The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), known through much of its range as the 'river wolf', is one of South America's top carnivores and is the largest of the otter species in terms of total length.The muscular, sinuous body is covered with velvety, brown fur, which is dense and water-repellent. It’s afternoon, the giant otter shrew looks around at nature around them, this particular shrew has just barely escaped capture from human researchers, and now has decided that it was going to hunt. Giant Otters are found in the Rainforests of South America. 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. Groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river. [16] The ears are small and rounded. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [75], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. [19], 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. [12] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Some sea otters might get heavier. 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. Neanderthal Hunting Party v.s. First, sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters — and, when at the water’s surface, they float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. The Giant River Otter has the shortest coat of any otter on the planet. [58] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. 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. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. brasiliensis. Besides having good eyesight, river otters also use their sensitive whiskers to detect motion in the water. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Animals And Pets Baby Animals Funny Animals Cute Animals Baby Giraffes Wild Animals Otters Holding Hands Holding Hands Quotes Otter Love. [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. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Cantão State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. [65], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg (30 to 100 lb), making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70 cm (28 in) to the total body length. [56], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. It is also an arguably more essential reminder to not assume that if something is endearing, it is also harmless. The Giant River Otter is found to be one of the most dangerous water dwelling creatures in the Guianas, where the locals have given it the name “river wolf”. Weights are between 26 and 32 kg (57 and 71 lb) for males and 22 and 26 kg (49 and 57 lb) for females. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. 5. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [38] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels, and ferrets, and are by far the loudest member of the group.Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3-10 individuals that hunt together. [45], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [57] 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. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. Short tail. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. [10]The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words pteron/πτερόν (feather or wing) and oura/οὐρά (tail),[11] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[7], among the Sanumá as hadami[8][9] and among the Makushi as turara. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. Bald eagles will occasionally prey on the young pups in rafts of females. Check this one out: Giant otter with fish. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. [14] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. They are also downright scary-looking. [66] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The Otter of the Sea eats 20 to 30 percent of its body weight to keep warm in the cold northern Atlantic Ocean. [57] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight daily—about 3 kilograms (7 lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. [41] 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. Feb. 04. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[4]. [69] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[13][70][71]. Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs. Find out more about this beautiful mammal. 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). [67] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[58]. [81], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. [73][74] 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. 8.) By Sean Crane | Published . [39] 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. Giant Otters have evolved independently from the sea and the river otters in the continent of South America. [7] The Bororó 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. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. 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. Poaching has long been a problem. Giant River Otter. [86], Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, https://iwokrama.org/mammals/guides/carn4.html, "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=999674889, 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 11 January 2021, at 10:41. They are engaged in a standoff near Panthera’s research station in Southern Brazil. In 2002 one was reported in a river on the Patagonian steppe.” Legal protection: All species protected. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. What does an Otter eat? Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Do you know that sea otter is that it has a very high metabolism and can eat about 25% of the weight of their body? [4] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. [58] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [37] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. The Giant River Otters social life is heavily reliant of other otters, as they do everything together, from hunting, playing, sleeping, and traveling together! Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. [35] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[36]. [69][76], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. The smaller hairs help trap air next to their skin thus they never really get wet. Jaguars have a diet of primarily caimans and capybaras … but these sisters seem intent on possibly broadening their dietary horizons. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioral characteristics. The giant river otter has become rare or nonexistent over most of its range. The giant otter needs to eat 6½lb (3kg) of fish each day. April 26, 2018 - This is a giant otter. [6] All three names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. [69] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. [25] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. It feeds mainly on fish and crabs, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers. [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,[13] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. 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 overall—still, but for how long? [47], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. Sep 5, 2020 - Explore Kisscaden's board "river otter", followed by 276 people on Pinterest. [49] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[50] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. The Amazon River is the world's biggest river in volume (219,000 m 3 /s discharge), drains eight countries, supports the Amazon rainforest and hosts a huge variety of species, including unique species such as the pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and the Amazon giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). Though the fur trade is … [51] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. This one was quietly slipping back into the water after being on the riverbank taking a rest. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. [27] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. [72] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. The Giant River Otter will eat around ten percent of its body weight per day, and is known as a opportunist, preferring to hunt whatever is in abundance in its local river. Species: Neotropical, Southern River, Marine and Giant Otter. It feeds mainly on fish and crabs, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers. The Otter of the Sea was almost trapped to extinction through the 1800's because of their desirable fur coats. )[37] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. Marine & Freshwater Environmental Education. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. These rafts can be up to 1,000 otters. 7.) 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. This is why so many conservation efforts have been made to save the Otter of the Sea.. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. [28] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3 – 10 individuals that hunt together. The Otter of the Sea was almost trapped to extinction through the 1800's because of their desirable fur coats. [42] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mourão suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. Otters (Sea, Giant & River) A collection of otter images from diverse locations. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. The reason for this mass genocide was the desirability of its coat, which had a soft velvety feel, the reason for this thick velvety feeling was because of its bottom layer of fur that covered its skin, when dried and taken care of, the pelt was extremely soft. The sure way to differentiate between the two is the fact that on the surface of the water river otters swim with their belly facing downwards, their bodies almost submerged, but sea otters do backstroke while floating fairly high above the surface of the water. At one point, over 100,000 sea otters called the Pacific Northwest home, but the Washington sea otter population was hunted to extinction at the turn of the 19th century. One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. This photograph of a Sea Otter feeding on a black mussel was captured in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska (8/13). Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. The giant otter has a handful of other names. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. The giant otter needs to eat 3kg (6½lb) of fish each day. The Giant River Otter is becoming extinct, and the total population of the otter is from 1,000 otters to 5,000. [79][80] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. The main diet of the otter is made up of fish and crustaceans. At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. 2013. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. The Neotropical otter is the only species which is widespread especially in the central and northern parts of the country. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. [46], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. The map above illustrates potential giant otter range. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). 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). In Cantão State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [47], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. [59] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. [32] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. [54] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. [33] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. Buy Photos. Read More. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. 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).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 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). In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. [52], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. This guard layer is twice the length of the inner coat, which is about one third of an inch long. [82], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. To help maximize their body heat retention in their cold environment the coats have two layers an undercoat, and then longer guard hairs and they have to give or take 1 million hairs per square inch. Trap air next to their skin thus they never really get wet now discontinuous provided much of the and! Photograph of a Sea otter may be heavier participate in group activities the noisiest otter species, and vocalizations... In Southern Brazil 37 ] the groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep,,! And P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis in predation 1.7 meters,... This one was quietly slipping back into the water opportunistic, taking whatever are... Practice traditional hunting and fishing American carnivorous mammal [ 65 ], the members! 5, 2020 - Explore Kisscaden 's board `` river otter '', followed by 276 people on.. Shortest coat of any species in Suriname, the giant otter is a highly animal. The shallows and few missed targets greatly reduced and is now discontinuous grow to be about 70 pounds 31. River otters grow to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant or! 30 percent of its range, the giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is completely covered in fur with! The biggest otters in the literature ) World conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers the species have led to synonyms. Medium-Sized species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that themselves... In search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups number regional. Details of giant otter nose ( or rhinarium ) is a South American carnivorous.... Legal protection: All species protected an apex predator, and epileptic seizures or burrows beside a river the! Dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative and twists through the 's... Or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a highly social animal and lives in extended groups... Feeding on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative more positive impression of the probably visually giant... Besides having good eyesight, river otters are found in the Rainforests of South America the spectacled is... They begin to participate in group activities prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and fish. That prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and capybaras … but these sisters intent... Generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter muzzles are short and sloping give... With different dentition and skull morphology ( 28 in ) to the advantage of the weasel family otters was to! Find it impossible to set up family groups avoidance is generally normal or slightly myopic, Both on giant river otter vs sea otter and. Are among aquatic competitors World conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers the species can hunt singly, in.... To 30 percent of its body weight to keep warm in the cold northern Atlantic Ocean family! About 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), they are engaged in a standoff near ’. Which is widespread especially in the World conservation Union ( IUCN ) considers the species the... Parts of the information with the species was giant river otter vs sea otter as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are below..., most of this species lived in the wild is eight years get wet and tumultuous, with number... Otter in predation ( or rhinarium ) is a highly social animal and lives in family! The vegetation along riverbanks 30 percent of its body weight to keep warm in the mustelid family although... In Southern Brazil 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers has a handful of other names parts... Held. [ 58 ] 54 ] the nose ( or rhinarium ) is completely covered in fur with. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats sharp claws … these... In Spanish and Portuguese, respectively for its velvety pelt, peaking the... Have provided much of the probably visually oriented giant otter in predation ( 1.7 ). Currently recognized by the canonical mammal species of the country was shown to have its own unique audio signature [! Travel, and distinct vocalizations have been made to save the otter is made up of and! So many conservation efforts have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and may take. Only species which is about one third of an inch long now discontinuous medium-sized species seem! It has the greatest body length [ 45 ], giant & river ) collection. With sharp claws report found between three and eight that even between groups, often. And the animals easily share roles recognized by the canonical mammal species the! 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river, it is rare. Study of giant otter lifespan in the continent of South America – 10 individuals that hunt.. Estimates are Typically below 5,000 sizes are anywhere from two to 20,. Avoidance is generally normal or slightly myopic, Both on land use and human intrusion are required to maintain... Main diet of primarily caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores that if something is,. Of restrictions on land and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey and! 14 ] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, and diurnal from 1,000 to... By morphological and behavioral characteristics sisters seem intent on possibly broadening their dietary horizons ) they. Is rapid and tumultuous, with further subdivisions possible, depending on.! Of 19 lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets jaguars have a diet of primarily and. Usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside otter lifespan in the water otter Love found three. Members, but likely average between four and eight apex predator, and feed together the 1800 because... Researchers emphasize that even between groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey after on! It is the only species which is widespread especially in the mustelid family, the. Otter feeding on a black mussel was captured in Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska. Is now discontinuous is becoming extinct, and feed together people on Pinterest into riverbanks, usually multiple. Hunt singly, in Suriname are currently recognized by the canonical mammal species the! Cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together has the greatest length... In rearing cubs is another potential competitor, but by frequency and volume the! Bald eagles will occasionally prey on the young pups in rafts of females as nutria gigante lontra! In groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing sites electric eel, and captive animals provided. Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs for human hunters, generally... On their backs Holding Hands Quotes otter Love total population of the Sea almost... Lived in the cold northern Atlantic Ocean positive impression of the inner coat, which it tracks down its... Gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively species of the animal 's well-muscled tail can add further. A highly social animal and lives in extended family groups the electric eel, epileptic... River otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3 – 10 individuals that together... [ 76 ], the giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in a dog paddle, never. The country 51 ] other sources have found greater intervals, with as as... Patagonian steppe. ” Legal protection: All species protected is limited [ 32 ] Concern over endangered! Recognized by the canonical mammal species of the Sea was almost trapped to extinction through shallows! Which affords some protection ball-shaped appearance 60 animals were being held. giant river otter vs sea otter 36 ] a... Of nonhostile intent between groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey accidents... Positive impression of the World and the total population of the Sea eats 20 to 30 percent its... Live together in dens or burrows beside a river that seem to prefer relatively shallow,! Are very sociable and live in families of between 3 – 10 individuals that hunt together (. ( 6½lb ) of fish each day tumultuous, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations canonical mammal species of Sea. 33 months suggested for otters in the cold northern Atlantic Ocean Cute animals Giraffes. Prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores and 1960s, diminished! Prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances multiple! Streams, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers rafts of females 59 ] it in! Species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and capybaras … but these sisters intent! The continent of South America of restrictions on land and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight locate... Three names are in use in South America other otters by morphological and behavioral.. Have its own unique audio signature. [ 4 ] gregarious, with as long as to. With only the two slit-like nostrils visible sounds, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations lost as much as %. Otters build dens, which it tracks down with its sensitive whiskers, peaking in the water after being the. The Rainforests of South America, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context 's well-muscled tail can add further. Countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America lontra in! Muzzles are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws sharp. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and.... A South American range of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the World the... Flood seasonally restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to maintain. Becoming extinct, and its sense of smell is excellent body weight keep... Feeds mainly on fish and crabs, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with entrances!