International Union for Conservation of Nature, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (, "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. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. RIVER OTTER FACT SHEET . About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Your Go-to Guide for a Winter Day at the Zoo, What's New at the Smithsonians National Zoo This Summer. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. [57][58][37][59], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. Otters are the largest member of the weasel family weighing up to 30 lbs. Derek Balmas of Franklinville was. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. River otters are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and can typically be seen "playing" in a stream, river, or alongside the banks of a waterway. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. This ancient otter weighed as much as an adult lion. Air trapped within the dense fur provides superb insulation in icy waters. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). To him, that's just more evidence of . Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. but averaging 15 to 19 lbs . The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. Discovery Company. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. Are you a hunter? River otters are incredible swimmers. Learn more. Otters primarily feed on fish and aquatic organisms including crayfish, frogs, and other miscellaneous animals. Published REWILDING ARGENTINA'S SCIENTISTS REDISCOVERED A SPECIES THOUGHT TO BE EXTINCT IN THE COUNTRYThe latest confirmed records of giant river otter family groups i. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Provided it survives its first year of life, a typical North American river otter will live to the age of 12, with some surviving longer. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. ), with a maximum recorded length of 240 cm (94 in. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. [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 can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. [55] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Although no studies have been conducted on the total number of Eurasian otters left in the world . [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Hahn is a graduate student at Ohio State University, which is one of the institutional partners in the otter research project, along with the forest preserve district, the Cook County Department of Animal and . It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. He grabbed his camera and then got a video of the otters head bobbing out of the water. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). 2023 Cable News Network. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. In comparison, river otters can be found in fresh, brackish, or salt water, and can travel overland for . North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Its dense fur coat is prized by trappers. [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include remains of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. [21] It differs from the Eurasian otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. A river otter is a member of the weasel family that enjoys water. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . In the wild state, female sea otters normally have a life-span of 15-20 years, and males 10-15 years. They are found at the top of the food chain, and there is some evidence that their birth rates are reduced when pollution levelsincluding toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural wastesbuild up. 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. Enhydriodon Omoensis: The Largest Otter Ever The largest . 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. 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. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. North American river otters ( Lontra canadensis) can grow up to four feet from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail and weigh up to 30 pounds. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that . [53] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. The river otter ( Lontra canadensis) is a key bio-indicator of the health of our environment as they sit at the top of this water-based food chain. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the Eurasian otter, which does not do this. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. Usually when I see something like that, its a muskrat or a mink, which are much more common in this area., How otters and beavers returned to one of the world's greatest golf courses. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. River otters are North America's only otter species. First announced in October 2021 after receiving a $200,000 grant, the fly-in, fly-out habitat is designed to be an urban refuge for migrating waterfowl like geese, ducks or any other aquatic bird. They also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. [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. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). They weigh about 4to 6ounces (113 to 170 grams) at birth and measure 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters). [48][49] 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. Let's meet the 440-pound otter, the largest otter that ever lived. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. Oil would coat their fur and they couldnt thermoregulate and keep warm, so they died.. We thought were next, Detroit River is next, he said. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. These otters are frequently observed playing and sliding together. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, "Giant River Otter Believed to be Extinct Has Been Spotted in Argentina", "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", "WWF welcomes Latin America's largest freshwater protected area", "Estudio preliminar sobre el estado de conservacin de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inrida (Bajo ro Inrida) Guaina, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, "Observations on the ecology and behavior of the giant river otter, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=1150316722, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 12:48. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", Assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1149392550, This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 23:15. [90] 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. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. The European River Otter shares similar sleeping habits, spending most of the day sleeping in undergrowth or the holes which are their dens. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. (Lutra canadensis) River otters are sometimes mistaken for their much larger seagoing cousin, the sea otter. Otters are most often confused with mink that live on land and muskrats that live in water. [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. Habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations had declined throughout large portions their. 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