Giant River Otter Giant River Otter
Giant River Otter

Scientific Classification

Common Name
giant river otter, waterdog
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Mustelidae
Genus Species
Pteronura brasiliensis

Fast Facts

Description
Short coat appears brown when dry and a dark, shiny mocha when wet. Lips, chin, throat, and upper chest exhibit white blotches – which may merge into a single white "bib." Paws are large and webbed. Tail is thick at base and tapers to a dorsoventrally flattened end.
Size
Head & body length: 864 to 1,400 mm (34 to 55 in.)
Tail length: 330 to 1,000 mm (13 to 39 in.)
Weight
Male: 26- to 4 kg (57 to 75 lbs.)
Female:  22 to 26 kg (49 to 57 lbs.)
Diet
Fish and crabs
Incubation
65 to 70 days
Nursing Duration
Weaned at 3 to 4 months
Sexual Maturity
Approximately 2 years
Life Span
Approximately 14 years
Range
Historically, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, eastern Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina were included.
Habitat
Slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. Shows a particular preference for waterways with gently sloping banks and good cover.
Population
Global: Unknown
Status 
IUCN: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
USFWS: Endangered

Fun Facts

  1. Giant river otters are social, typically forming groups of 4 to 8 individuals (though congregations of up to 20 individuals have been observed). These groups generally maintain a home range of 12 km2 (4.6 mi2). This home range is regularly patrolled and marked (via the definitive anal glands typifying mustelids).
  2. Cubs are reared in a central den area (1.2 to 1.8 meters, 3.9 to 5.9 ft wide) which connects to an adjacent waterway via a tunnel or series of tunnels.
  3. Nine distinct vocalizations have been characterized, varying from screams of excitement to coos of recognition.
  4. To learn more about otters, explore the Otters Infobook.

Ecology and Conservation

The giant river otter has become rare or nonexistent over most of its range. This decline is largely due to habitat loss and commercial fur hunting. Though the fur trade is currently prohibited, hunting does continue.


Bibliography

Nowak, Ronald M. Walker's Mammals of the World - Volume I (Sixth Edition). Johns Hopkins University Press. 5(1):522-3.