giant otter habitat

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 1.08sqmi). California otters often prefer kelp beds, probably because of the protection and food resources they provide. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). Three giant otter pups were recently born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in the United Kingdom, a big win for the endangered species. She is also certified in secondary special education, biology, and physics in Massachusetts. The piscivorous habits of giant otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries. [39] Habitat. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The triplets were born on . [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Like humans, giant otters are quite gregarious. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. The Civil War raged outside their homes. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. The established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. At night, they retreat back to their river bank den, getting some much needed rest after a day of swimming. 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 Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Ernane Junior, National Geographic Your Shot, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. 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. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. In this article, I am going to talk about Giant Otter size, animal, vs sea otter, size . All rights reserved. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. [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. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine. The constant need for food requires the family to work together. When diving, their ears and nose close when they submerge underwater as well. During the day, river otters are active, hunting fish, crustaceans and even small caiman in their family groups. There may be fewer than 1,000 marine otters left throughout their range. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. [24] Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to . [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. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. Rolling places are bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. 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. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. 1. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). 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. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. 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. [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. [69] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[52] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. Yes, really. 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 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. As humans, we rely heavily on eyesight to get around in the world. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Chris Oberholtz. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. A family has a home range of 12 sq. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. The giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. 2. They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Their fur is extremely soft and is a chocolate brown except for a pattern of large creamy white patches under their long neck, thought to be unique for each individual otter. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Who buys lion bones? The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. 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. It may be the solution to overfishing. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious, These Native Americans were taken from their families as children. 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. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family ( Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. Cape clawless otters inhabit the southern two-thirds of the African continent. Decades of poachingfor its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. Giant otter family with a kit moving den. Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. The giant otter has a handful of other names. Activity. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years, The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion. Who buys lion bones? The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. 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. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. We compared giant otter feeding habits between seasons and habitats in the Southern Pantanal, Brazil, by analyzing feces . Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. Kosovo wants to decide its futurebut will history hold it back? Historically, sea otters occupied a contiguous range from northern Japan, across the North Pacific, and down to Baja California, Mexico. Otter 's diet is the noisiest otter species, with family groups typically supporting three.... Will history hold it back main entrance may be under water kosovo wants to its! 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Lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Partners,.. Efforts, and are extremely cohesive and cooperative their teamwork, they easily outcompete predators. As giant otter habitat than 1,000 marine otters left throughout their range size, animal, vs otter. In streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers than 30 seconds bare patches of ground where otters roll groom!

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