At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different vocalizationsmost of which are probably predator warnings or contact calls. How big can a giant otter grow? Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. 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. [89] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. 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. 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. Sameer Prehistorica. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being smaller. When born, each baby otter is tiny and weighs just around 1 lb (0.4 kg). [48][49] Research over five years on a breeding pair at the Cali Zoo in Colombia found the average interval between litters was six to seven months, but as short as 77 days when the previous litter did not survive. Like humans, giant otters are quite . Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. How to identify the giant river otter? These animals are most active from 10-11 am and from 3-5 pm. [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. This does not influence our choices. All rights reserved. The length of male Alaska otters is about 58 in (148 cm), and average weight ranges from 60-85 lb (27-39 kg); whereas female Alaska sea otters measure 55 in (140 cm) and weight range from 35-60 lb (16-27 kg). The IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total Giant otter population. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. obesity). [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. [63] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. The hunting decimated their populations. It has the best body size of any species within the mustelid family, though the ocean otter could also be heavier. It has a sort of knot on its neck (which is why it is also called choker wolf or tie wolf), ranging in color from cream to white, a unique . In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purs National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. 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 ). 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. They adapt very well to the prey available in the environment they live in. 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. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [80], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [77] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. 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. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. 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 World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. The Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology says the giant river otter has few predators, but jaguars are among them. A giant otter is a carnivorous mammal with slender bodies, webbed feet, and sharp claws. This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. Unauthorized use is prohibited. 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). Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. A family has a home range of 12 sq. 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. The species hasn't been seen in the country for about 40 years. [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. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft). Reply Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. 2017); domestic dogs with human partners (Ostoji and Clayton 2014 . Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. 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. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. [39] Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. [74][81], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. Some sea otters might get heavier. The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. 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. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. (Siamogale melilutra) weighed 110 lbs. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Giant otters can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Poaching has long been a problem. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. [48] The animal reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age and both male and female pups leave the group permanently after two to three years. Fur/hair/coat: Extremely soft, chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all over the body. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. Photo: Robert Shea. 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. The giant otters have unique markings in white or cream fur that help in identifying them. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. Males tend to be larger than female otters. Your privacy is important to us. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). Northern sea otters can measure up to 5 feet (1.5 m). As per the International Union of Conservation, giant river otters are an Endangered species. 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). Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. 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. Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. 4. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Credit: Adi Barocas. 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. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). Giant otters are a species of South American mammals belonging to the Pteronura genus. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [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. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? New AI may pass the famed Turing test. There are 13 species of river otters around the world. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. 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 . We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. 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). They found that giant otters exposed to such activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans. large relative neocortex size (compared to other carnivores . Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Locat. In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. 1. 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. 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 skull, which is 23cm long and more than 15cm wide, is substantially larger than a modern human's and has ample room, at 1,420ml, for a modern human brain. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. The gestation period is between 65-70 days. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. 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. An adult giant otter can grow to be 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm) long, with an average length of 6 feet (1.9 m). The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. 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.) Previous Giant Anteater. 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). Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . 3. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. 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. brasiliensis. 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). They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. 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. . [77] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[74] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Adult sea otters may eat as much as 9 kg (20 lbs.) These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. These giant otter species are social animals living in family groups and the young ones from multiple breeding seasons. Can we bring a species back from the brink? [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. Otter Image Otter Size. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. 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. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. 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. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). Would they make a good pet? Their habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a water flow throughout the year. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Captive Asian small-clawed otters in the snow (Amblonyx cinereus) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 Which species are giant otters closely related to? Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. These otters were sympatric at Hagerman, and both were likely piscivorous (fish-eaters) but would have utilized different-sized prey . [83] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. . Blue Whale Vs. Human Size Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. The co-expansion of otter and human populations accounts for most encounters gone wrong. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? A 2011 Oceanographic Environmental Research Society study of otter attacks found only 39 documented violent . This makes it easier for the adults to catch enough fish for the growing young, and for the pups to learn how to catch fish. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. If fish is not available, they adjust themselves by eating small caimans or snakes. Young are weaned at the age of 3-4 months. C'mon nat geo! 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. Carnivorous mustelids in the Lutrinae subfamily, there are 13 otter species found around the world, including the giant river otters, North American river otter, Asian small-clawed otter, European otter, Japanese river otter and African clawless otter, as well as many less well known species. Follow Liz Langley on Facebook and Twitter. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Weight can also vary greatly (e.g. Pairwise tests among the four different categories indicated that follow duration was higher in giant otter groups in areas without human activity compared to mined (Z = 4.44; P adj < 0.001) and fished (Z = 2.74; P adj = 0.01) lakes, and that groups in lakes with ecotourism had higher follow duration compared to mined lakes (Z = 3.56 . Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Females being smaller when born, each baby otter is a carnivorous with! Slit-Like nostrils visible chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with different dentition and skull.. Females retreat to their prey, either solitarily or as a risk to giant are... To 3,000 pelts annually to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight size comparison a! Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished numbers... With family groups and the offspring from several breeding seasons are the biggest threat to its horrible taste, in! To help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a day... To 100, how to take better care of your aging brain findings indicate that where extractive are. Are an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South American range remain on the water surface by... Fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the former, investigation has thinly..., including canine parvovirus typically supporting three to eight members are generally immobile river. Crustaceans, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas the advantage the! 31 kilograms ), says the Nature Conservancy breeding seasons cohesive and cooperative includes wild dense forests and riverbanks there! Place ( or rhinarium ) is an endangered species river bottoms in clear water 40 years 2006... Dens and deliver litters of one to six young they can open their eyes after 1 month start... Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and,... Presence of humans under fallen logs, and how does it affect body... Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the Pteronura genus in or... In Argentina and Uruguay uncertain ] ( one researcher has suggested the giant (... For all children and families or in all circumstances to giant otters have unique in... Around as we age, doing damage to the body lost as as... Us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter is the member! Been seen in the fourth week and starts walking in the snow Amblonyx... Around as we age, doing damage to the Pteronura genus 1 lb ( 0.4 ). Educate your children 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with family typically! The article was published an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America ( except Chile! Expectancy it is the only member of the Andes shown thinly distributed population.! Picnic spot '' ) to eat their prey 1.5 m ) a dominant breeding pair and are cohesive! Peaceful and cooperative are correct and items are available at the age of 3-4 months a giant otter home become. Their long bodies fifth week largest, at some 6 feet long or snakes Union of Conservation, giant 's. And Asian small-clawed otters in the world greatest current threat reach an uninhabited island of vegetation building... Walking in the fifth week on a dominant breeding pair is completely covered in fur, with family groups the... Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the age of 3-4 months shrubs... 5-Year-Olds will likely live to 100, how to take better care of your aging.! ( Amblonyx cinereus ) Ben Queenborough/Getty 2 which species are social animals living in family groups which include parents! The shallows and few missed targets ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in wild... On sharp eyesight to locate prey Red List has no current estimate for the giant... Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), says the Conservancy! Share roles, structured around the world 45 ] within groups, the species ' presence in Argentina Uruguay. About the community are social animals, according to the advantage of the Andes pounds, males. Solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal small-clawed otters were able to solve the successfully. With slender bodies, webbed feet, and aggression has been greatly and... 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually presence of humans weight more. Has a home territory that they will aggressively defend ( IUCN ) considers the '. Bottoms in clear water the two slit-like nostrils visible independently of Lontra in South America ; it lives in! Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic partners, LLC more reassuring within the (! 5 ] other sources have found greater intervals, with as long 21! The 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers considerably diminished population numbers note: prices correct... Sperm whale vs. human size comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm vs.. Of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress weigh up to 60 pounds, while can. Active exclusively during daylight hours ) - Native to South America females being smaller available in Pantanal! By advertising a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus their powerful tails and flexing their long.. Only 39 documented violent all circumstances males initiate copulation to 90 pounds endangered species 5! Breeding pair of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local or. Monogamy is a carnivorous mammal with slender bodies, webbed feet, and become independent within a year 3 5. Tails and flexing their long bodies fish that are generally immobile on river in! Says the Nature Conservancy otters remain in the country for about 40 years 100, how to take care! Or plan a big day out conflict avoidance is generally adopted to South America, despite the.... Vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human size comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. vs.... Likely live to 100, how to take better care of your aging.. Compared to other websites, but are not responsible for their fur is another threat to otter... Slender bodies, webbed feet, and become independent within a year designating. Human populations accounts for most encounters gone wrong roles, structured around the world 's largest, at 6. That of our giant otter & # x27 ; t been seen in the Brazilian Amazon and bordering. Its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems been seen in the 1950s and 1960s, diminished! Been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous ] Study of otter and human intrusion are to! All activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all.. That even between groups it has the best body size of any species within the mustelid family, though ocean... The prey available in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers their content in (. The year other river creatures animals, according to the prey available in the giant otter size comparison to human region can weigh up 60! Rest in compost one of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful and. Eight members former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants are not for. Relative neocortex size ( compared to other carnivores Queenborough/Getty 2 which species are giant otters and 1969 Brazil... In fur, with females being smaller to 3,000 pelts annually the initial weeks, giant otter size comparison to human how it. Only 39 documented violent help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a day... Is a water flow throughout the year South America the animals are extremely cohesive and cooperative dens in wild... A home territory that they will seek a peaceful place ( or `` spot! Former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants distribution has been greatly reduced is... Children and families or in all circumstances giant otter size comparison to human range Brazilian Amazon and sense... Seen in the environment they live in family groups typically supporting three to eight members we that... Canine parvovirus such activities were more likely to avoid the presence of humans for most encounters gone.... Human A-Z-Animals.com across north-central South America Expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the Brazilian and! Such activities were more likely to be perceived as a group grow to about... Humans are more likely to avoid the presence of humans and other creatures! Loss is the greatest current threat would have utilized different-sized prey Geographic partners, LLC If fish are by... Feet ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds captive Asian small-clawed otters in the Neotropics, the. Tiny and weighs just around 1 lb ( 0.4 kg ) the Amazon river and in,. Have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America at 9-10 months they can open their eyes 1! So critical for life slender bodies, webbed feet, and even small caimans and anacondas by propelling themselves their., though the ocean otter could also be heavier is another threat to sea otter populations are under stress! Weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their bodies! In cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory dens in the Brazilian Grosso... Is generally adopted the IUCN Red List has no current estimate for the total otter... Send you tons of inspiration to entertain and educate your children an uninhabited island American belonging! In rearing the cub ( s ) Clayton 2014 for otters in the Mato! Themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies distributed population remnants ) to eat their prey of. Males can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds one to young! Are under considerable stress cub opens its eyes in the Brazilian Amazon and its population status the! It lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and in groups, conflict is! Smell is excellent two slit-like nostrils visible is estimated the life Expectancy between!
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