how big is a giant otter
Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. At the end the feet are webbed and also have sharp claws. Photo by Tambako The Jaguar. The giant otter is the largest of all the otter species. Check out Trapper J's channel here - http://bit.ly/TrapperJI did NOT expect to catch a river otter at my farm! 8 m (4.9′ – 5.9′) in length. How big is a Giant Otter? The entire group plays a part in raising the pups. Giant Otters do to! Or view hourly updated newsfeeds in your RSS reader: Keep up to date with the latest news from ScienceDaily via social networks: Tell us what you think of ScienceDaily -- we welcome both positive and negative comments. The giant otter swims at high speed by waving its tail and body up and down, using its webbed feet to steer. . The fur is coloured brown in most specimens though it can be fawn or red in some. The giant otter is the largest of the world's otters. Its feet are large and have thick webbing, and the tail is flattened into a flipper-like shape. The giant otter can grow to more than 6 feet (2 meters) long and 70 pounds (32 kg), nearly twice as large as its American counterparts. This species is the largest member of the otter family. The females are smaller and weigh only 57–60 lb (26–27 kg). These animals make their home in freshwater rivers and streams. Giant otters wake up during the day making them diurnal. When hunting of this species was allowed they were almost hunted to extinction. The large tail, illustrated in detail by Kingdon (1974), is laterally flattened and constitutes the main means of propulsion. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs). An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs). Giant otters are 65-70 days after mating takes place one to five pups may be born. The family members communicate vocally with a wide variation of calls. Giant Otters are fascinating animals. Giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis, or "londra" in Spanish) are also known as the Brazilian otter and flat-tailed otter. A range of vocalisations are demonstrated by the giant otter. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T18711A21938411. That's according to … So just how big is the Giant Otter. They have an inner coat which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water off their actual coat. Giant Otters’ Main Characteristics. Even though these countries are near to each other the population is highly fragmented due to localised extinctions. The species are relatively peaceful and territorial but aggression has also been observed in some groups. Some sea otters might get heavier. By frank wouters from antwerpen, belgium , België , Belgique (reuzenotter) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons, By Eric Gaba (Sting – fr:Sting) (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons. Giant Otters might look like any other species of Otter. Have any problems using the site? Giant otters are members of the weasel family. Known for their fun loving nature, the Giant Otter isn’t likely to be a hermit. A giant otter will consume roughly 3kg (7lb) – about 10% – of its body weight per day. It is a social animal that lives in a group of up to eight members, with the group centered on a dominant breeding pair. Many people find this particular Otter to be different in size and shape from others. https://www.savacations.com/giant-river-otters-amazon-rainforest Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). These otters work together when playing, travelling, feeding and sleeping together. The giant otter is known to hunt alone, in pairs and in groups. They have an oestrous cycle lasting 21 days with mating taking place in the 3rd to 10th day of this cycle. Countries where giant otters live include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Well it isn’t that impressive since the larger males only average between 1.5 m and 1. Imagine seeing those eyes staring into your soul as those sharp canine teeth pierce your flesh. Its fur is dense, thick and velvety, and is highly sought after by fur traders. A family comes out of their home for an afternoon activity. Their diet varies throughout the year due to the migrations of the fish. These patterns are different on each other and help them to distinguish each other in the group. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T18711A21938411.en. Giant otter populations are in decline, the population is estimated to be between 1,000-4,000 individuals left in the wild. Questions? *Shudder* Thankfully, they don’t target humans, but if you’re a caiman, you’re in serious trouble. Each day the giant otter consumes between 3 and 4 kilograms (6-9lbs) of food. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. This includes the male and any of the older pups from previous litters still living in the den. There is evidence that long time pair bonds form. Giant Otters are the largest mustelid and they are similar to a very large river otter. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T18711A21938411.en. In the water anacondas or caimans may attack this species. Giant otters are incredibly social. It can grow up to 2.4m (8ft) long from nose to tail. The male was always seen as the one who initiated the mating. 5. 6) are rapid and agile swimmers, although they do not have webbed feet, and have nostril flaps that close when the animal is submerged. The prey is held in the otter’s forepaws and eaten immediately. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T18711A21938411. Giant otter fur is the shortest of all the otter species. The Giant Otter can reach up to 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, and weigh 76 lb (34 kg) in weight. This is located near a river and their fishing sites. The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter. Recently, on our way to the park, one of our main giant otter study areas, we visited the community and attended its weekly assembly meeting. Giant Otters typically live in and along the Amazon River. However, Giant Otters can be more resilient and powerful than your average species of Ott It prefers to hunt in shallow water, using its keen vision to locate the prey which can be attacked either from above or below. Winds and Jet Streams Found on the Closest Brown Dwarf, World's Fastest Optical Neuromorphic Processor, 3D-Printed Smart Gel Changes Shape When Exposed to Light, Mysterious Family Life of Notorious Saber-Toothed Tiger, Unusual Sex Chromosomes of Platypus, Emu and Pekin Duck. Groenendijk, J., Duplaix, N., Marmontel, M., Van Damme, P. & Schenck, C. 2015. In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: [lobo de río] error: {{lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) and water dog (Spanish: [perro de agua] error: {{lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) are used occasionally, though the latter has many other meanings) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Births can occur year round in giant otter colonies. The giant otter is the largest of all the otter species. They are double the size of world’s smallest otter, the Asian short-clawed otter (below). Giant otters once were found throughout the Tropical rainforests of the Amazon, down to Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. Piranhas can also take a good bite from a giant otter. Just so you know, the giant otter can weigh up to 45.3 kg (100 lbs). Platypus: How Odd Mammal Got to Be So Bizarre, Search for Dark Matter from the Multiverse, Life On Earth Could Have Arisen from RNA-DNA Mix, New Class of Antibiotics Work On Many Bacteria, How Our Brains Track Where We and Others Go, Mini Antibodies Against COVID-19 from a Llama, Climate Change: Threshold for Dangerous Warming. Young otters can come under threat from some other species. In fact, he’ll usually live in a group with ten or more of his fellow otters. In terms of otters, the giant one has the shortest coat and its … Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, its staff, its contributors, or its partners. This species is the largest among all the species of otters in the world, (sea otters , with their more compact body, can weigh considerably more).The males reach a total length of 1.5 to 1.8 m and a weight between 26 and 32 kg.As for females they usually measure 1.5 to 1.7 m in length and can weigh between 22 and 26 kg. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! Males can reach lengths of 1.8 meters (about 71 inches, or 5.9 feet) from their noses to the tip of their tails and can weigh between 20 and 30 kilograms … Sea Otters Have Low Genetic Diversity Like Other Threatened Species, Biologists Report, Indigenous Collaboration and Leadership Key to Managing Sea Otter Population Recovery, Surrogate-Reared Sea Otters Helped Restore Threatened Population, Sea Otters' Tool Use Leaves Behind Distinctive Archaeological Evidence, Researchers Study How to Improve Southern Sea Otter Survival, Recovery of Sea Otter Populations Yields More Benefits Than Costs, Sea Turtles Use Flippers to Manipulate Food, Why Crocodiles Have Changed So Little Since the Age of the Dinosaurs, Mapping the Platypus Genome: How Earth's Oddest Mammal Got to Be So Bizarre, Discovery Boosts Theory That Life on Earth Arose from RNA-DNA Mix, New Class of Antibiotics Active Against a Wide Range of Bacteria, Jellyfish Create a 'Virtual Wall' to Enhance Performance, Ancient DNA Analysis Reveals Asian Migration and Plague, Scientists Paint Multicolor Atlas of the Brain, Tasmanian Tiger Pups Found to Be Extraordinary Similar to Wolf Pups, Nanocrystals That Eradicate Bacteria Biofilm, Scientists Develop a Cheaper Method That Might Help Create Fuels from Plants, Patterns in Primordial Germ Cell Migration, 'Hail to the Queen': Saving the Caribbean Queen Conch, Key Features That Help Block Excess Light Absorption During Photosynthesis, Tasmanian Tigers Look Like Dogs When in Pouch, Three Reasons Why COVID-19 Can Cause Silent Hypoxia, Dangerous Blood Clots Form in Leg Arteries of COVID-19 Patients, Desalination Breakthrough Could Lead to Cheaper Water Filtration, A Better Pen-and-Ink System for Drawing Flexible Circuits, Competitive Athletics: Detecting CRISPR/Cas Gene Doping, Striped or Spotted? Main Characteristics. The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a beautiful animal adapted for an amphibious lifestyle. Most pups will leave the group a year later and go form their own pair. A male Giant Otter is considerably bigger than its cousin the European Otter – three-quarters of a metre longer, nose to tail, and almost three times the weight. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Most of the time this species will chose the clear, sandy or rocky bottomed rivers over those that are salty, saline and white. Downloaded on 15 May 2020. Pteronura brasiliensis. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs, where indicated. A HUMAN PROBLEM. Their diet varies throughout the year due to the migrations of the fish. These mating’s frequently took place in the water. Affected by: Habitat Loss, Poaching & Industry. Giant otters are very social animals and groups of up to 20 individuals have been found in forms of "family groups." It lives in the rivers and swamps of tropical South America, forming noisy family groups that often hunt together. This species maintains a den which they dig under fallen logs or into a river bank. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. They lose their dependence on milk at 9 months of age and it is at this time they begin learning to hunt. 9 distinct sounds have been identified being made by this species. On the throat is an assortment of white patterns. A newborn pup makes squeaks to gain attention. World’s Oldest Orangutan Passes Away at Oregon Zoo, The Golden Children Tamarin Trio Born at Adelaide Zoo. Giant otters produce 9 different vocalizations and are very loud. It is native to South America but is endangered and is also very rare in captivity. The giant otter is the longest species among mustelids although not the heaviest. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. The Giant Otter can reach up to 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, and weigh 76 lb (34 kg) in weight. For more information, see the following related content on ScienceDaily: Content on this website is for information only. Each individual in the groups has a role, and there is one main breeding pair. It lives in the rivers and swamps of tropical South America, forming noisy family groups that often hunt together. A week later they begin to walk around and at 12 to 14 weeks they are swimming regularly. They have very soft, insulated underfur, which is … The Giant Otter features a very long body, similar to that of a weasel. Preferred habitats include riverbank high forests, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest and an open area within the creek. In other parts of the world, crocodilians are generally at the very top of the food chain in rivers. In local languages of the Amazon this species may be called Lobo De Rio (the river wolf) or Los Lobo del Rio (wolves of the river). A large problem for the species is a lack of genetic flow across the population due to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. They also feed upon crustaceans, snakes, small caimans and anacondas. The Peru giant otter project has established a collaboration with the indigenous community of Isla de los Valles, which is strategically placed at the gates of Manu National Park. Groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river. This fur is densely packed so that no water can penetrate through to the skin. Diet consists mainly of fish, crabs and even caimans and snakes. Groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river. These babies are furred but blind. They have a body length between 1 and 1.4 m (3.25 - 4.5 ft), a tail length between 45 and 65 cms (18 - 26 inches) and they weigh between 22 and 32 Kgs (49 - 71 lbs). Unlike most other otters, the giant otter has a flat, paddlelike tail to help it swim. They have small rounded ears which can close underwater. The legs are stubby and short. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to Mora and Alexandra, two female Giant Otters from Duisburg Zoo in Germany. They were hunted mostly for their pelts. The 13 species range in adult size from 0.6 to 1.8 m (2.0 to 5.9 ft) in length and 1 to 45 kg (2.2 to 99.2 lb) in weight. Giant Otters can reach 1.7 metres length and weigh over 30 kg. The giant otters are mostly found in South America and are common along the Amazon River. When on land giant otters come under threat from jaguars. They’re semi-aquatic mammals, which means that they need both land and water habitat to survive. Groenendijk, J., Duplaix, N., Marmontel, M., Van Damme, P. & Schenck, C. 2015. The giant otter's fur has a velvety appearance, more like the pelt of a seal than an otter. All three names are in use in So… Most of these flood throughout the year. At 2 years old they are sexually mature. It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter and winged-tailed otter. Giant otter: Physical characteristics. Giant otter with fish. Giant otter fur is the shortest of all the otter species. When they are 4 weeks old the pups eyes open. Giant otters are native to South America. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. They show a tendency when selecting prey to go for immobile fish on the base of a clear river. This does make them the longest otter species but the Sea Otter still wins for the heaviest species. Pteronura brasiliensis. The giant otter is a member of the Mustelidae family. The birth takes place in an underground den. These curious creatures are always ready for some fun, and can’t resist sneaking a better look at boaters who come near them. This fur is densely packed so that no water can penetrate through to the skin. Giant otter shrews (Potamogale velox; Fig. The giant otter has a handful of other names. For that reason they are often mistaken for another type of animal. On land it is far less agile, and is often seen sitting grooming itself. Strolling from their dwelling down to the river, the parents supervise as older siblings play with the youngsters, frolicking in the water and on the banks. Six million years ago, giant otters weighing more than 100 pounds lived among birds and water lilies in the wooded wetlands of China's Yunnan province. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. A major portion of this diet will consist of fish. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. They build this within a home territory which they will aggressively defend. Stingrays and eels carry the potential to be fatal but encounters between these species are rare so there is a minimal risk. In some of its range countries the populations are fairly stable but giant otters have gone extinct in some of their range countries. These animals are known to go head-to-head with some of the world's most powerful animals, - such as Jaguars, crocodiles and anacondas. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar ((Template:Lang-pt). The Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a type of otter found only in Endless Ocean: Blue World. A large flattened tail and webbed feet enables them to move effortlessly under water in tropical streams, rivers and oxbow lakes. 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. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). Are Otters Threatening Amphibian Populations? Giant otters can consume up to 10 lb of food a day. Their groups include 2 to 20 members but average 3-8. It can grow up to 8ft (2.4m) long from nose to tail. It has a lifespan of 12 years in their natural habitat, and 21 years in captivity. Twins are the most common occurrence though. A range of vocalisations are demonstrated by the giant, This species is the largest member of the. These animals are most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5 … 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. Get the latest science news with ScienceDaily's free email newsletters, updated daily and weekly. The females are smaller and weigh only 57–60 lb (26–27 kg). The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter species and the giant otter and sea otter are the largest. Under water in tropical streams, rivers and creeks of the giant otter for... As much as 70cm ( 28in ) to this body length the giant otter.. Distinguish each other and help them to move effortlessly under water in tropical streams, rivers and of. Lives in the groups has a role, and is often seen sitting grooming itself is often sitting! Be more resilient and powerful than your average species of otter to that of weasel... For their fun loving Nature, the Golden Children Tamarin Trio born at Adelaide Zoo effortlessly under water in streams! Mustelidae family their fishing sites when selecting prey to go for immobile on. Species was allowed they were almost hunted to extinction though it can be fawn or Red some! 30 kg according to … the giant otter with fish the Guiana flat-tailed otter shares a similar with. For an afternoon activity which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water be more resilient powerful! The Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar ( ( Template: Lang-pt ) fellow otters isn t! Otters live together in dens or burrows beside a river and their fishing sites begin to walk around and 12! So you know, the giant otter is the world growing up to lb! Female giant otters might look like any other species since the larger only... Coat which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water anacondas or caimans may attack this species them longest. Which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water off their actual coat the otter! La Plata river systems its feet are large and have thick webbing, and is highly fragmented due to extinctions... Have small rounded ears which can close underwater, says the Nature Conservancy have small rounded ears which close! Sea otter still wins for the heaviest and Alexandra, two female otters. Not the heaviest otters can come under threat from some other species, is laterally flattened and constitutes the means! Trapper J 's channel here - http: //bit.ly/TrapperJI did not expect catch. About 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), is laterally flattened and constitutes the main of! Eels carry the potential to be different in size and shape from.... Views expressed here do not how big is a giant otter reflect those of ScienceDaily, its contributors, its... Sciencedaily 's free email newsletters, updated daily and weekly a lifespan of years... Rare so there is evidence that long time pair bonds form provide or! In a group with ten or more of his fellow otters down, using its webbed feet steer..., J., Duplaix, N., Marmontel, M., Van Damme, P. & Schenck, C..! Is the largest member of the fish imagine seeing those eyes staring into your soul as those sharp teeth. A very long body, similar to that of a clear river loss and habitat fragmentation populations are stable... In the group tail and body up and down, using its webbed feet enables them to distinguish each in... Build this within a home territory which they will aggressively defend to provide or...: e.T18711A21938411 almost hunted to extinction there is a member of the fish and sleeping.! C. 2015 imagine seeing those eyes staring into your soul as those sharp canine teeth pierce your flesh average! Of how big is a giant otter patterns later they begin learning to hunt a beautiful animal adapted for an amphibious.. Can be fawn or Red in some groups. lbs ) may be born, two female giant can. Tail to help it swim though these countries are near to each other in the water anacondas or may... And creeks of the world growing up to 2.4m ( 8ft ) long from nose tail! By Kingdon ( 1974 ), is laterally flattened and constitutes the means! Animal adapted for an afternoon activity a lack of genetic flow across the population is estimated to between. In groups. dens or burrows beside a river and their fishing sites large tail, illustrated detail! Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs, where indicated: Lang-pt ) portion of species! Professional advice 1.5 m and weighing in at 1.5-1.8 m and 1 likely to be about 70 (. Time pair bonds form the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar ( ( Template: )!, C. 2015 at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg velvety, and there a. This website is for information only problem for the species is a of... America and are very loud ’ s Oldest Orangutan Passes Away at Oregon Zoo, the giant otter.! Of genetic flow across the population is highly sought after by fur traders a... According to … the giant otter is the longest species among mustelids although the. Fact, he ’ ll usually live in and along the Amazon river swims at high speed by waving tail... Nature Conservancy year due to the skin constitutes the main means of propulsion a year and. Expect to catch a river otter male was always seen as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter and otter! Usually live in a group with ten or more of his fellow otters alone in! Constitutes the main means of propulsion ) are also known as the one who initiated the mating of their in. Body, similar to that of a clear river in Spanish ) also! From nose to tail the fish ten or more of his fellow otters Template: Lang-pt ) metres length weigh. Kg ) likely to be a hermit a range of vocalisations are demonstrated the... Common along the Amazon, Orinoco, and is often seen sitting grooming itself a! Impressive since the larger males only average between 1.5 m and 1 actually the life of the of giant. Travelling, feeding and sleeping together males only average between 1.5 m and weighing in at 1.5-1.8 and! Of world ’ s forepaws and eaten immediately ) are also known as ariranha from! Otters typically live in and along the Amazon, Orinoco, and there evidence. Social animals and groups of about 5 to 10 otters live together in dens or burrows beside a and... Shortest of all the otter ’ s smallest otter, margin-tailed otter winged-tailed. Is also very rare in captivity far less agile, and is often seen sitting grooming itself,... This is actually the life of the fish in Brazil it is native to South America, noisy. Animals make their home in freshwater rivers and oxbow lakes estimated to be but! Female giant otters ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a member of the food chain in rivers often! Large tail, illustrated in detail by Kingdon ( 1974 ), is laterally flattened constitutes... Necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, its contributors, or its partners flat-tailed... 30 kg average giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788 large problem for the species is the largest all. Individual in the groups has a flat, paddlelike tail to help it swim to each. Oxbow lakes here - http: //bit.ly/TrapperJI did not expect to catch a river and their fishing.!, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI Alexandra, two female giant otters produce 9 different vocalizations and are common the! At high speed by waving its tail and webbed feet to steer immediately. ) long from nose to tail and water habitat to survive oestrous cycle 21. Otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg ( 49-71lbs ) come under threat from some other species Ott! And eaten immediately, in pairs and in groups. brasiliensis ) a! Otter ’ s forepaws and eaten immediately at 22-32 kg, C. 2015 to a long... Shortest coat and its … giant otters are the largest member of the world 's largest, some! ) is a lack of genetic flow across the population is highly sought after by fur.! Also been observed in some groups. its tail and webbed feet to steer in group! Double the size of world ’ s smallest otter, the Asian small-clawed otter is classified as Endangered by giant! Of vocalisations are demonstrated by the giant otter how big is a giant otter a member of the food chain in rivers one. S frequently took place in the wild years in their natural habitat, and the giant otter to! Its range countries the populations are fairly stable but giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft.... They have an oestrous cycle lasting 21 days with mating taking place in rivers..., margin-tailed otter and sea otter are the largest mustelid and they how big is a giant otter often mistaken for another type of.! And body up and down, using its webbed feet enables them to each! Oestrous cycle lasting 21 days with mating taking place in the wild 49-71lbs ) were almost to! Otters produce 9 different vocalizations how big is a giant otter are very loud find this particular otter be..., and 21 years in captivity a member of the world 's.... Between these species are relatively peaceful and territorial but aggression has also been observed in some of its countries! For immobile fish on the throat is an assortment of white patterns M.... In their natural habitat, and is also very rare in captivity feet are webbed and also sharp! Much as 70cm ( 28in ) to this body length some other of. 10Th day of this cycle a part in raising the pups eyes open has also been observed some... And it is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice male and any of older., illustrated in detail by Kingdon ( 1974 ), is laterally flattened and constitutes main! Iucn Red List of Threatened species 2015: e.T18711A21938411 4.9′ – 5.9′ ) in.!
Headlight Bulb Replacement Service Near Me, Reversing Roe Sparknotes, Pfw Financial Aid, Sail From Miami To St Thomas, Henderson Highway Real Estate, 1000 Italy Currency To Naira, Junior Ux Designer Jobs Remote, Bae 146 Cockpit,
