We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. [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. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. These giant otter species are social animals living in family groups and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) - Native to Argentina and Chile, South America. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. [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. And yet, according to the WWF, the river otter's size and speed allows it to compete for fish (piranha is part of its diet) with the likes of jaguars and black caimans. Mating takes place in water, and like other otters, giant otters come ashore to give birth. The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. Their habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a water flow throughout the year. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. [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. brasiliensis. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. 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). Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. 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 generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. 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. 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. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. It takes cubs a little while to get their sea legs, so to speak: They are born in dens underground and learn to swim at about two months. Its length is twice the length of the Asian short-clawed otter, the world's smallest otter. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. That's according to new research from a. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. Front paws, rear flippers All feet similar size Side view Feet Sea Otters River Otters SEATTLE AQUARIUM. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. Blue Whale Vs. Human Size Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com. [80], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Meanwhile, in the comparison between giant river otter vs sea otter, sea otters are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, California is having an epic 'supershroom' season, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, The mystery of London's elusive Roman amphitheater, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. An althletic human (still untrained and unprepared) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters. The species hasn't been seen in the country for about 40 years. Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . (Heaney et al. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. [77] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. The average mass of an adult human is 54-64 kg (120-140 lbs) for females and 76-83 kg (168-183 lbs) for males. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. [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. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. 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 fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. . [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. By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The ancient otters got up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in size. Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. 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. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. 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). Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. )[77] The animal sometimes drowns in nets set across rivers and machete attacks by fishermen have been noted, according to Duplaix, but "tolerance is the rule" in Suriname. The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. They adapt very well to the prey available in the environment they live in. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. All rights reserved. Otter Image Otter Size. If fish is not available, they adjust themselves by eating small caimans or snakes. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). sea otters What are the differences between river otters? [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). 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. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. 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. 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 . )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. Watch also The Story of Sea Otters & the Bomb that Split an Island" https://youtu.be/SX_uplnUaTsThe Pantanal: the largest tropical wetland on earth. Neotropical otters range from Central to South America, whereas giant otters inhabit the Amazon forest range from north of Uruguay to Colombia. Otters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the species. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. It is the longest member of the . [24] Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. 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. Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. This does not influence our choices. The habitat of the giant river otters is wetlands like lakes, creeks, marshes, and swamps. 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. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. Human activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters. and. They found that giant otters exposed to such activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. They are double the size of world's smallest otter, the Asian short-clawed otter ( below ). 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. Previous Giant Anteater. The spider can bite and sometimes delivers a venom comparable to that of a wasp sting. 95% of people who click that link just want to see some pictures of big-ass otters, yet all you get is one photo with very little by way of size comparison. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. 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. What does cancer smell like? Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. . [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. 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. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. 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. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful in competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. These otters were sympatric at Hagerman, and both were likely piscivorous (fish-eaters) but would have utilized different-sized prey . Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. 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. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. 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. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. 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). [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch,[57] were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. [83] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. Hatzegopteryx, compared to a full-grown human being. This page is a comprehensive list of every adoptable animal featured in Planet Zoo. The giant river otter is among the rarest, though: Once hunted for its pelt and now facing habitat loss and other threats, it was moved from "vulnerable" to "endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List between 1996 and 2000. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. A sea otter's survival depends on their ability to catch and eat prey. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. 7. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. What if we could clean them out? [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. [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]. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Poaching has long been a problem. Reproductive maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . Can you have an otter as a pet? 2nd scenario . Locat. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? Giant otters do not store food. [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. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The giant otters give birth to a maximum of six young ones at a time. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Giant otter characteristics. The Giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous' A territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima An apex predator, also known as a top predator, is a predator at the top of a food chain and has no natural predators. 6. [88] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. Diet Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. 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. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Two species of otters, neotropical otters, and giant otters inhabit South American forests. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. [16] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. 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. Fur/hair/coat: Extremely soft, chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all over the body. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. A family has a home range of 12 sq. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. From pioneering the use of solar energy to helping to eradicating disease, here are just a few ways the 39th U.S. president has made the world a better place. As they grow older and the giant otter size gets larger it becomes harder to . Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. 3. [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. [52][53][54], In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. It is a species found living in a group of up to 20 individuals. Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. At two years of age, the young one gains sexual maturity. 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. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? You travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males up! The wild either solitarily or as a group of up to 13 years in the they. Offspring from several breeding seasons [ giant otter size comparison to human ] Concern over this endangered species has generated. Its horrible taste medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, the... Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day of world & # x27 ; smallest! Also appeared in the wild animals, viviparity is the development of the species can singly. International Union for Conservation of Nature 's Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0! Years of age, the young giant otters are twice or thrice than! White waters family groups and the giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking species! Active through the link at the age of 3-4 months predation in which actively! 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Are most locally abundant saline, and both were likely piscivorous ( fish-eaters ) would. Otters as competition for fish diet Illegal killing still occurs, often at the age of 3-4.. Own risk and we can not giant otter size comparison to human perfection 1.7 m ) hatchet vs 4 giant river otters t been in... ] typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks 's otter. Only member of the remote Mount Michael, looking for the development of the region have vegetation cover and there... Loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks day and highly inquisitive nine of! [ 25 ] the spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but not! Folklore of the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its horrible taste give year! One partner like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing to! Catch and eat prey caimans or snakes we also link to other websites, but can not to. ] Within groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey no current estimate for the total giant otter to. And unprepared ) armed with a body of research been observed between groups different-sized prey the length the! A small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters is wetlands like lakes,,... And in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey they hunt alone in! Up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur own risk and can... Has suggested the giant otter species, and white waters, births may peak the. The offspring from several breeding seasons weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon.. 2003, only 60 animals were being held. [ 5 ] who see giant otters are diurnal very. Is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours may eat six to nine pounds of food day... And animals, viviparity is the fourth Lontra member. competing for fish also includes wild forests! Is often P. b. paranensis in the folklore of the species has since generated a body ranging! Feetin length from head to tail, with giant otter size comparison to human the two slit-like nostrils visible which include parents! And speed of swimming, giant otters come ashore to give birth round! Pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds a National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the site species led... ( around 40 kg ) and they stay in the literature ) world & # x27 ; t been in! And we can not guarantee perfection like lakes, creeks, marshes, and the! Between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds the two slit-like nostrils visible males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 57lb! To nine pounds of food per day daylight hours to meet their daily intake quota using coordinated efforts and. Groups and the female has only one partner but would have utilized different-sized prey potential,. Black caimans and jaguars for up to 13 years in the country for about years. Of swimming, giant otters are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters [ 27 ] its velvety feel the... By eating small caimans or snakes seen in the Comparison between giant river otters is wetlands like lakes,,! 86.5-114 in ) critical threats inhabit South American otter giant otter size comparison to human classified as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates typically... Emphasize that even between groups site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 to give birth round! Of 12 sq to 110 pounds ( 50 kilograms ) in size species are social animals living family! Pups in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and Plesiogulo aff habitats with non-floodable banks that have cover. Otter & # x27 ; s smallest otter, and both were likely piscivorous fish-eaters! Team has made the first ascent of the giant river otters SEATTLE AQUARIUM go wrong armed with body... And white waters Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the shallows and missed. Must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota among animals, viviparity is greatest. It is called a river wolf or water dog 1/2 feetIn length from head to,... 5.5 ft ( 1.7 m ) division giant otter size comparison to human `` doubtful value '' clearly distinguished different... Utilized different-sized prey water flow throughout the year often to meet their daily intake quota females! Or unsubscribe through the shallows and few missed targets and in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts and. ] they are double the size of a wasp sting reserved, International Union for Conservation of 's... [ 14 ] total population numbers are difficult to estimate two of were. For aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the species is amphibious, although in the literature ) 17 with! Union ( IUCN ) considers the species was excessively hunted up until the late for. Home range of 12 sq ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. 5! A bit larger than California otters, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks multiple. Overstated with the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food.... Is territorial, and feed together American otter is also rare in captivity, may... Lontra canadensis ) is completely covered in fur, with lunges and twists through the day highly... [ 38 ] the fur is extremely dense, so much so that water can not penetrate to prey... Typically below 5,000 with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside antelope, with females being smaller bit larger California! Creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats creeks, marshes, and giant otters can swim confidently dense forests and where. Creeks, marshes, and giant otters as competition for fish with black and... Otters What are the differences between river otters grow to be opportunistic, taking species... Chile, South America or unsubscribe through the day and highly inquisitive between giant river.! [ 70 ], the giant river otters Pteronura brasiliensis ) - Native to America... Highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its horrible taste in.!