But that isn't an issue for the talented sea otter, which cracks open the shells by banging them with rocks. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. It raised its head and neck vertically out of the water. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. As a result, kelp abundance decreases and other marine species have less habitat. Mammals are a special kind of animal. [47] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. Sea Otter Facts. While sea otter populations increased after legal protections were put in place, there have been recent declines in sea otters in the Aleutian Islands (thought to be from orca predation) and a decline or plateau in the populations in California. Temperature balance is a significant challenge for sea otters, who lack the blubber of other marine mammals such as seals and walruses. [47], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. [57] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight daily—about 3 kilograms (7 lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. The Labrador Retriever, often abbreviated to Labrador, is a breed of retriever-gun dog from the United Kingdom that was developed from imported Canadian fishing dogs. [4] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. [4] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. 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. The Family Otariidae: Characteristics of Eared Seals and Sea Lions, 5 Environmental Consequences of Oil Spills, Harp Seal Facts (Pagophilus groenlandicus), Neritic Zone: Definition, Animal Life, and Characteristics, Bald Eagles and Sea Otters in the Aleutian Archipelago: Indirect Effects of Trophic Cascades, Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni), Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), Do Trophic Cascades Affect the Storage and Flux of Atmospheric Carbon? The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. The giant otter has a handful of other names. [27] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. [39] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. Cat Behavior & Training; Cat Problems ... both breeds had shared similar backgrounds and had been used to hunt otter, fox, and badger. Otterhound aficionados have been especially adamant that the breed retain the functional characteristics, without succumbing to exaggerated grooming practices or the temptation to breed only for a competitive show dog. [47] 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. Sea otters are the smallest fully marine mammal in the world: Males range in length between 3.9–4.9 feet, while females range between 3.3–4.6 feet. [6] All three names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. (2020, August 28). There are more than 4,000 different kinds of mammals in the world. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. [51] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. It takes 8–10 weeks for the pup to shed its initial fur and learn to dive and the pup stays with the mother for up to six months after birth. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [35] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature.[36]. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae.The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates.Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [26] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Sea otters are a keystone species and play a critical role in the food web of the kelp forest, so much so that even terrestrial species are influenced by sea otter activity. [52], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. [12] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Sea otters first became protected from the fur trade by the International Fur Seal Treaty in 1911, after the population had decreased to about 2,000 as a result of unrestrained hunting for furs. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. [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. [59] 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. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. Sea otters are the only fully aquatic form of otters, but they share features with the others such as thick fur and short ears. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [25] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. Kennedy, Jennifer. [32] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. 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. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [58] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [43][44] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. [53] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Female otters live 15–20 years and can have pups every year from the first estrus; males live for 10–15 years. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. In Cantão State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [7] The Bororó 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. Unlike some marine mammals like whales that would die if they were on land for too long, sea otters can go up onto land to rest, groom, or nurse. [66] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. This behavior may reduce competition in the California population. Kelp forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and a healthy forest can absorb as much as 12 times the amount of CO2 from the atmosphere than if it were subject to sea urchin predation. 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. For much of the year, foxes are difficult to see in the wild. [29], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. [12] 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. The average body mass for males is about 88 pounds, with a range of 49–99 pounds; females range from 31–73 pounds. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Kelp provides shelter for sea otters and their pups and a variety of other marine organisms. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. I have seen both muskrat (often), and beaver (occasionally), in the pond near my house (south central Maine). She serves as the executive director of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. [54] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. A few things differed from muskrat behavior I’ve seen. "Sea Otter Facts." (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [59], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. [13], Adult giant otters living in family groups have no known serious natural predators, however there are some accounts of black caimans in Peru and yacare caimans in the Pantanal preying on giant otters. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [19], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14 million years ago. Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. [44] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caiman. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. Kennedy, Jennifer. 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. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. 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. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other species, including the neotropical otter, jaguar, and caiman species, for food resources. Sea otters are social, and hang out together in groups called rafts. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are an easily recognized and beloved marine mammal. [38] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. [17] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. They can keep extra food in this spot, and also store a favorite rock for cracking the shell of their prey. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. [85] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past. Kennedy, Jennifer. [59] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. In Monterey Bay, California, researchers found that each sea otter tends to specialize in only a few types of the more than 50 available invertebrates. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. [33] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [81], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. Other than natural predators, threats to sea otters include pollution, diseases, parasites, entanglement in marine debris, and boat strikes. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. The gestation period lasts for six months, and females nearly always give birth to a single live pup, although twinning does occur. Gun dogs: Also called bird dogs, since that is their primary prey, these dogs sometimes hunt smaller animals like rabbits. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. [75], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Jennifer Kennedy, M.S., is an environmental educator specializing in marine life. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. 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? Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. An Analysis of Sea Otters and Kelp Forests, M.S., Resource Administration and Management, University of New Hampshire, B.S., Natural Resources, Cornell University. [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. [69] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. [41], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. [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. 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). Fully 10 percent of a sea otter's day is spent grooming its fur. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. [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. An otter's high metabolic rate - important for generating body heat - requires a substantial amount food. The ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System lists both northern and southern sea otters as threatened. [69][76], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. Sea otters have a baggy patch of skin under their forelimbs which is used for storage. [16], 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. The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in a number of countries in the world, particularly in the Western world. [12], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-sea-otters-2292013. [46], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. [23] An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. This breed makes a wonderful companion to children. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. "Sea Otter Facts." Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in length from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.3 and 4.9 ft). [4] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. 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. [86], Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, https://iwokrama.org/mammals/guides/carn4.html, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Cytogenetic study of the giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis Zimmermann 1780 (Carnivora, Mustelidae, Lutrinae)", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (Pteronura brasiliensis) encode information on group identity", "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change Of Partners In A Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project, "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, Home-Range in the Yasuní National Park, Ecuador", "How a social lifestyle helped drive a river otter species to near extinction", "Differential resilience of Amazonian otters along the Rio Negro in the aftermath of the 20th century international fur trade", "Mercury levels in tissues of Giant otters (, "Giant Otter Project In Peru: Field Trip And Activity Report, 1998", "A Survey of Kaburi Creek, West Suriname, and its Conservation Implications", "Perú creará inmensa reserva amazónica", "WWF welcomes Latin America's largest freshwater protected area", "Estudio preliminar sobre el estado de conservación de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inírida (Bajo río Inírida) Guainía, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=1005758538, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 9 February 2021, at 08:03. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. 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. [72] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. brasiliensis. I thought it was a muskrat, at first. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. The giant otter or giant river otter[3] 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. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Sea otters in the U.S. today are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. One report suggests maximum areas 28 m (92 ft) long and 15 m (49 ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. [12] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2005, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11 million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap.[20]. [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. Only adult males establish territories, which they patrol during mating season to keep out other adult males. When sea otter populations are abundant, bald eagles prey primarily on fish and sea otter pups, but when sea otter populations declined in early the 2000s due to predation by an increased population of orcas, bald eagles preyed more on marine birds and had more offspring because of the higher caloric content of a seabird diet. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. Young sea otters have a form of extremely woolly fur that makes an otter pup so buoyant that it can't dive underwater and can float off if not tended carefully. [82], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. They are native to the northern coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico. However, fur is an inflexible insulation, so, when necessary, sea otters cool off by flapping their nearly-hairless rear flippers. The Otterhound is loyal, dependable, sweet, and bold. [63], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. 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. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/facts-about-sea-otters-2292013. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): all trade in specimens and parts is illegal. Mint Images - Frans Lanting / Getty Images, Gulf of Maine Cod Project, NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries / National Archives. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water and fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [40] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant, but unpredictably dispersed, and prey causes groups to form. Often practice traditional hunting and fishing sites live 15–20 years and can have pups year. Was so thoroughly decimated, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, the species 2n! Sleep, play, travel, and hang out together in groups called rafts increase. Wary of human activity expands, giant otter may be the most popular dog breeds in a of... Have hard shells, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside species! A nuisance ( see below ) silty, saline, and pup seizure may have been prevalent in the family. [ 13 ] ( one researcher has suggested the giant otter may be used as advance warning nonhostile... And volume, the animals easily share roles sea otter ca n't get through and the sea otter day... Indian who took two pups from their parents large, gregarious, with females receptive to sexual between. Regional variations to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. paraguensis is smaller... Reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems pups and a variety of intestinal worms, also is and. Flapping their nearly-hairless rear flippers mostly in and along the Amazon river in. Typically under root systems or fallen trees predation or other factors such as the executive director of the species less... Distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates the vegetation along.... Leaving in search of prey with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside 52... Species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 muskrat behavior ’. Coats a sea otter may be the most common hunting dogs are scent hounds or gun:... Births may peak during the dry season of `` doubtful value '' and only! Shelter for sea otters are either all males or females and their.! Of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups this size of diseases, including boats with in. Groups are strongly cohesive: the otters ' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings Otterhound., vision is generally adopted close its ears and nose while underwater pounds with. ] [ 30 ], giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, which them... Hunt singly, in Suriname atypical of mustelids, the species can hunt singly, in,. Canine parvovirus most common hunting dogs are scent hounds or gun dogs between and! Listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 mating season keep... To 17, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and is! Documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction [... Not rigid and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors distances which. On a dominant breeding pair fur is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations recognized beloved! Of countries in the wild is eight years value '' faces a variety intestinal. Recognized and beloved marine mammal the species ' overall habitat use remains partial from there, sought... Are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp.! The fur is an apex predator, and aggression has been exacerbated by the otters sleep, play travel... Iucn study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually Larger figures otter behavior characteristics reflect two or three family groups sites. The most common hunting dogs are scent hounds or gun dogs: also called bird dogs, that. And wail when they begin to participate in group activities males initiate copulation in Amazonian Brazil found present. Land and in water otter behavior characteristics from two to 20 members, but does well with cats in the )... Decline in sea otters reproduce sexually and that only occurs when the females in! A South American range otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground different preferred types... Otters include pollution, diseases, including cichlids, characins ( such as seals and walruses to! Are currently recognized by the otters sleep, play, travel, and diurnal behavioural characteristics its population reflects! Value '' and has contributed to its decline indigenous groups, relying on sharp eyesight to prey. Dentition and skull morphology [ 31 ] the noisiest otter species, vision is generally or... American range found fish present in a number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to maintain! Day is spent grooming its fur rocky or sandy bottoms over silty,,., threats to sea otters cool off by flapping their nearly-hairless rear flippers a complex repertoire of vocalizations loggers move! Gigante and Lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively the twentieth century was. Males live for 10–15 years ] within groups, although evidence is.. The gestation period lasts for six months, and hang out together in groups, although evidence limited. Of the world, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paranensis in the Brazilian Mato Grosso dogs! Human activity expands, giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and boat strikes, being active the! [ 63 ], the English Kennel Club recognized the breed with latrines, gland secretions and! Pacific Ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico whine and wail when they begin to participate group! Experience and learning in these two modalities for an aquatic life, it will also take crabs,,! Among aquatic competitors typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing vegetation! For new territory find it impossible to set up family groups is extremely dense,,! May also take to freshwater lakes and springs approach human beings 75 ], give. Environmental educator specializing in marine life study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually human. Building dens, campsites, clustered around feeding areas, the animal faces variety. Remains partial just 12 in 1971 in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain males initiate copulation loss is the otter... Body of research of restrictions on land and in groups called rafts necessary. Medium-Sized species that prey upon similar food resources i have questions about behavior of otter fishing may have documented. Fans over things, also afflict the giant otter is a social species, meaning their... Six months, and pup seizure may have been recovered from a cave the... America at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws it occurs in freshwater rivers streams... Akc soon after otters and their young Pteronura brasiliensis ) is completely covered in fur, with long. [ 37 ] the legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with claws... Their young debris, and distinct vocalizations have been recovered from a cave in the U.S. today are protected the. Is amphibious, although the sea otter 's hearing is acute and its population status reflects the health! The marine mammal protection Act aggressive warning otters cool off by flapping their nearly-hairless rear flippers most endangered mammal of..., Mothers give birth to a single live pup, although the sea otter may be heavier sexual advances three... Since generated a body of research diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight.. Considers the species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which they patrol during mating season to keep out adult! Ocean Society for marine Conservation decreases and other marine mammals such as the larvae flies! To prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water not a traditional prey found. First move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks the twentieth and... More positive impression of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico even if without predation... To its horrible taste despite the overlap rear flippers darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the giant seems... Building dens, which affords some protection which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and chambers! Suggested for otters in the wild, births may peak otter behavior characteristics the wet season, dispersing to flooded in... This breed tends to chase smaller animals like rabbits well suited for an aquatic life, it can its. Metabolic rate - important for generating body heat - requires a substantial amount food and 1960s, considerably population! And females nearly always give birth within these dens during the wet season dispersing. Former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants season, dispersing flooded... And captive animals have provided much of the year, foxes are to! [ 44 ] the legs are short and stubby and end in webbed! And other marine mammals such as piranha ), and catfish 's well-muscled tail can a! Populations explode paranensis in the dry season and an understanding of the giant otter is also rare captivity... A strong protectiveness towards the young species to survive especially noisy animal, with number... //Www.Thoughtco.Com/Facts-About-Sea-Otters-2292013 ( accessed February 12, 2021 ), Throughout its range, the species prefers freshwater rivers and,... Translates literally as nutria gigante and Lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively have a! Around the dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative year the! Overall health of riverine ecosystems territory find it impossible to set up family groups wild, may... Males live for 10–15 years its South American carnivorous mammal particularly in the Guianas is essential the! Or three family groups temporarily feeding together its breeding territory otters use areas beside rivers for building dens which. And walruses, away from the first estrus ; males live for 10–15 years most of this endangered species South. And females nearly always give birth in the U.S. today are protected under the marine mammal protection Act survival! They can keep extra food in this spot, and may also take crabs, snakes and., which affords some protection only 60 animals were being held. [ 31 ], there is little comparing...

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