3. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. With a footprint that is often bigger than a human hand, the giant river otter is the largest of the world’s 13 otter species, reaching six feet in length and weighing up to 70 pounds. The least weasel can be under a foot in length, while the giant otter of Amazonian South America can measure up to 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) and sea otters can exceed 45 kg (99 lb) in weight. With only small litters, a high mortality rate among cubs and a late age of sexual maturity, Giant Otters are struggling to re-establish their former numbers. The devastating effects of the pelt trade have meant that Giant Otter populations are taking a long time to recover. By continuing to use the site you consent to our Privacy Policy. As well as sound signals, Giant Otters leave scent marks as important territory signs, particularly around their latrines. She is currently studying for an MA in Travel and Nature Writing at Bath Spa University and uses her blog to share her writing and photography and raise awareness of British wildlife. and weighing just 1 to 5 kg (2.2–11 lb.). A Guide to Amazon Rainforest Tours in Peru, Protecting Snow Leopards – Q&A on Snow Leopard Conservation in India, local wildlife specialists offering Giant Otter tours here, Saving Australia’s Smaller Wildlife After the Bushfires, Feiten over Spanje voor de Nederlandse natuurliefhebber, Bird Conservation Stories from Spain Flying High, Birding Costa Rica for the Serious Birder, Birding in Peru: Where to Go and the Best Times to Visit. A comparison of the cranium size of the newly discovered ancient otter with other otter species. Giant Otters are also victims of poaching, overfishing, entrapment in fishing nets and habitat destruction from industries such as logging. Once they have hunted successfully, Giant Otters bring their prey to a “picnic area” to eat straight away. 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). 26 giant river otter sites in this reserve during the flooded season, either dens or campsites. The investigation involves studying water quality, taking sediment samples and assessing the scope of mercury contamination in the study area. They are notorious for body surfing down snowy hills. So, as you find with other otter species, keeping an eye out for a flat rock near the water that is covered in fish scales can give a clue to there being Giant Otters about. The family group hunts together, but each individual catches its own prey. A male Giant Otter is considerably bigger than its cousin the European Otter – three-quarters of a metre longer, nose to tail, and almost three times the weight. It has been studied that they can have up to 9 different type of vocalizations.Their fur is a dark brown with a white/beige patch that extends from its jaw line to its chest. An important area for Giant Otters is the Madre de Dios region in Peru. Unlike other otter species, males and females are similar sizes. So, before you go, here’s everything you need to know about what makes Giant Otters so special. These otters are the first to return to Argentina since the species was wiped out there. A male Giant Otter is considerably bigger than its cousin the European Otter – three-quarters of a metre longer, nose to tail, and almost three times the weight. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. The wolverine can crush bones as thick as the femur of a moose to get at the marrow, and has been seen attempting to drive bears away from their kills. 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