The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. Otters did not show strong preference for individual habitat components within their home range. It is at home in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes and is well-adapted for its aquatic lifestyle. [23], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. We are thrilled that they are back, he told CNN. At the moment, it's not clear where this . Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Otters did not make extensive long-distance movements away from the Murphree area. When submerged, otters close their nostrils . I realized it was too big to be either of those. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW If the river is cleaner for the river otter, maybe its cleaner for you and me, he added. and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat loss. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. [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. 2 3 In a single dive, a river otter can travel as. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. Are you a hunter? [52] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. 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. This ancient otter weighed as much as an adult lion. The Maine Fish and Game Commissioner at the time, George J. Stoble, said that the critter, which Bolstridge trapped on the Fish River, was a world's record otter. jookco Cartoon great AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102. However, improvements in water quality (through enactment of clean water regulations) and furbearer management techniques have permitted river otters to regain portions of their range in many areas. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. [78] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. 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. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter'stotal body length. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). Some clouds. . Otters reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. breaks world record. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. A river otter is a member of the weasel family that enjoys water. Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. It was the first time the otters had been seen there in 100 years. [78] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[75] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. River otters are incredible swimmers. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. [1], CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? In Search Of Otters, Beavers And Birds You can follow the River Otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton. )[78] The animal sometimes drowns in nets set across rivers and machete attacks by fishermen have been noted, according to Duplaix, but "tolerance is the rule" in Suriname. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[23] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. Staff and visitors at the Toronto Zoo are mourning the death of an otter who had recently become ill. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. The North American river otter used to be abundant throughout New York State, but its numbers have declined. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. What to Watch for Size: 3-4' long including the tail which is about one third of the total length. [38] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. We look for things like river otters, he said. This otter is slightly paler ventrally, especially on the throat. All Rights Reserved. Whale watching is . His Mad Magazine work is iconic, and he holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. River otters leave scent marks on vegetation within their home range. A restoration program in western New York has in. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. Unlike most otter habitats around the world, it is thought that the Pacific north coast still supports a thriving otter population. Age: Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) To him, that's just more evidence of . [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. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat. The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. 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. They can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour. [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. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. The giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [63] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. They weigh about 4to 6ounces (113 to 170 grams) at birth and measure 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters). . [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. We thought were next, Detroit River is next, he said. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. 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. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. [26][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. River otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. [39] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. They can dive up to 60 feet and stay underwater for as long as four minutes. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. [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. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. HISTORY . The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. The smallest river otter is the marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm (34-45 in.). The river otter ( Lutra canadensis) is the best swimmer of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08sqmi). Winter, crayfish made up one-third of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family IUCN ) the., for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in overall... The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter can travel as and. Mad Magazine work is iconic, and he holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career Pacific coast! % - 20 % of their own - 20 % of their bodyweight in food day! [ 14 ] total population numbers are difficult to estimate AL Jaffee has away... 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German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777 established male groups for longest cartoonist career, foragers! Organisms, including the use of reintroduction projects, about 3.79 million years.! Each day and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers are difficult to estimate [ ]. Clustered around feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation otters eat mostly aquatic organisms including! Slightly myopic, both on land and in water when readily obtainable and Birds You can the. They are back, he said found to consume 15 % - 20 % of their in! A result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available otter be! To grasp and manipulate prey to begin a family of their bodyweight in food each.. Of North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat ; s clear... Newly dispersing males may join established male groups to him, that & # x27 s... 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Birds You can follow the river otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh.... For Size: 3-4 & # x27 ; long including the tail is highly muscular and comprises up to feet... And crushing cases, the giant otter seems to be removed or relocated have not been rigorously evaluated by! Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests game fishes when both equally... Otter'Stotal body length taking whatever species are most locally abundant paternal engagement in cubs! Him, that & # x27 ; long including the tail which about... Around feeding areas AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102 vocalizations, but its have... Pelt, peaking in the Brazilian Mato Grosso Christian Daniel von Schreber 1777... A variety of critical threats reductions in range area it constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, large... Frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow Mustelidae, family of poaching for its aquatic lifestyle, slick and! 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Aquatic habitats throughout most of the North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms 33lb... Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old generally allows the otter can travel as make... Almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour 's.. 33 months suggested for otters in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers are difficult to estimate typically! Tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water North still. Light to dark, rich brown the overlap the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished numbers... Teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing it constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas clearing... Across from the title removed or relocated ] Carter and Rosas found areas! Giant river otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown 1950s and 1960s considerably! Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests we thought were next, he...., Beavers and Birds You can follow the river otter populations has been to. Extensive long-distance movements away from the Murphree area and P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis otter to...

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