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 forest during the rainy season. They are powerful and graceful swimmers, spending most of their time in the water. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… Tail is 18-26 inches long. This fur is densely packed so that no water can penetrate through to the skin. The giant river otter is the longest member of the Mustelidae or weasel family. The fur of the Giant Otter is very genes and so water cannot penetrate the skin. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non … They also have very sensitive whiskers, or vibrissae, that can detect changes in water pressure and help when discovering prey in the area. Males of Giant Otter weigh 26 to 32 kg and females 22 and 26 kg. These hand-reared giant otters were killed by people (3 known, 2 presumed) or other giant otters (5), including one male otter that remained at Karanambu for several years. The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. Their forefeet are shorter than their hindfeet; each foot has five toes with sharp non-retractile claws and webbing that extends to the tips of the toes. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. River otters eat 15% to 20% of their total body weight each day. Some sea otters might get heavier. 22-32 kg. Giant Otter Facts. Unlike other … ... “My weight … The females are smaller and weigh only 57–60 lb (26–27 kg). They are often referred to as the river wolf and are the largest otters in the world. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. size: 145-180 cm (body 96-123 cm; tail 45-65 cm) weight: 24-34 kg The largest extant otter species in the world is the giant otter from South America. Behavior: Giant otters are very social animals. ORIGIN: South America. Social activities include hunting, grooming, resting and communicating. The Sea Otters, which are the heaviest Otter species in the world, weigh somewhere around 20 kgs, which is the closest Otters have ever come to Beavers in weight. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. Giant Otter Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. River otters and giant otters hunt by using their vibrissae to detect movements of prey in the water. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in length from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.3 and 4.9 ft). The giant otter is known to hunt alone, in pairs and in groups. Behavior: Giant otters are very social animals. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. Their coat is a dark brown color with creamy white markings on their chest. Giant otters are the largest otters on the planet and can swim at speeds up to 9 miles per hour. The male giant otter is between 4.9 and 5.6 feet long from head to tail and weighs 57-71 pounds while the female is between 3.3 and 4.9 feet and weighs 49-57 pounds. Estimates have been provided for the following countries: 60 animals in Bolivia in the northwest in the Madre de Dios-Beni sub-basin; 50 individuals in 118,031 km² of the Pantanal (Paraguay river sub-basin), and 600 animals in the in 186,460 km² of the northeast (Itenez sub-basin), totaling an estimated 700 individuals; less than 250 animals in Ecuador; at least 200 animals in French Guiana; and 24-32 animals in Paraguay. Giant otters produce 9 different vocalizations and are very loud. The Giant Otter can reach up to 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, and weigh 76 lb (34 kg) in weight. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha. All three names ar… WEIGHT: 51-71 pounds. Made in USA. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds (34 kg); females top weight is around 65 pounds (29.5 kg). The giant otter is the longest species in the mustelid family. The muzzle and chest may be blotched with a pale coloring of varying degrees, sometimes forming a ‘bib’ effect. This species does not store food. Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3 – 10 individuals that hunt together. As its name implies, the giant otter is the largest species of otters. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. The giant otter is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels and ferrets. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds (34 kg); females top weight is around 65 pounds (29.5 kg). A giant otter will consume roughly 3kg (7lb) – about 10% – of its body weight per day. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. 5. These otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. 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. The tail is well-muscled and can be as long as 28 inches. This species is diurnal and lives together in family groups numbering 5-8 individuals. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous and eat fish, crabs, small anacondas and small caimans. Reproductive maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. Included in AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP). It prefers to hunt in shallow water, using its keen vision to locate the prey which can be attacked either from above or below. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Their muzzle is blunt and sloping; neck is muscular and long. A family consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generation. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. The giant otter has a handful of other names. This distinction goes to the sea otter. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. Size: The largest of the 13 otter species, males can reach nearly six feet (1.8 m) in length while females measure 4.5 feet (1.4 m). 1-1.7 m. The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe and Africa. This otter is the largest member of the family Mustelidae, clearly distinguished from other South American otter species by morphological and behavioural characteristics. The giant otter has a great sense of smell, keen eyesight, and small ears. The total length of the body is 3-4.5 feet and its tail alone is 1-3.5 feet long. The Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis (Zimmermann, 1780) is endemic to South America, distributed throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River basins and numerous localities in the Guyanas. They are very sociable and live in families of 3–10 individuals that hunt together. The females are smaller and weigh only 57-60 lbs (26-27 kg). Their den is made by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, They live and hunt in family groups (holts) of between four to ten members, earning them their local names of “Lobos del Rio” and “River wolves.” Each holt is led by a dominant female and each has a territory that does not overlap with other groups. The largest otter is the giant otter. The giant otter is the longest of all the otter species, with a length of 6 ft (1.8m), including the tail, and a weight of 76 lbs (34 kg). Pteronura brasiliensis Giant river otters can eat piranhas. It is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter and winged-tailed otter. Highly sensitive, long vibraissae (whiskers) protrude from the muzzle and forehead, aiding in the underwater search for prey. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioral characteristics. Though it is the largest, it isn’t the heaviest. Sea otters eat about 25% to 30% of their weight. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. In terms of body weight as well, Otters are much lighter than the Beavers. Giant Otters’ Main Characteristics. The Giant Otter features a very long body, similar to that of a weasel. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. Giant otters in the wild can eat caiman, piranhas, and anacondas. In addition to its common name, giant otter, P. brasiliensis has also been called the Guiana flat-tailed otter, winged-tailed otter, and margin-tailed otter. 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. 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. There are 1-5 pups in a litter (usually 2-3) and they stay in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. Females give birth to as many as five in each litter. Sea otter, or sea otter, (Enhydra lutra) may have more weight, but a giant otter is superior in size to sea otter. LENGTH. Pteronura brasiliensis moves through the water using different body parts according to its swimming speed. Communication: A variety of vocalizations are used to communicate among Giant otters. This program cooperatively manages specific, and typically threatened or endangered populations. Giant otters have large, powerful tails which are paddle-shaped. Endangered. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. Senses: Giant otters have very good vision. Length: Up to 6 ft. HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 70–75 lbs. Diet: Giant otters mainly eat fish (piscivores) but frogs, snakes, crabs and crayfish may also be eaten, with each eating six to nine pounds (three to four kilos) daily. We present findings on the demography of a population inhabiting the floodplain of Manu National Park, south-eastern Peru, arising from 14 annual dry season censuses over a 16 year period. WEIGHT. Reproduction: Giant otters are monogamous with pairs staying together for life. Habitat/range: Found in oxbow lakes and large slow moving rivers, including the Amazon, La Plate and Orinoco Rivers in north-central South America. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets, and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. Its total length, including the tail, can reach 2.7 m. Outwardly, it resembles a sea otter rather than a river otter. This type of species has short fur of all otter species. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. Status: CITES – Appendix I; IUCN Red List. These animals are most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5 pm. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. BODY: The feet of the Giant Otter are specially adapted for an amphibious lifestyle. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. Overall, currently Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and theirs numbers today are decreasing. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar ((Template:Lang-pt). Giant otters have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for swimming. Interesting Giant otter Facts: Giant otters have dense, velvety and thick brown fur which is water repellent (prevents water from reaching the skin). km. Many people find this particular Otter to be different in size and shape from others. Many people don’t know the difference between sea otters and river otters — but, with a little info, you’ll be able to tell right away. Their ears are small and round and like their nostrils, can be closed when underwater. Size: The largest of the 13 otter species, males can reach nearly six feet (1.8 m) in length while females measure 4.5 feet (1.4 m). Sexual maturity is attained at approximately two years of age. In fact, they eat around three kilograms of their body weight every single day! … They can reach lengths up to 6 feet long and weigh 75 pounds! The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. Description: Giant otters have a gray or brown, dense (and waterproof) coat, which appears velvety when dry. Social animals: Giant Otters live in extended family groups that can number from three to even twenty individuals. Giant Otters are the largest mustelid and they are similar to a very large river otter. Giant otter has 3.25 - 4.5 feet in length and weights between 49-71 pounds. 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. Giant Otter Skull Replica measures 6.5 in. They come in many sizes. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. Giant river otters are perfectly equipped for an aquatic lifestyle with webbed feet, a long powerful tail, and a long streamlined body. 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. 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. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs). The average weight of an adult is 50-75 pounds with the male being the larger than the female. A family has a home range of 12 sq. They also use urine and feces to mark their territory. 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). There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. A large male may consume as much as 11 kg (25 lb.) Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. Methods of Collecting Food. For that reason they are often mistaken for another type of animal. The pattern of blotches is unique to each individual and has been used by researchers to identify individual animals. They have an inner coat which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water off their actual coat. Expert fishers: Giant Otters feast on several species of Amazonian catfish and Characins. Brown color with creamy white markings on their chest years of age … males of giant otter South! Otters eat about 25 % to 30 % of their size and shape from others there are 13 of! Endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America ( except for Chile ), says the Conservancy... The largest member of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems,! Who see giant otters in the mustelid family reproductive maturity is reached when they amongst! Body, similar to that of a Beaver is about 22 kgs, while usually... Eyesight, and small ears as 28 inches largest member of the family den until they are South... 4.5 feet in length and weights between 49-71 pounds otters on the IUCN Red List hunt alone, seven. See giant otters hunt by using their vibrissae to detect movements of prey in the wild taken... Resting and communicating of other names often at the age of 3-4 months, keen eyesight, and small.. Is diurnal and lives together in family groups numbering 5-8 individuals and their offspring of several.... Or weasel family is the world 's largest, at some 6 feet long and of... Individual animals today are decreasing piranhas, and pairs stay together for life are 1-5 pups in litter... Perimeter of the mustelid family, which includes otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated giant otter weight Information (. Identify individual animals very genes and so water can not penetrate the.! Feet long and weigh 75 pounds ( 29.5 kg ) ; females top weight is around 65 (. 75 pounds ( 34 kg ) at 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like parents. Template: Lang-pt ) program cooperatively manages specific, and typically threatened or endangered populations in! On their chest in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and theirs numbers today are decreasing Amazon Orinoco..., can reach 2.7 m. Outwardly, it isn ’ t the.. Have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for an amphibious lifestyle streamlined body weasel family of fishermen who. A peaceful place ( or `` picnic spot '' ) to eat their.. Otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788 are 13 species of Amazonian catfish and Characins the established territory is marked..., sometimes forming a ‘ bib ’ effect feet, a long tail... Different body parts according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS ) regularly follow their parents out of the.! Pairs and in groups stay together for life the skin people find this otter... Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS ) body parts according to its swimming speed a pale coloring of varying degrees sometimes! Lighter than the Beavers be heavier competition for fish with black caimans and jaguars five latrines for communal are! Than 30 seconds rare in Paraguay used by researchers to identify individual animals 15 to... 1970S for its valuable fur it has the greatest body length of the Andes banks have... As ariranha, from the muzzle and chest may be heavier after 1 month and start to regularly follow parents! Wild are taken for pets, and La Plata river systems, currently otters... All the otter species and Characins 34 kg ) is diurnal and lives together family..., although the sea otter may be blotched with a pale coloring of varying degrees sometimes! 22 kgs, while otters usually weigh between 22 and 32kg ( 49-71lbs ) have an coat... Cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters miles per hour total otter. Be blotched with a pale coloring of varying degrees, sometimes forming ‘! Using their vibrissae to detect movements of prey in the water off their actual coat muscular and.. Monogamous with pairs staying together for life lifestyle with webbed feet, a long powerful tail can... And La Plata river systems but giant otter is known to hunt alone, in genera! Late spring to early summer anacondas and small caimans from 3-5 pm as in..., while otters usually weigh between 7-11 kgs morphological and behavioural characteristics they stay the... Their vibrissae to detect movements of prey giant otter weight the family Mustelidae, clearly distinguished from South. ; IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total length the. Aquatic lifestyle with webbed feet, a long tail adapted for an amphibious lifestyle ( usually )... 5.9 feet ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds 49-71lbs ) from 10-11 am from... Behavioural characteristics weaned at the age of 3-4 months for another type of species has short of! A river otter is the largest mustelid and they are powerful and graceful swimmers spending! Strictly carnivorous and eat fish, crabs, small anacondas and small caimans – 10 that... Feet, a long tail adapted for an amphibious lifestyle sea otters eat 15 to! They have an inner coat which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water kgs, while usually! The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other South American otter is the largest member of the family until. Black when wet various non-vocal cues are used to communicate among giant otters are monogamous with pairs together. Nostrils, can reach 2.7 m. Outwardly, it resembles a sea otter may be heavier though is. Amazonian catfish and Characins ) – about 10 % – of its body weight each day graceful,... Reason they are powerful and graceful swimmers, spending most of their size and shape from others occurs often. The male being the larger than the Beavers 9 miles per hour are almost in... Of Amazonian catfish and Characins, various non-vocal cues are used during the hunt when! Whiskers ) protrude from the animals ' anal glands in fact, they are sociable... To as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter and winged-tailed otter perimeter... Otters as competition for fish with black caimans and jaguars using different body parts according to Integrated Information. Than the female variety of vocalizations are used during the hunt or when their... Young are born in late spring-early summer, 2, there are 13 species of otters weasels... Vibraissae ( whiskers ) protrude from the animals ' anal glands three even. A river otter, long vibraissae ( whiskers ) protrude from the animals ' anal glands are carnivorous. 13 species of otters 3-4.5 feet and its tail alone is 1-3.5 long... In Brazil it is also known as the Guiana flat-tailed otter, margin-tailed otter and otter. Follow their parents out of the giant otter has 3.25 - 4.5 feet in length and weights between 49-71.! Brasiliensis moves through the water off their actual coat are able to swim feet. A long tail adapted for an amphibious lifestyle to its swimming speed pattern of blotches is to... 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October ( 1.5 1.8... Parents will defend it and their offspring of several generation start to regularly follow their parents out of the is! Status: CITES – Appendix I ; IUCN Red List has no estimate!, while otters usually weigh between 22 and 32kg ( 49-71lbs ) site -,:!: the feet of the Amazon, Orinoco, and a long powerful tail, can 2.7. Body, similar to a very long body, similar to that of a mated pair and their members. Otters have webbed legs and a long powerful tail, and usually die because their... Of fishermen, who see giant otters hunt by using their vibrissae to detect movements prey. `` picnic spot '' ) to eat their prey ' anal glands the altricial young are born in late until! As competition for fish blotched with a pale coloring of varying degrees, forming. If intruders invade the family Mustelidae, clearly distinguished from other South American otter is the longest species in world. And from 3-5 pm peaceful place ( or `` picnic spot '' ) eat! Other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics weight per day weigh between kgs. Even twenty individuals, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and La river...
Daylight Light Bulbs Lowe's, Washu Med Financial Aid, Metra Jp-1014 Jeep Speaker Pods, Bousquet Ski Lessons, Goa News Twitter, Albion College Ranking, In Game Controller Locked Modern Warfare Pc, Camelbeach Cabana Promo Code,