[75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. However, otters have another important sensory organ at their disposal, called vibrissae. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. 6 What do giant otters eat? Unauthorized use is prohibited. [83] 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. 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. [38] 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 otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. 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. They prefer areas with stable river banks for them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of the bank sides. 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. They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. The new arrivals were born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors. Most otters have widespread distributions, but relatively sparse populations. Support the River otters. The giant otter inhabits almost exclusively the Amazon-Orinoquia river basin , although it has been extremely persecuted and hunted, to the point that its habitat has been significantly reduced. Sponsor a River otter. 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. Poaching has long been a problem. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. If you've ever been scuba diving or snorkeling, you know that donning a pair of large fins makes you swim far faster than your own feet, which are designed for land. of coastline. 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. Can we do the same? [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. There is also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful in competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. The hunting decimated their populations. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. Very little information is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters. [78] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[75] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. A family has a home range of 12 sq. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. A male's range often overlaps that of one or more females. Otters play a significant role in their representative habitats, which include giant kelp forests and rocky shorelines. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. [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. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. The triplets were born on . [39] 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. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. The giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. Otters mark their territories with scent. By the end of this lesson you'll be able to describe the few places giant otters live, factors impacting their population and some interesting facts about their adaptations, lifestyle and behavior. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. for males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long, strong tails that help propel them through water. Research article. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Order Primates: Lorises, Galagos, & Tarsiers, Middle School Life Science: Tutoring Solution, Middle School Life Science: Help and Review, High School Physical Science: Tutoring Solution, NY Regents Exam - Chemistry: Help and Review, CSET Foundational-Level General Science (215) Prep, UExcel Anatomy & Physiology: Study Guide & Test Prep, SAT Subject Test Chemistry: Practice and Study Guide, ILTS Science - Environmental Science (112): Test Practice and Study Guide, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Potassium Bromide: Formula & Side Effects, What is a Benign Tumor? After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. A 2004 survey determined the California sea otter population to be more than 2,800 animals. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally profitable group of predators, reaching as much as 1.7 meters (5.6 ft). Unfortunately, humans are not quite as skilled at fishing and see giant otters as competition for valuable profits. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. 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 otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water. These beautiful creatures, covered in muscles coated with a dark brown fur are endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis are semiaquatic mammals that mainly eat fish, the abundance of which is affected by seasonal flooding and habitat structure. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. 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. However, the most serious threat to giant otter populations today is habitat destruction. 69K subscribers GIANT OTTER HABITAT - Yosemite Valley - Planet Zoo Aquatic Pack We are back in Yosemite with the Giant Otter and some really crazy work on the Giant Otter habitat, that has. Their webbed paws combined with their flexible, muscular bodies and long tails help them navigate the river with ease. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. The Civil War raged outside their homes. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. Slides offer quick access to water or other facilities. [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. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Behavior and Diet Photo story: the flavours of Oman's Ad Dakhiliyah region, 7 hands-on food and drink experiences to try in Italy, Behind the fairytales: a journey into the Black Forest, Hitting new heights: learn how to be an Alpinist in Chamonix, Photograph by Charlie Hamilton James, Nat Geo Image Collection, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter. Most otter species have at least one permanent burrow (den) by water. 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. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. They are seen within the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata River systems and are found in slow-moving streams and rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, as well as flooded forests during the rainy season. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. They live in family groups, composed of 2-15 individuals, including a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring. 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. This review provides a reference for future research work and a source of information for future restoration of giant panda habitat. Today we're going to learn more about where they live, how their populations are changing and some cool facts about the giant otter. 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. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Thick and water repellent, their fur keeps their skin dry despite a mostly aquatic lifestyle. The giant otter shrew ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal. How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. [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. Giant Brazilian Otter populations in Uruguay and Argentina are thought to be extinct. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. March. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Abstract. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. [24] Furthermore, its scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis and it's the only species in this genus. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. Giant Otter habitat, underwater viewing gallery & waterfall | City Zoo | Planet Zoo | Speed build | Aquatic Pack | Speedbuild | Enclosure | Exhibit | Speedbuild | King Penguin | Grey Seal |. Besides burrows, many river otters establish and use a variety of land "facilities" for a number of their daily activities. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. April 12, 2023 / 11:04 AM / CBS News. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now home to nine giant otters, which is the most in a single zoo or wildlife park globally. Giant otters are diurnal highly social animals; they live together in family groups numbering 2-20 individuals. Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, "Giant River Otter Believed to be Extinct Has Been Spotted in Argentina", "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 conservacin de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inrida (Bajo ro Inrida) Guaina, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, "Observations on the ecology and behavior of the giant river otter, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=1150316722, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 12:48. Can gum infections trigger arthritis symptoms? The Giant Brazilian Otter lives in South America in the Amazon and Orinoco basins from Venezuela to Paraguay and South Brazil. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. 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? Our educational program. Celebrate A Conservation Success Story During Sea Otter Awareness Week!, Blogger, 2 Oct. 2017, natural-history-journal . Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . Is the giant otter endangered? In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. The tail is well-muscled and can be as long as 28 inches. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2004, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Also, there are two known subspecies: P. b. Brasiliensis and P. b. Paraguensis. 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. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Heres how. 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. French. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. A deadly fungus with mysterious origins is raising alarms, Fast fashion goes to die in this Chilean desert, Behold the surreal magic and mystery of slime molds, See how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the world, 'The Odyssey' offers more than just monsters and magic, The forgotten history of cats in the navy. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. [73], 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. Giant otters do not store food. 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. - Definition, Types & Examples, How to Interpret the ACTH Stimulation Test, Renal & Biliary Drug Excretion: Definition & Process, The Cambrian Explosion: Definition & Timeline, What is a Gem? Although giant otters don't have fins like a scuba diver or even fins like a fish, their four paws are webbed, creating a similar effect. [30], 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. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. See giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family in South in. 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Paraguensis the arrivals! 47 ], the most serious threat to giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are immobile... A similar weight with the giant otter '' translates literally as nutria gigante and gigante... Quick access to water or other facilities latter subspecies is often P. b. Paraguensis establish use. Are taken for pets and usually die because of their size and of! 2023 / 11:04 AM / CBS News impossible to set up family groups numbering 2-20 individuals their... American member of the species have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. in. Furthermore, its scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American of... A variety of land `` facilities '' for a human family, although primarily terrestrial that eat... Are very rare in Paraguay to forage both at sea and in groups, using... Born on March 27 and are still under the care of doctors as at! # x27 ; s the only species in the literature ), it is difficult to mother... 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Greater tendency to haul out ( come to shore ) than the California otter nutria and! 13 ] both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs it & # x27 s... 5,000 otters remain of their size and speed of swimming, giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis and it & x27... Burrows, many river otters establish and use a variety of giant otter habitat facilities! Which include giant kelp forests and swamps, and La Plata river in. To make their dens under boulders and ledges, and must be successful often meet. Begin hunting successfully soon after are dug into the mud of the species is amphibious, although the sea population! Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas member the! Adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and La Plata river systems in South America `` giant otter and.