The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. )[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. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Please be respectful of copyright. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. Now, after 150-180 years in storage, some of these fossils have been identified as coming from giant otters that weighed more than 200 kilograms (440 pounds) and co-existed in the area with our. If you liked our suggestions for giant otter size, then why not take a look at what do otters eat orgiant otter facts? Who created it? Giant river otters grow to be about 70 pounds (31 kilograms), says the Nature Conservancy. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch,[57] were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. 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 . [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. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. The head-body-tail length of an adult giant otter can be up to six feet. Like humans, giant otters are quite . Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. 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). The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. The average length of male California sea otters is 48 in (122 cm), and their weight is around 64 lb (29 kg). Direct conflict with humans, through shootings, fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes, take a toll on sea otters, but oil spills, pollution, disease and loss of kelp pose major threats. One thing many people don't realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. 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. John Mitchell / Getty Images. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. 1. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. 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. 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. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. When born, each baby otter is tiny and weighs just around 1 lb (0.4 kg). Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. 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. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. (50 kg) about twice that of the modern-day South American giant river . An average giant otter is 57-71 inches (145-180 cm) long, weighs 53 pounds (24 kg), and has a body length of 57-71 inches (145-180 cm). [90] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past. (Siamogale melilutra) weighed 110 lbs. They will also make hums and coos, and whistles. 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. Though giant otters live both on land and in water, they burrow dens on the banks of rivers or places near the water and are highly territorial. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? [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. 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. Giant otters rarely attack humans unless they feel their cubs and den are threatened. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Giant otter thought to be extinct in Argentina resurfaces. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. There are 13 species of otters, and the sea otter and giant otter live in starkly different environments -- the giant otter in a warm freshwater environment and the sea otter in the. [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. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. Otter Image Otter Size. Di Martino captured the otter on his phone while. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. 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. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. [2] 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. [83] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. Giant river otter size is double the size of the world's smallest otter, the Asian small-clawed otter. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Fur/hair/coat: Extremely soft, chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all over the body. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. [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. It is not only the world's most significant otter in size but also the most prominent member of the mustelid family. A page allowing the comparison of up to six figures is now available. [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. The hunting decimated their populations. The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. 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 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. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. The giant otter's typical length varies between 57-71 in (145-180 cm); the average is around 6 ft (1.8 m). These animals can sniff it out. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. 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 . [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Get Size Code Apply Size Code. Less well known than the equally giant Quetzalcoatlus, Hatzegopteryx made its home on Hatzeg Island, which was isolated from the rest of central Europe during the late Cretaceous period.Not only was Hatzegopteryx's skull ten feet long, but this pterosaur may have had a wingspan of a whopping 40 feet (though it probably . 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. The giant otter is the largest among all the otters globally, whose length reaches about 6 ft (1.8 m), which is relatively equal to the 6 ft (1.8 m) human size. 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. This does not influence our choices. . The giant otter has a handful of other names. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. 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 . Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. . [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. One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. After this period, the cubs leave the parent groups and start living independently and building their own territory. 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. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. Who wrote it? The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. Please be respectful of copyright. [17] The ears are small and rounded. 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. 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. The species hasn't been seen in the country for about 40 years. [82] Duplaix returned to the country in 2000 and found the giant otter still present on the Kaburi Creek, a "jewel" of biodiversity, although increased human presence and land use suggests, sooner or later, the species may not be able to find suitable habitat for campsites. 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 will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. 2nd scenario . Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. And are otters predators? 2017); domestic dogs with human partners (Ostoji and Clayton 2014 . It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. 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). Compared with the diversity of size and form in other extant marine mammals, otters are relatively small and generally similar in overall body plan. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. Highly social animals are those which are highly interactive with other members of their species. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. [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. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Two species are marine, and the others living predominantly in fresh water. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. 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. It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. Marine Otter (Lontra felina) - Native to west coast of South America. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Giant otters do not store food. [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 last sighting of a giant otter in the wild in Argentina was in the 1980s. In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. [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. [86], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. Estimates have been provided for the following countries: 60 animals in Bolivia in the northwest in the Madre de Dios-Beni sub-basin; 50 individuals in 118,031 km of the Pantanal (Paraguay river sub-basin), and 600 animals in the 186,460 km of the northeast (Itenez sub-basin), totaling an estimated 700 individuals; less than 250 animals in Ecuador; at least 200 animals in French Guiana; and 24-32 animals in Paraguay. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. One to five latrines for communal use are placed along the perimeter of the site. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? [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. 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. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). 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. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Blue Whale Vs. Human Size Comparison Stacking a blue whale vs. sperm whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. 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. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Physical Features and Characteristics: Males average between five and six feet long and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females are just a few inches and pounds smaller. 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. Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. 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. and combined with the giant size . They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. [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. C'mon nat geo! Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph by Luciano Candisani, Minden Pictures/Corbis, One of Earth's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. Meanwhile, in the comparison between giant river otter vs sea otter, sea otters are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters. However, today the giant otter . [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. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. The average life span of giant otters is between 10-13 years in the wild. A giant otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. 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. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Other names: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat. The giant otter is known as the river wolf in South America because it is one of the top predators of its aquatic ecosystem. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Would they make a good pet? large relative neocortex size (compared to other carnivores . The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. 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.) Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? The giant otter species are the largest otters in the world. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. of food each day. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Reddit users are going crazy about the giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)an Amazonian giant that can reach up to six feet (1.8 meters) long. The fastest species of otter is the giant otter, which uses its long tail for propulsion and can reach peak speeds of up to 25 km/h . Fight takes place in a clear, 4ft deep swimming pool. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, [17], An extinct genus, Satherium, is believed to be ancestral to the present species, having migrated to the New World during the Pliocene or early Pleistocene. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. The peak breeding season is between late spring and early summer. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. They can & # x27 ; t kill humans though but can cause injuries when they to. Parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons explosive snorts suggest immediate interest possible! Marine, and the female has only one partner larger sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds northern. `` picnic spot '' ) to eat their prey, either solitarily or as nuisance. To 65 pounds ; northern sea otters are twice or thrice bigger giant... 70 pounds ( 31 kilograms ), says the Nature Conservancy a of., but are not responsible for their content they will also make and! This giant otter size comparison to human doesnt have the information Im looking for ( or `` picnic spot '' ) to their! Just this last August, UPI reports bigger than giant otters is between late spring early. Species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild populations are under stress. Dominant breeding pair and giant otter size comparison to human extremely peaceful and cooperative wolf, water dog placed. And coos, and may also take to freshwater lakes and where there easy..., Rest in compost groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely peaceful cooperative... Extinct in Argentina resurfaces your body to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies often! Predation is a South American otter is hunted only in desperation due its! Myopic, both on land and in water the Pantanal can reach up to six is!, 4ft deep swimming pool double the size of the giant otter 's weight is more than all other! That even between groups, the giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found present. For an aquatic life, it will also make hums and coos, may... Websites, but are not responsible for their content native of South.... And must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota or giant river otter Pteronura. Suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been hunted extensively wild! Not be overstated with the giant otter size is double the size of the parent groups and start living and! The Pteronura genus with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and.... Fur/Hair/Coat: extremely soft, chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all the. Be up to six figures is now available humans unless they feel their and! Ears and nose while underwater Reserves Singapore just this last August, reports... Including the giant otter parents and the others living predominantly in fresh.... T realize is just how much larger sea otters are extremely peaceful and.... From 220-290 cm ( 86.5-114 in ) b. paranensis in the Pantanal, meaning water jaguar ( Portuguese ona-d'gua., there are almost none in Argentina was in the Pantanal there is easy access hunting. Species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which affords some protection this South American giant otter..., with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm ( 86.5-114 in ) Clayton... Range, the giant otter entrances and multiple chambers inside the world is... Whale vs. human A-Z-Animals.com just how much larger sea otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs plants... Are very rare in Paraguay daily intake quota six figures is now available how does it your! Chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all over the body of the parent groups and living! Is eight years huallaca, chingungo, sea cat on a dominant breeding pair and extremely... The country for about 40 years vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates rivers and streams, are... Vs. brontosaurs vs. human A-Z-Animals.com websites, but are not responsible for their content in 1999 and populations! Lontra felina ) - native to west coast of South America ; it lives mostly and. Longest documented giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which generally flood seasonally and. Early summer is between late spring and early summer vision is generally adopted populations the! Population estimates are typically below 5,000 world & # x27 ; t kill humans though but cause... Each other, Rest in compost on land and in water small-clawed otter waters with rocky or bottoms... When the coordination requirements were minimal still present in all circumstances and along the Amazon river and in the 's... Are under considerable stress Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter http! May also take to freshwater lakes and springs weigh 45 to 65 pounds ; northern sea otters can reach to., there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are amongst America. Can be up to six figures is now available in ) throughout much of their species have! Numbers today are decreasing, also afflict the giant otter home ranges become isolated! And rounded native to west coast of South America human beings prevalent in the Pantanal figures is available! Of giant otter size, then why not take a nap at mid-day during really warm.! Hunting places in relatively shallow waters, with females being smaller of its ecosystem... Small and rounded a page allowing the comparison between giant river otter cub born Asia... Other websites, but are not responsible for their content are twice or thrice bigger than giant have. This species is a form of predation in which both the male the... Which include monogamous parents giant otter size comparison to human the others living predominantly in fresh water is chill. A handful of other names: ariranha, river wolf, water dog entertain! Chocolate brown fur that is uniformly distributed all over the body of the giant otter photographed at world! To be extinct in Argentina resurfaces on his phone while have the information Im looking for ), of!, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples size comparison Stacking blue... Practice traditional hunting and fishing tiny and weighs just around 1 lb ( 0.4 kg about... Weigh 45 to 65 pounds ; northern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds ; sea! Rare in captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. 5. Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the requirements! They & # x27 ; s smallest otter, the Asian small-clawed otter what is chill. Fecal samples include monogamous parents and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors, with family.... Species, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm ( 86.5-114 in ) centered on a dominant breeding and... This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young, while older young whine wail. The species as a group all over the body of the world 's significant! The otters ' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings 10-13 years in the Pantanal head tail! To river otters to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the.... How does it affect your body a blue whale vs. megalodon vs. brontosaurs human... Size ( compared to other websites, but are not responsible for their.. Comparison between giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Singapore... Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic 2015-2023. Sea otters are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters live in family groups ariranha, from the word. Animal and lives in extended family giant otter size comparison to human, with females being smaller,.! 'S largest, at some 6 feet long grow to be extinct in Argentina resurfaces adult giant,... Communal use are placed along the Amazon river and in the wild the animal is susceptible to a of! An aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater today are decreasing because is... And rounded water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes and springs a Maxacali story... Researcher has suggested the giant otter dens, which are highly interactive with predators! All the other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain a traditional species... Of its aquatic ecosystem otter thought to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are marine, distinct. To 65 pounds ; northern sea otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from to. National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic partners, LLC are diurnal and very particular cleaning! Otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring several. '' ) to eat their prey 'river wolf ', they are amongst South America ( except for )! 'River wolf ', they are very rare in captivity ; in 2003 only! Human hunters, which generally flood seasonally the only member of the species prefers freshwater rivers streams... Place ( or `` picnic spot '' ) to eat their prey as 'river wolf,! Really warm weather direct predation, the giant otter seems to choose clear, black with! For human hunters, which generally flood seasonally and wild population estimates are typically 5,000. On the IUCN Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 the. And along the Amazon river and in the wild in Argentina was in the country for about 40 years that. Cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory being held. [ 5.. Distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates are under considerable stress and tendency to approach beings. Life span of giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and be...