Lobo de Rio (the River wolf), Los Lobos del Rio (Wolves of the River), Ariranha. The giant otter is the longest of all the otter species, with a length of 6 ft (1.8m), including the tail, and a weight of 76 lbs (34 kg). This species does not store food. They can open their eyes after 1 month and start to regularly follow their parents out of the den. This program cooperatively manages specific, and typically threatened or endangered populations. Tail is 18-26 inches long. These hand-reared giant otters were killed by people (3 known, 2 presumed) or other giant otters (5), including one male otter that remained at Karanambu for several years. Made in USA. The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioral characteristics. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds (34 kg); females top weight is around 65 pounds (29.5 kg). ORIGIN: South America. Reproductive maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. Their muzzle is blunt and sloping; neck is muscular and long. The Sea Otters, which are the heaviest Otter species in the world, weigh somewhere around 20 kgs, which is the closest Otters have ever come to Beavers in weight. A giant otter will consume roughly 3kg (7lb) – about 10% – of its body weight per day. Senses: Giant otters have very good vision. 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). Size: The largest of the 13 otter species, males can reach nearly six feet (1.8 m) in length while females measure 4.5 feet (1.4 m). River otters eat 15% to 20% of their total body weight each day. The Giant Otter can reach up to 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, and weigh 76 lb (34 kg) in weight. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. LENGTH. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar ((Template:Lang-pt). The giant otter has a handful of other names. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Communication: A variety of vocalizations are used to communicate among Giant otters. 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. The females are smaller and weigh only 57-60 lbs (26-27 kg). It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. All three names ar… Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. 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. 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. This type of species has short fur of all otter species. 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. For that reason they are often mistaken for another type of animal. They are seen within the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata River systems and are found in slow-moving streams and rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, as well as flooded forest during the rainy season. Sizeable burrows are then built under fallen logs. This species is the largest among all the species of otters in the world, (sea otters , with their more compact body, can weigh considerably more).The males reach a total length of 1.5 to 1.8 m and a weight between 26 and 32 kg.As for females they usually measure 1.5 to 1.7 m in length and can weigh between 22 and 26 kg. Giant Otters are the largest mustelid and they are similar to a very large river otter. This fur is densely packed so that no water can penetrate through to the skin. Diet: Giant otters mainly eat fish (piscivores) but frogs, snakes, crabs and crayfish may also be eaten, with each eating six to nine pounds (three to four kilos) daily. Gestation lasts 65 to 70 days. of food daily. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. Giant otters produce 9 different vocalizations and are very loud. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds (34 kg); females top weight is around 65 pounds (29.5 kg). The giant otter has a great sense of smell, keen eyesight, and small ears. BODY: The feet of the Giant Otter are specially adapted for an amphibious lifestyle. Sexual maturity is attained at approximately two years of age. In fact, they eat around three kilograms of their body weight every single day! Length: Up to 6 ft. Giant Otter Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. Despite maintaining separate territories, Giant otters are highly social mammals. Since these otter hunt in packs, various non-vocal cues are used during the hunt or when defending their territory. The giant otter is the longest species in the mustelid family. Its total length, including the tail, can reach 2.7 m. Outwardly, it resembles a sea otter rather than a river otter. Some sea otters might get heavier. Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. They have an inner coat which is surrounded by guard hairs that keep the water off their actual coat. WEIGHT. Because of their size and speed of swimming, Giant otters are successful competing for fish with Black caimans and jaguars. A large male may consume as much as 11 kg (25 lb.) Many people find this particular Otter to be different in size and shape from others. 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 km² of the Pantanal (Paraguay river sub-basin), and 600 animals in the in 186,460 km² 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. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. HABITAT: Rainforest rivers and creeks. Their coat is a dark brown color with creamy white markings on their chest. The average weight of a Beaver is about 22 kgs, while Otters usually weigh between 7-11 kgs. This species is diurnal and lives together in family groups numbering 5-8 individuals. Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. The established territory is then marked by scent from the animals' anal glands. km. The giant river otter is the longest member of the Mustelidae or weasel family. Giant otters have webbed legs and a long tail adapted for swimming. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. 22-32 kg. … Overall, currently Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and theirs numbers today are decreasing. 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