The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. 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 … See more The giant otter has a handful of other names. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tupí word ari'raña, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: onça-d'água). In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de río) and water dog ( See more The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the … See more The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 … See more The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Two subspecies … See more The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, … See more Habitat The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, … See more Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a … See more WebNov 10, 2024 · Giant otters are members of the Mustelidae weasel family, which means they can grow to be as tall as 6 feet ( 1.8 meters) in length. Adult males typically weigh …
Otterly Fascinating Science Smithsonian Magazine
WebJul 31, 2024 · Located mainly in Brazil, it’s home to a number of iconic species – like the giant otter, an enormous member of the weasel family that can grow to an amazing 1.8 … WebJun 2, 2024 · Giant river otters are highly social animals and live in extended family groups ranging from two to 20 members but on average between four and eight. The head of the group is a monogamous pair ... siue business school
Mustelidae - Wikipedia
WebAug 6, 2024 · The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is an otter belonging to the weasel family Mustelidae. They are active predators with long bodies and short legs. They are … WebIn 1978, a group of giant otters attacked a Brasília policeman at the city’s zoo. The off-duty sergeant tried to rescue a child who had fallen into an enclosure containing an otter family and pups. WebApr 13, 2024 · Three giant otter pups were recently born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in the United Kingdom, a big win for the endangered species. The triplets were born on March 27. siue cheerleading