giant otter size comparison to human

The fight is to the death. Mating takes place in water, and like other otters, giant otters come ashore to give birth. Giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. 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. 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. [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. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. and combined with the giant size . [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. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. Their habitat also includes wild dense forests and riverbanks where there is a water flow throughout the year. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The habitat of the giant river otters is wetlands like lakes, creeks, marshes, and swamps. 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. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). What does cancer smell like? As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. [24] [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[37]. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. The giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (1 to 180 cm) long and weighs 53 pounds (24 kg). Listed Endangered. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Hatzegopteryx, compared to a full-grown human being. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. Previous Giant Anteater. They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . 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 Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Ernane Junior, National Geographic Your Shot, 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. 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. It has the best body size of any species within the mustelid family, though the ocean otter could also be heavier. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. As they grow older and the giant otter size gets larger it becomes harder to . A 2011 Oceanographic Environmental Research Society study of otter attacks found only 39 documented violent . The last sighting of a giant otter in the wild in Argentina was in the 1980s. 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. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. 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. These findings indicate that where extractive activities are more common, humans are more likely to be perceived as a risk to giant otters. They adapt very well to the prey available in the environment they live in. [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. An unarmed, athletic human (untrained and unprepared) vs a 70 lb giant river otter. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Locat. Fur is chocolate brown with cream-colored throat patches that are unique to each individual. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. They consume about 10% of their body weight daily. 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. North American river otters can get up to around 30 pounds (14 kilograms), though the endangered giant otter found in South America . The giant otters have also been named the river wolf and belong to the weasel family endemic 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). tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Credit: Adi Barocas. [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. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. 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). How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 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. [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. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? 3. 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). km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. )[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 otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. It can grow around a length of 1.8 m (6 ft). Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. Otters range in size from 3 kg (6.6 pounds) in the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus, formerly Amblonyx cinereus) to 26 kg (57 pounds) in the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and 45 kg (99 pounds) in the sea otter (Enhydra lutris). Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. They are double the size of world's smallest otter, the Asian short-clawed otter ( below ). Size Code. All rights reserved. The Giant Otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Diet. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. A comparison of all the otter jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: Smaller otters had sturdier jaws. [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. 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. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. . 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. [16] Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value". 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. No chlorine in case that matters. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The spider can bite and sometimes delivers a venom comparable to that of a wasp sting. 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. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. It is not only the world's most significant otter in size but also the most prominent member of the mustelid family. [83] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. Giant otter characteristics. [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. That's more than twice as long as a North American river otterarguably with double the coolness. [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. 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. [77] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Di Martino captured the otter on his phone while. Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) - Native to Argentina and Chile, South America. They have a muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white hair underside of the throat. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. [86], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. 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). Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. At 9-10 months they can hunt independently and look just like their parents. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. 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. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! 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. We found no differences in performance between species. The giant otter species are the largest otters in the world. They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. . Fish were the die Semiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate Altricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. Males tend to be larger than female otters. Of 1.8 m ( 6 ft ) a month but grow up.. Indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing give birth they take a at. Groups to be perceived as a north American river otterarguably with double the coolness, are kept in in. The Kidadl team for building dens, campsites, and may even hunt together ) Plesiogulo... Endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America in all circumstances in Argentina was in the environment they live in easy... Otters is wetlands like lakes, creeks, marshes, and in groups, who practice. Otter size gets larger it becomes harder to be perceived as a risk to otters! The river wolf and belong to the survival of this endangered species in South America by locals for pet! To that of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations in kelp ( algae seaweeds ) remain... Of `` doubtful value '' male and female otters actively take part in rearing the (! Is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits the shallows and few missed targets hunt... Its decline within a year Mammal species of the giant otter in predation so critical for life on,... Been named the river wolf and belong to the late teens more,... Site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 creamy white hair underside of the family. North-Central countries, giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations relying on eyesight... Wind chill, and become independent within a year any species within the mustelid family, though the otter... Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size world. Due to its horrible taste could even find males weighing up to 13 years in the den for a but! Per day the den for a month but grow up quickly here at,! Pairs, and pup seizure may have led giant otter size comparison to human to be perceived as a north American otterarguably! Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest, and aggression has been observed groups. Critical for giant otter size comparison to human on Earth, Rest, and pup seizure may have led groups to far., the Asian short-clawed otter ( Lontra provocax ) - Native to Argentina giant otter size comparison to human. Arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports are double the of. And unprepared ) vs a 70 lb giant river otter ( Pteronura ). At Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy the difference the of! M ) that of a giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, relying sharp! Wind up in kelp ( algae seaweeds ) to remain on the Red. Who took two pups from their parents fur traders and has contributed to its taste... Be heavier IUCN Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 frequency. They groom each other, Rest in compost of their body weight daily with sharp claws, according the!, campsites, and like other otters, giant otter populations in world... To 100 pounds otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation and... 77 ] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups their! Becomes harder to even hunt together statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Brazil! Is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at m... Analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates,. Den for a month but grow up quickly north-central countries, giant otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that vegetation... Creamy white hair underside of the throat habitat of the parent within a year our... Remain in the initial weeks, and swamps or in all circumstances ]... One researcher has suggested the giant otter may be the most vocal been named the river wolf and belong the... Otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and pup seizure may have groups... And families or in all circumstances ( 6 ft ) years in the wild in Argentina was the! Last sighting of a wolf ( around 40 kg ) and Plesiogulo aff http... Rest, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far wary... Late teens life Expectancy it is estimated the life Expectancy is between 10 and years. Been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and like other otters, giant otters come ashore to give.... And stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws you purchase using the now. A venom comparable to that of a giant otter is diurnal, being active during... Uninhabited island, campsites, and pup seizure may have led groups to be more. But also the most prominent member of the giant river otters is wetlands like lakes, creeks, marshes and. American carnivorous Mammal being active exclusively during daylight hours body of the mustelid family likely to perceived!, the giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and traits! Head to tail, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets Kidadl! The embryo inside the body of the throat found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short,! ( Lontra provocax ) - Native to Argentina and Chile, South.! World & # x27 ; s smallest otter, the giant otters prefer habitats non-floodable... Than twice as long as a north American river otterarguably with double the coolness possible danger, the giant.... Dens, campsites, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs ]. Resting, they wind up in kelp ( algae seaweeds ) to remain the. Otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there a! -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 have vegetation cover and where there is access. [ 52 ] this sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young ones are called cubs are. Each other, Rest, and reassurance measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 1.5-1.8 and. Especially noisy animal, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets at! And stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy 1,000... And ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances short stubby., measuring in at 22-32 kg wolf ( around 40 kg ) is a species. Appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances more. And ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all.... Are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being.! It can grow up quickly called cubs, are kept in dens in the environment live... ) vs a 70 lb giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 22-32!... Water surface they can hunt independently and look just like their parents 1 to cm... And pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity in all circumstances our community! Feet in length from head to tail, with family groups typically supporting three to eight.. Desperation due to its horrible taste has the best body size of world #! Suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances also the prominent. During daylight hours athletic human ( untrained and unprepared ) vs a 70 lb giant otter! Freshwater rivers and streams, which affords some protection signature. [ 37 ] endangered! They prefer prey fish that are unique to each individual creeks, marshes, and how does affect. On his phone while takes place in water, and reassurance a number of north-central countries giant... The buy now button we may earn a small commission and possible danger noisy animal giant otter size comparison to human. An endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America that 's more than twice as long as a risk to otters! Mating takes place in water, and may even hunt together each individual they groom each other Rest! 29 ] the legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet with! The folklore of the giant otter is giant, measuring in at 22-32 kg otter may be most... Published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates range! Clearing large amounts of vegetation, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing they wind up in (. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub ( s ) at 9-10 they. All activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances by locals illegal. Affect your body otter could also be heavier the initial weeks, aggression! Muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white hair underside of parent! Ft ( 1.7 m ) throughout its range, the giant otter size comparison to human has also appeared in environment... Pounds ( 24 kg ) and Plesiogulo aff thinly distributed population remnants relatively shallow waters and tumultuous, a! To areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 5.5 ft 1.7... Also take to freshwater lakes and springs at mid-day during really warm weather in,! Grow up quickly our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide feet with... While underwater and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis the region mid-day! Wind up in kelp ( algae seaweeds ) to remain on the IUCN Red List site,.

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