[72] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[69] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. [61] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. These are two jaguar sisters named Medrosa and Jaju. [47][48] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. [65], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. [13] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. [47] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. Giant Otters have evolved independently from the sea and the river otters in the continent of South America. The Giant River Otter contrary to the Sea Otter does not have to groom its hair as it is extremely difficult to get foreign objects stuck in it as the hairs are tightly connected. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70 cm (28 in) to the total body length. Giant river otter cubs are born totally covered in fur. Giant Otters are found in the Rainforests of South America. 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. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. 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. Otters (Sea, Giant & River) A collection of otter images from diverse locations. [13] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [14] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164 ft) are proposed to offer further protection. 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. )[37] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Cantão 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 estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. [25] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. [47][48] 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. [82], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. The giant river otter has become rare or nonexistent over most of its range. [26] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. [64] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[51] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. [24] 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. First, sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters — and, when at the water’s surface, they float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals. Many people don’t know the difference between sea otters and river otters — but, with a little info, you’ll be able to tell right away. 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 overall—still, but for how long? They are 1 of 3 species of otter on the continent of South America. [15] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". [69] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs).. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. [25] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8 millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [46], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. Unlike most other otters, the giant otter has a flat, paddle-like tail to help it swim. Run easily on land. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. Check this one out: Giant otter with fish. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. Buy Photos. [73][74] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. [83] 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. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Weights are between 26 and 32 kg (57 and 71 lb) for males and 22 and 26 kg (49 and 57 lb) for females. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers — and significant protection — in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. 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