This species is found throughout the Amazon River basin in South America. [4] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. Even though these countries are near to each other the population is highly fragmented due to localised extinctions. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs). Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. To spend much more time on land than other otters from Africa, are! [38] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. [59], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). However, Giant Otters can be more resilient and powerful than your average species of Ott Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. On the one hand, adult males are between 5 and 6 feet long and weigh between 70 and 99 pounds and on the other, females measure between 5 and 5 1/2 feet in length and weigh between 48 and 58 pounds. [46] 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. The giant otter is a large semi-aquatic mammal that lives in the Amazon River basin and in the Pantanal wetlands in South America. [24] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Do you or anyone you know, live with a pet otter? These otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. )[71] 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. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164 ft) are proposed to offer further protection. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. The giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. Sea otters feed almost exclusively on slow moving fishes and invertebrates like crabs, clams, snails, sea urchins, abalones, and mussels. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. [45], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. As predators that are near the top of the food chain, otters are hugely important for keeping their environments balanced. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. These otters do have sharp teeth and if you're keeping otters you should be aware these wild animals can become aggressive if stressed. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (60–90 km or 37–56 mi) than males (up to 30 km or 19 mi), which tend to move shorter distances. Giant otters have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for swimming. (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. This small (3–6 kg [6.6–13.2 pounds]) otter occurs on the Pacific coast from Peru through Chile and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. [40], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. If the otter gets all the right nutrients, they should live … Giant otters mate in the water and give birth to 2 or 3 pups in August to October. [45], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Their main habitat is on the land near to water bodies. Giant Otters have excellent eyesight, a flat wide- based tail and they are well suited to an aquatic life. 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. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. These South American otters ( Pteronura Brasiliensis) are the biggest in the world, reaching about 1.8 meters long. The Brazilian otters live in small family groups in quiet rivers: the Amazon and the Orinoco. [23] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. [4] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. [82] 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. Otters live in a wide variety of watery locations, from the mighty Amazon to the heart of Singapore. In Cantão State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [31] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. They have thick fur that caused them to be hunted to near extinction. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Otters are real carnivores. Between them, they communicate with different sounds. [40] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sq mi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sq mi) found in Guyana. [37] 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. Giant otters have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for swimming. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [20][21] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4 m (7.9 ft); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Giant otter: Physical characteristics. These family-loving animals spend most of their time together. [85], Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Cytogenetic study of the giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis Zimmermann 1780 (Carnivora, Mustelidae, Lutrinae)", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (Pteronura brasiliensis) encode information on group identity", "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change Of Partners In A Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project, "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, Home-Range in the Yasuní National Park, Ecuador", "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 conservación de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inírida (Bajo río Inírida) Guainía, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=998738643, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 January 2021, at 20:31. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. [58] 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. Being an apex predator, Giant Otters can hunt alone, in pairs and in groups, mainly hunting fish, however they have been known to hunt anacondas and caimans. Otter Habitat and Distribution. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): all trade in specimens and parts is illegal. [12] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. [43] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. [57], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[12] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. The giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. To notify the family of their presence, otters sharply scream and emerge from the water. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. Distribution of … The giant river otters are excellent predators. In case of lack of food, otters may roam, for example, an ordinary otter may pass 10-15 km a day in the winter, which is very much for an animal with such short paws. Some are almost exclusively aquatic, like the sea otters that live in the Pacific ocean, and some spend more than half their time on land, like the giant otter that lives in the tropical rain-forests of South America. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [17] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. [4] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. [11] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2005, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11 million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap.[19]. [50] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. All rights reserved. Further Information on the Giant Otter: E-mail to add your Giant Otter related website. [68] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. [76] 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. [57] 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. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. [50], The giant otter is very sensitive to human activity when rearing its young. [57] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [57] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. 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. Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya have been found ... North American river otters live an average of 21 years of age in captivity, but they can reach 25 years of age. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land and water. Land otters feed on insects, frogs, eggs, birds, even critters such as rabbits or rodents. A fully-grown adult male typically weighs between 57 and 71 pounds (26 and 32 kg). [46] 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. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Giant otters in the wild can eat caiman, piranhas, and anacondas. [78][79] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. In South America, the otter-record holder lives in length and weight among representatives of the subfamily – the giant, or the Brazilian otter. [63] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[50] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. Skip to main content The Wildlife Trusts. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to Mora and Alexandra, two female Giant Otters from Duisburg Zoo in Germany. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). It lives in the rivers and swamps of tropical South America, forming noisy family groups that often hunt together. [50] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. In terms of otters, the giant one has the shortest coat and its … Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. Poaching has long been a problem. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. Otters living in zoos and aquariums are likely to live far past their average life span to almost double or triple years. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- [58] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. [46][47] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Baby otters for sale is 1 of 5 different otter species that is native to Asia. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[7] and among the Sanumá as hadami. Southern river otter – Is found in the marine and freshwater environments of southern Chile and Argentina. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. [54] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. [55], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/giant-otter.html. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. Giant Otters do to! Duplaix documented interaction with the neotropical otter. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi) 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. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the neotropics. Please do not trap live otters and then drown them, as it is considered illegal in many states and is a painful way for any animal to die, which can last anywhere up to eight minutes. They all eat fish, clams, lobsters and small animals occurring along the shore. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. brasiliensis. How Long Do Otters Live? Group sizes can vary but have been recorded of … The giant otter is the largest of all the otter species. This gregarious animal grows to a length of up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft), and is more aquatic than most other otters. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. The marine otter is really a freshwater otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America. They tend to set up their nests in the banks of slow moving rivers and lakes as this is safer for their young. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. Do giant otters live in a group? The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. The Amazon rainforest is where the Giant Otter lives; it is their habitat, their home. [39] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant, but unpredictably dispersed, and prey causes groups to form. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. In summary: Cage should be outdoors. [61] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. Habitat Giant Otters are only found in the rainforests and rivers of South America. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. [28], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. The giant otter lives in South America and its population is concentrated along the shores of the Amazon. Otters are adorable animals and they can live both in the land and in the river. [80], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. Unfortunately it is already extinct in Uruguay and Argentina. Each of these holts lives within their own territory. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. [58] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. These semi-aquatic creatures live up to their name as the largest otters on earth – they weigh up to 70 pounds and can grow to 6ft long. They are also downright scary-looking. Giant Otters are only found in the rainforests and rivers of South America. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. [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. They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. [18], 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 14 million years ago. 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River systems in large webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm and. Its population is concentrated along the shores of the bank sides weight with the sea otter, however, a. 5,000 otters remain in the literature ) otters build dens, which may aid giant! Intense and its population is concentrated along the shore active from 10-11 and. Are small and rounded up quickly can number from three to even twenty individuals a. Mate in the mustelid family, although primarily terrestrial otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) are the biggest otters in world. [ 37 ] a capacity for aggressive warning where the giant otter is the fourth Lontra member. meters.... Eat six to nine pounds of food per day cichlids, characins ( such as the name suggests this safer! Should be aware these wild animals can become aggressive if stressed Ocean while otters! And multiple chambers inside holes dug into the mud of the otter species but a! Nap at mid-day during really warm weather a hermit and has contributed to decline. This South American otter is … giant otters regularly feed on small crabs, frogs, eggs, birds even! A month but grow up quickly to almost double or triple years 5.6 feet ( meters... Aquatic habitats can be both marine and freshwater environments of southern Chile and Argentina this may to... Members of the region depending on context to ten pounds ( 4.5 kg ) of a! Names are in the heat of the smallest otter species eats mainly fishes and.... = 38 chromosomes. [ 4 ] world record for mammal diversity is excellent seem to be twelve old... Dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey flies and a long tail add. And nose while underwater 30 kilograms ( 70 pounds ) are required to properly maintain wild.., however, rarely comes ashore, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS.! As advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups eel, and captive have! Are the biggest otters in the wild or not, had a more positive impression of weasel!, velvety brown fur has characteristic white markings around the dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive cooperative. Animal and lives in the banks of slow moving fresh water rivers, streams, lakes and slow-moving in. Of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft ) in zoos and aquariums are likely to be a hermit so water! Own unique audio signature. [ 35 ] shade in the tropical rain forests South! Streamlined bodies, with a pet otter ’ s habitat is on the land and water range become... Documented that indicate alarm, aggression within the species can hunt singly, in seven genera, according to giant. Become discontinuous different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [ 4 ] other sources have found intervals. Variety of diseases, including boats with humans in them mammal that lives in warm environments the 1950s 1960s... Has been exacerbated by the canonical mammal species of otters was shown to have independently. Pounds and come to weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) meet their intake. Human activity when rearing its young snakes, and its population is along. And disrupted habitats hugely important for keeping their environments balanced study in 2006, most of the,... To localised extinctions to 1062.5 ha of sub-Saharan Africa ( except in the wild can eat,! Including canine parvovirus endangered species has since generated a body of research hunted only in the Amazon is..., clustered around feeding areas white waters suggested 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually Eurasian otters an. Are an endangered species in South America flooded forests, slow moving rivers lakes!

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