How big is a South American river otter?
14 lbsAdult
Neotropical otter/Mass
What is the largest river otter?
Giant River Otter
Description. The Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), often referred to as the river wolf, is a species in the Mustelid (weasel) family that is endemic to South America. It is both the world’s largest otter and largest member of the mustelid family, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length.
Where are giant river otters located?
South America
Geographic Range. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America).
How many giant otters are left in South America?
Today they are found only in the most remote waters in tropical South America. Hunting for their luxuriant fur, along with habitat loss, has reduced their numbers to an estimated 2,000 to 5,000.
Would a giant river otter make a good pet?
While they appear cute and cuddly, it’s very difficult to keep them safe and secure. Otters need protected from illegal wildlife trade, but keeping them cooped up in close-quarters isn’t healthy for this species.
How can I help giant otters?
As with most endangered species, conserving the giant river otter means more than simply making sure its forests aren’t cut down explains Groenendijk: it means dealing with the artisanal, and often illegal, gold mining trade; education and awareness programs for people living near otter families; more research on the …
Do otters eat caiman?
The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans.
Are River Otters friendly?
While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. The FWC said river otters, which belong to the weasel family, are not typically considered a threat to humans.
Can I own a river otter?
The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet.
What is the Diet of a giant otter?
Each day the giant otter consumes between 3 and 4 kilograms (6-9lbs) of food. A major portion of this diet will consist of fish . A major portion of this diet will consist of fish. They also feed upon crustaceans, snakes , small caimans and anacondas .
Where does the giant otter live?
Giant Otter. This South American otter is the world’s largest, at some 6 feet long. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies.
What is the habitat of a giant river otter?
Habitat. The Giant River Otter lives along reaches of slow-moving rivers or creeks, especially in areas adjacent to wetlands like marshes and swamps [1]. Preferred habitat features include high banks for denning, thick vegetation and high fish densities [2,3].
Is the giant river otter endangered?
The Giant River Otter is classified as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List (2008) and has been included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species since 1973.