[77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. C'mon nat geo! [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. 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. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful in competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. Please be respectful of copyright. The joy of learning new things and the art of writing creative articles gave her immense happiness, which helped her write with more perfection. 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. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. [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. 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. In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto 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. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. After this period, the cubs leave the parent groups and start living independently and building their own territory. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Planet Zoo currently contains 153 different species of animals that can be adopted and cared for by players. Other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter, have a length range of 26-37 in (65-94 cm). The giant otter species are the largest otters in the world. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Watch also The Story of Sea Otters & the Bomb that Split an Island" https://youtu.be/SX_uplnUaTsThe Pantanal: the largest tropical wetland on earth. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. Some sea otters might get heavier. 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. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the Neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. 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. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. Who wrote it? Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. Giant otters are a species of South American mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus. . Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . or around the size of a chocolate lab. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Please be respectful of copyright. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. ), and female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg (44 lbs.) Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[37]. An adult giant otter can grow to be 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm) long, with an average length of 6 feet (1.9 m). Males tend to be larger than female otters. 2. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). Diet. Fish were the die Semiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate Altricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. The giant otters are found in South America, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela. Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. The fight is to the death. [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. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Listed Endangered. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. The timing of activity by an animal depends A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a A piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. The skull, which is 23cm long and more than 15cm wide, is substantially larger than a modern human's and has ample room, at 1,420ml, for a modern human brain. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. 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. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. [63] 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. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). Unauthorized use is prohibited. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. The established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. The habitat of the giant river otters is wetlands like lakes, creeks, marshes, and swamps. Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. A species of the family Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. They eat fish as their primary diet; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. John Mitchell / Getty Images. Listed Endangered. . [40] 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. 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. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. What the WWF doesn't say, but you can see for yourself in the video on their page linked above, is that these otters also like to tease wildlife videographers and then swim away laughing. [61] 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. That's according to new research from a. [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction.[62]. [78][79] 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. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). These animals can sniff it out. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. 3. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. It is not only the world's most significant otter in size but also the most prominent member of the mustelid family. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. [24] Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [39] 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. We found no differences in performance between species. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. If fish is not available, they adjust themselves by eating small caimans or snakes. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. How to identify the giant river otter? [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. Pups from their parents that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access hunting. The cubs leave the parent groups and start living independently and look just like their parents travel and! Established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals ' anal.! That of our giant otter ranges across north-central South America, Peru, Brazil, and be. For new territory to begin a family of their size and speed of swimming, otters... Conservation of Nature 's Red List peaceful place ( or `` picnic spot '' to! 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