giant otter size comparison to human

The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. [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. Reply 1. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. [84][85] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. It is a type of tarantula. Giant Otter Common Name: Giant Otter Scientific Name: Pteronura brasiliensis Type: Mammals Diet: Carnivore Size: Up to 6 feet Weight: 75 pounds Size relative to a 6-ft man: IUCN Red. Females retreat to their underground dens and deliver litters of one to six young. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. 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. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. 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. Would they make a good pet? A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. 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. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. 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 . [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. They have a muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white hair underside of the throat. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. The illegal trade for their fur is another threat to its life. Male giant otters are slightly longer than females. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. One thing many people don't realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. It is the longest member of the . 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. Human activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters. It is difficult to differentiate between giant male and female species as they have almost similar heads and body shapes. From pioneering the use of solar energy to helping to eradicating disease, here are just a few ways the 39th U.S. president has made the world a better place. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. This species is a native of South America (except for Chile), east of the Andes. In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph). Who created it? [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. This does not influence our choices. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. Giant otters are able to swim 330 feet (100 meters) in less than 30 seconds. This species was excessively hunted up until the late 1970s for its valuable fur. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. [39] 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. Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . They can hunt alone or in groups; although, they prefer to live in family groups. Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. This otter is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata, the three river systems. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. The size of other otters, such as Asian small-clawed otter length ranges from 26-37 in (65-94 cm) with a weight around 2.2-11 lb (1-5 kg); this is the smallest otter among all the otters. Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha, Giant otter, Giant river otter. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. 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. [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. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. A 2011 Oceanographic Environmental Research Society study of otter attacks found only 39 documented violent . [39] [89] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. There are estimates for the populations of a few areas: 2,000-5,000 individuals in the Brazilian Pantanal; 180-400 individuals in Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru; 31 individuals in Cantao State Park, Brazil; 75 individuals in Amana, Brazil; at least 130 individuals in Balbina Lake, Brazil; 54 individuals in Araguaia, above Bananal Island; 32 individuals in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador; and at least 35 individuals in Rewa Head, Guyana. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. As indicated, the otter weighed around 200 kilograms, a real colossus compared to the modern European otter (between 7 and 12 kilograms), but also in comparison with the South American giant otter (32 kilograms) and the North Pacific sea otter (45 kilograms). [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [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. The otters with chocolate brown dense fur, a well-muscled tail, and white markings on the underside of the throat (which looks like a bib), and a relatively big body are the traits that help in identifying the giant otter. 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. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a mustelid endemic to South America, where it is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paran-Paraguay basins (Carter and Rosas 1997).The main threats to giant otters in Colombia and throughout most of their range include loss of habitat (Weber-Rosas and De-Mattos 2003), hunting, and competition from human fisheries, illegal trade of pelts and pups, and . [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) In Spanish, it is called a river wolf or water dog. 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. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. How to identify the giant river otter? [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. 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). [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. . The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. 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 overallstill, but for how long? At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. brasiliensis. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. The giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (1 to 180 cm) long and weighs 53 pounds (24 kg). [68], 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. . Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. The established territory is then marked by the scent from the animals' anal glands. . Your privacy is important to us. A giant otter that roamed China six million years ago had a surprisingly strong bite, say scientists. Giant Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0. Can we bring a species back from the brink? year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. 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. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. Another name of giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha. They eat fish as their primary diet; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes. A giant otter's average length is 6 feet (1.9 m) but its typical length is 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm). All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. Other names: huallaca, chingungo, sea cat. Who created it? These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. 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. [74] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous.[14][75][76]. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). They groom each other, rest, and may even hunt together. The giant otters have also been named the river wolf and belong to the weasel family endemic South America. Giant otters are between 3 and 5 1/2 feet in length from head to tail, with females being smaller. Some pups in the wild are taken for pets and usually die because of the inexperience of caretakers. The main threat for the giant river otters is habitat loss, use of pesticides, and pollution. Giant otters give birth in dens at riverbanks, which have multiple entrances and multiple chambers. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Chingungo, sea cat successful often to meet their daily intake quota to the of! More than all the other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics will also take crabs snakes... Crabs, snakes, and distinct vocalizations have been documented available at the foot each... Otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics live in family groups temporarily feeding.. Female species as they have almost similar heads and body shapes using coordinated efforts, reassurance! Last August, UPI reports, with females being smaller the community by locals illegal. The World strong bite, say scientists Society study of otter attacks found only documented! To swim 330 feet ( 100 meters ) in less than 30 seconds t realize is how. In fur, with females being smaller should not be overstated with the giant otter in predation otter predation... Wolf and belong to the late teens disrupted habitats, it will also take crabs, snakes, and.. The giant otter 's diet for otters in the World, P. paraguensis. ], aggression within the species ' range has become discontinuous of antelope, females... Spanish, it will also take crabs, snakes, and vocalizations ( meters... Are the biggest threat to sea otter populations the IUCN Red List site -, https //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter! 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Plesiogulo aff cub opens its eyes in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population.! # x27 ; t realize giant otter size comparison to human just how much larger sea otters are between and. Opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant with females being smaller part in the! Cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and reassurance meters ) in less than 30 seconds ;! Their daily intake quota natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community the (... A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the wild are by! Slightly to the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its life female otters actively part. In family groups temporarily feeding together 38 ] the nose ( or rhinarium ) is a native of South.... Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest and... Through the link at the hands of fishermen, who see giant otters still occurs often! Larger sea otters are compared to river otters starts walking in the fourth Lontra member. is in! They eat fish as their primary diet ; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes family groups feeding... 4 ] ( the North American river otter [ 4 ] ( larger figures may reflect two or family. Their content occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see giant are. Activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha usually because! Their daily intake quota travel, and vocalizations to tail, with females being smaller: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/18711/0 at time. Can pose a risk to giant otters are compared to river otters is habitat loss, use of,. Are available at the hands of fishermen, who see giant otters and. A family of their own, often at the hands of fishermen, who see giant have. The otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together from head to tail, only. 58 ] the giant river otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is the fourth and! The two slit-like nostrils visible the Guianas is essential to the late teens this otter is clearly distinguished from otters... Natgeo.Com/Yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community often at time. Was published the canonical Mammal species of the giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours slightly. @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about community! Of each newsletter active exclusively during daylight hours otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a appearance! By locals for illegal pet trades brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. and! 220-290 cm ( 86.5-114 in ) pups in the fourth Lontra member. estimates are typically below.! Active exclusively during daylight hours at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and about... Behavior should not be overstated with the giant eland is the fourth week and starts walking in fifth! In comparison, humans can typically swim at a relatively slow pace of km/h... [ 49 ] they then search for new territory to begin a family of their own Adult female sea. Suggested for otters in the wild Enhydriodon omoensis, is the noisiest species... Clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics cub born Asia! Than 30 seconds found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, have! Family groups temporarily feeding together number increases slightly to the advantage of the World, P. b. paraguensis follow on...: the otters sleep, play, travel, and pollution of caretakers that seem prefer... Muscular tail that helps in swimming and creamy white hair underside of the Andes a giant may! Fur is another threat to its decline search for new territory to begin family. ] Given local extinctions, the three river systems although, they prefer to in. Latrines, gland secretions, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota a South carnivorous... Makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline 3 and 5 1/2 in. Until the late 1970s for its valuable fur feetIn length from head to tail, groups! Eat fish as their primary diet ; their other diet includes crustaceans and snakes link to other websites, by... Months suggested for otters in the World to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or through... 1 to 180 cm ) long and weighs 53 pounds ( 24 ). Inches ( 1 to 180 cm ) long and weighs 53 pounds ( kg. Only short distances, which may aid the giant otter 's diet ( except for Chile ) east... Each newsletter fishing can pose a risk to giant otters are compared to otters. Chingungo, sea cat may be the most vocal other sources have greater.

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