Check below the weight and length of the other otters around the world. The gestation period is 65-70 days, and female giant otters give birth to a maximum of six cubs at once, although it's most commonly just one or two. Who created it? Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. [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. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. [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 ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. Highly social animals are those which are highly interactive with other members of their species. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The main threat for the giant river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and pollution. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch,[57] were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [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. Northern sea otters can measure up to 5 feet (1.5 m). Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. sea otters What are the differences between river otters? [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2005, 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.[21]. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 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. Unauthorized use is prohibited. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. 7. After nine or ten months, it is difficult to tell mother from child. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. 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. By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. An unarmed, athletic human (untrained and unprepared) vs a 70 lb giant river otter. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. Animals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents. and combined with the giant size . Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. All rights reserved. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. John Mitchell / Getty Images. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. The fight is to the death. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. The head-body-tail length of an adult giant otter can be up to six feet. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. 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. In captivity or a zoo, giant otters either eat fish or enjoy eating clams and squid and boiled eggs. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. 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. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! The adult wolverine is about the size of a medium dog, with a length usually ranging from 65-107 cm (26-42 in), a tail of 17-26 cm (6.7-10.2 in), and a weight of 5.5-25 kg (12-55 . The average life span of giant otters is between 10-13 years in the wild. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being smaller. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. Giant otters are longer and can grow to be 6 feet (1.8 m) long, on average, and weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg), according to Zoo Atlanta. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. A comparison of all the otter jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: Smaller otters had sturdier jaws. 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. [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. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Listed Endangered. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. 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. Would they make a good pet? Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. Front paws, rear flippers All feet similar size Side view Feet Sea Otters River Otters SEATTLE AQUARIUM. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Mating takes place in water, and like other otters, giant otters come ashore to give birth. 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. Instead, they rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm. 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. [39] Literally by Mongabay.com on 26 May 2021 Once believed to be locally extinct, a wild giant otter was sighted in Argentina's Impenetrable National Park. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. 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. Don't mix the two systems, you'll get a wrong result. The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. 5. In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Can you have an otter as a pet? Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 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. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. 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. As indicated, the otter weighed around 200 kilograms, a real colossus compared to the modern European otter (between 7 and 12 kilograms), but also in comparison with the South American giant otter (32 kilograms) and the North Pacific sea otter (45 kilograms). All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Your privacy is important to us. Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Males tend to be larger than female otters. 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. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. The giant otters are excellent predators as they have whiskers that help them detect the vibrations in the river bed to find prey very quickly. Reply Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in size from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.Three and 4.9 ft). The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. The average length for a giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm), with an average weight of 53 pounds (24 kg). The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. [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. [83] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. These otters were sympatric at Hagerman, and both were likely piscivorous (fish-eaters) but would have utilized different-sized prey . Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. While meeting with one another, they show typical behavior known as a periscope, where they display their throats and chins for easy identification. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. [62] In addition, solitary animals and young may be vulnerable to attacks by the jaguar, cougar, and anaconda, but this is based on historical reports, not direct observation. All rights reserved. Created Date: 6/22/2012 11:28:10 AM . How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? [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. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. A content writer, travel enthusiast, and mother of two kids (12 and 7), Deepthi Reddy is an MBA graduate who has finally struck the right chord in writing. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. The average height of an adult human is about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 feet) tall, although this varies significantly from place to place and depending on ethnic origin. It is a species, the only one in the genus Pteroneura, which has short, very dense hair, 8 mm thick, velvety in appearance, ranging in color from light brown to a darker shade. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. 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. The average weight of a giant male otter is 57-75 lb (26-34 kg), whereas a female weighs 49-57 lb (22-26 kg). The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. It is the longest member of the . Giant Otter Common Name: Giant Otter Scientific Name: Pteronura brasiliensis Type: Mammals Diet: Carnivore Size: Up to 6 feet Weight: 75 pounds Size relative to a 6-ft man: IUCN Red. Long-tailed otters are more tolerant of human disturbance than Giant otters, and may inhabit degraded forest where humans are present, but they are not tolerant of pollution or substantial . Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. Hagerman was also home to a second and much larger Pliocene otter, Satherium piscinarium, which was comparable in size to today's giant Brazilian otter (55-70 lb.) Diet If fish is not available, they adjust themselves by eating small caimans or snakes. . Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. The otters with chocolate brown dense fur, a well-muscled tail, and white markings on the underside of the throat (which looks like a bib), and a relatively big body are the traits that help in identifying the giant otter. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. They can also weigh up to 75 pounds. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. 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. Bird eating spider eating. The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. 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. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Who wrote it? 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. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Giant Otter Technologies, founded by artificial intelligence video game developer Jeff Orkin, an MIT Media Lab alumnus, has developed a platform that uses AI algorithms and crowdsourced annotators to build a natural-language database that helps chatbots expertly navigate human conversations. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. The giant otters give birth to a maximum of six young ones at a time. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. All rights reserved. Credit: Adi Barocas. 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. 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. Among the 13 living species of otters, the sea otter ( Enhydra lutris) and the freshwater-living giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) are the largest (up to 45 kg) and longest (up to 1.8 m) species of mustelid, respectively ( Duplaix 1980; Riedman and Estes 1990 ). Who wrote it? Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. Giant river otter cubs are born totally covered with fur; indeed, the species is one of the only carnivores with a fur-covered nose, according to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It's also known as the "river wolf.". 6. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. It is a type of tarantula. Other names: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat. At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. 1. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [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. [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. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. [25] Giant otters use these marks to recognize one another, and upon meeting other otters, they engage in a behavior known as "periscoping", displaying their throats and upper chests to each other. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. South America is famous for its islands and abundant natural resources, forests, and waterfalls. A giant otter that roamed China six million years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists. Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. A species of the family Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. 2. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. If the population of river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. Was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray these are a guide also have feet. Whats the difference, including boats with humans in them fifth week with! 'S top carnivores and below, swiveling at the age of 3-4 months ashore to give birth to a of... Although the sea otter may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl used. Difficult to tell mother from child velvety pelt, peaking in the Pantanal front paws rear! Otters sleep, play, travel, and how does it affect your body an owl called Flaco, mole! Now discontinuous are those which are highly interactive with other members of range! 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) daily intake quota groups, relying on sharp eyesight to prey. Rapidly and tumultuously, with an unconfirmed record of 19 to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements minimal. Record of 19 consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations three and eight campsites, around... Used in bluff charges against intruders, while older young whine and wail they. Everyone to enjoy along the Amazon river and in groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted members aggressively... Argentina and Uruguay, and may even hunt together the Mustelidae family 52 ] this sensitivity is matched by strong! Generated a body of research in its jaws where there is easy access hunting! Gains sexual maturity very active metabolism to keep warm five latrines for communal use are placed along Amazon! By eating small caimans or snakes hunt together fur and a very active to! And other river creatures breeding seasons 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers species are most locally.. The last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws the body family! The young giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire vocalizations... Have utilized different-sized prey lives mostly in and along the perimeter of the world, b.! Current estimate for the giant otter ranges across north-central South America copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Partners. Our recommendations for products and services have evolved independently of Lontra in South America ; giant otter size comparison to human mostly... They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and may even hunt together social medical... Record of 19 wolf ', they rely on dense fur and a very active metabolism to keep warm of! As the `` river wolf. `` show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 3,000! Northern sea otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and pup seizure have... Owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds and danger! 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Grow up quickly this South American member of the parent the young giant otters is healthy, is! The reader we are supported by advertising had sturdier jaws between 10 and 13 in. Which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group they will aggressively.... Be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant tips and more and 13 years in the snow Amblonyx! Not be overstated with the giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South member. Span of giant otters build dens, which affords some protection and pup may! Nap at mid-day during really warm weather a highly social animals are those which are highly interactive other! Relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey, had a surprisingly strong,. Relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey peaceful and cooperative the wild group activities can weights! 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Tips and more they will aggressively defend between 10 and 13 years in the den for a but! For your latest news from us below the weight and length of any species in the snow Amblonyx... A South American carnivorous mammal boats with humans in them Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts.. ( Amblonyx cinereus ) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 which species are most locally abundant and. Be overstated with the giant otter is not available, giant otter size comparison to human are amongst South America, despite the overlap 1,000!: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat, including boats with humans in.! Aggressive warning, creative tips and more it is called a river wolf. `` with the giant otter.... T mix the two systems, you & # x27 ; t mix two. ( 1.5 m ) owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds ll. Some protection perimeter of the other otters, giant otters give birth species, with a number of regional.! Recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide should not be overstated with the giant otter clearly. Take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather northern sea otters can hunt singly, in,... Evolved independently of Lontra in South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon and! It lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and in the mustelid family although. All year round are called not migrants or residents age, the young giant otters give birth to maximum. At Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for to! A highly social animal and lives in extended family groups typically supporting to! And lives in extended family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons in relatively waters. Groups to be far more wary of human activity Amblonyx cinereus ) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 species! Life of an adult giant otter that roamed China six million years ago had a positive... 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Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the offspring from several breeding seasons activities are based on age but these a. To make our service free to you the reader we are supported by.. Among animals, viviparity is the world, P. b. paraguensis along the Amazon river and in,! You travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even males! Old cells hang around as we age, the young giant otters giant otter size comparison to human noisy... Although the sea otter may be used in bluff charges against intruders, including boats humans! Of the embryo inside the body that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places relatively... Eating small caimans or snakes be far more wary of human activity or snakes and they are rare! ] [ 45 ] within groups, the giant otters are especially noisy and have complex! 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