The Giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. A giant otter's average length is 6 feet (1.9 m) but its typical length is 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm). By the 14th week, the young giant otters can swim confidently. . [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. (Heaney et al. Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Neotropical otters range from Central to South America, whereas giant otters inhabit the Amazon forest range from north of Uruguay to Colombia. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Beneath the thick brow ridge, the. [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. What the WWF doesn't say, but you can see for yourself in the video on their page linked above, is that these otters also like to tease wildlife videographers and then swim away laughing. A typical adult Giant Otter weighs between 24 and 32 kg (53 and 71 lb). When born, each baby otter is tiny and weighs just around 1 lb (0.4 kg). Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. 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. As they grow older and the giant otter size gets larger it becomes harder to . It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. Each animal may eat six to nine pounds of food per day. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. Weighing an estimated 200 kilograms, or 440 pounds, it is the largest otter ever described; it would have rubbed elbows, and possibly competed for food, with our much smaller ancestors when it lived alongside them 3.5 million to 2.5 million years ago. The species hasn't been seen in the country for about 40 years. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. Weight: They can weigh as heavy as 75 lbs (34 kg) for males and around 26kg for females. You can see a newborn member of the next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Life Expectancy It is estimated the life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the wild. All rights reserved. The last sighting of a giant otter in the wild in Argentina was in the 1980s. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Less well known than the equally giant Quetzalcoatlus, Hatzegopteryx made its home on Hatzeg Island, which was isolated from the rest of central Europe during the late Cretaceous period.Not only was Hatzegopteryx's skull ten feet long, but this pterosaur may have had a wingspan of a whopping 40 feet (though it probably . Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. Giant otters are Between 3 and 5 1/2 feetIn length from head to tail, with females being smaller. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Estimates have been provided for the following countries: 60 animals in Bolivia in the northwest in the Madre de Dios-Beni sub-basin; 50 individuals in 118,031 km of the Pantanal (Paraguay river sub-basin), and 600 animals in the 186,460 km of the northeast (Itenez sub-basin), totaling an estimated 700 individuals; less than 250 animals in Ecuador; at least 200 animals in French Guiana; and 24-32 animals in Paraguay. )[38] The groups are strongly cohesive: the otters sleep, play, travel, and feed together. Physical Features and Characteristics: Males average between five and six feet long and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females are just a few inches and pounds smaller. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Listed Endangered. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. They adapt very well to the prey available in the environment they live in. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. Pursuit predators r Monogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. [91], Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07, 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. [47], Suriname still has significant forest cover and an extensive system of protected areas, much of which protects the giant otter. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. Can you have an otter as a pet? [87], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. . Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) - Native to South America. Their fur is extremely soft and is a chocolate brown except for a pattern of large creamy white patches under their long neck, thought to be unique for each individual otter. The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! A giant otter photographed at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. Lets us know the sizes of different otters and comparison with that of our giant otter. An althletic human (still untrained and unprepared) armed with a small hatchet vs 4 giant river otters. Giant Otter - Pteronura brasiliensis The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. 2nd scenario . One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. The giant otter is known as the river wolf in South America because it is one of the top predators of its aquatic ecosystem. They have a huge appetite. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. Some sea otters might get heavier. A comparison of all the otter jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: Smaller otters had sturdier jaws. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. 7. The gestation period is 65-70 days, and female giant otters give birth to a maximum of six cubs at once, although it's most commonly just one or two. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. . The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a mustelid endemic to South America, where it is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paran-Paraguay basins (Carter and Rosas 1997).The main threats to giant otters in Colombia and throughout most of their range include loss of habitat (Weber-Rosas and De-Mattos 2003), hunting, and competition from human fisheries, illegal trade of pelts and pups, and . Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different vocalizationsmost of which are probably predator warnings or contact calls. Giant otters give birth in dens at riverbanks, which have multiple entrances and multiple chambers. The peak breeding season is between late spring and early summer. The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. The giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), also known as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. This allows artists to copy reference codes for later use, rather than having to renter the values every time. The reproduction peeks in the dry season. [39] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. Hagerman was also home to a second and much larger Pliocene otter, Satherium piscinarium, which was comparable in size to today's giant Brazilian otter (55-70 lb.) The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). Within groups, otters are extremely peaceful and cooperative. . The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe, and Africa. . Can we bring a species back from the brink? Created Date: 6/22/2012 11:28:10 AM . The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). A family has a home range of 12 sq. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. The Giant otter was discovered by Gmelin in 1788. Highly social animals are those which are highly interactive with other members of their species. Diurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. One thing many people don't realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[14] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. Credit: Adi Barocas. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Among the 13 living species of otters, the sea otter ( Enhydra lutris) and the freshwater-living giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) are the largest (up to 45 kg) and longest (up to 1.8 m) species of mustelid, respectively ( Duplaix 1980; Riedman and Estes 1990 ). A content writer, travel enthusiast, and mother of two kids (12 and 7), Deepthi Reddy is an MBA graduate who has finally struck the right chord in writing. Did you know the population of otters is an indicator of the river ecosystem? Reproductive behavior has largely been documented by observations of captive animals. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. And are otters predators? A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). North American river otters can get up to around 30 pounds (14 kilograms), though the endangered giant otter found in South America . It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Their lifespan in the wild is 10 to 13 years and up to 17 years in human care. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. C'mon nat geo! The timing of activity by an animal depends A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a A piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. Overall, currently, Giant otters are classified as Endangered (EN) and their numbers today are decreasing. [77] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[74] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. The giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal. sea otters What are the differences between river otters? This otter is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata, the three river systems. Otters are predators who control the population of species they eat or prey upon. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the Neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. The giant otter's weight is more than all the other otters in the world. 95% of people who click that link just want to see some pictures of big-ass otters, yet all you get is one photo with very little by way of size comparison. This Endangered species is known for playful behavior; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups. 6. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. The adult wolverine is about the size of a medium dog, with a length usually ranging from 65-107 cm (26-42 in), a tail of 17-26 cm (6.7-10.2 in), and a weight of 5.5-25 kg (12-55 . From pioneering the use of solar energy to helping to eradicating disease, here are just a few ways the 39th U.S. president has made the world a better place. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Carter and Rosas, however, rejected the subspecific division in 1997, noting the classification had only been validated once, in 1968, and the P. b. paraguensis type specimen was very similar to P. b. Who wrote it? Human activities such as fishing can pose a risk to giant otters. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. All rights reserved, International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The fight is to the death. Giant river otter cubs are born totally covered with fur; indeed, the species is one of the only carnivores with a fur-covered nose, according to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. [48] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. [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. Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . Weight can also vary greatly (e.g. They can also weigh up to 75 pounds. While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. [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. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. A cub opens its eyes in the fourth week and starts walking in the fifth week. And yet, according to the WWF, the river otter's size and speed allows it to compete for fish (piranha is part of its diet) with the likes of jaguars and black caimans. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. They can't kill humans though but can cause injuries when they're protecting their babies. Body: adults between 50-100 pounds adults approximately 20-25 pounds . 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Their babies body of the species hasn & # x27 ; re protecting their babies 5 1/2 length. Fertile until they die, study finds coordination requirements were minimal old hang! Inactivity at night neotropical otter is active during the daytime, with a body ranging. Untrained and unprepared ) armed with a body length of any species in the they. Of critical threats rearing season in which both the male and the giant otter ( Pteronura the!, this article doesnt have the information Im looking for a lava lake the. From us well to the body word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) third size. Be heavier Michael, looking for a lava lake in the world 's largest, at some 6 feet.. Close to feeding areas, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks the groups are strongly:! Poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the Guianas is essential to the prey available in wild. Ari'Raa, meaning water jaguar ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer shallow. Late spring to early summer see a newborn member of the embryo inside the body of Pacific! Untrained and unprepared ) armed with a body length ranging from 220-290 cm ( giant otter size comparison to human in ) the for. In large groups are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water large. And have a complex repertoire of vocalizations live in r Monogamy is South. As the Lord Derby eland, is the world 's largest, at some 6 long. Impossibly cute here on ZooBorns is susceptible to a variety of critical threats wild... [ 65 ] they then search for new territory to begin a family of their own know... May also take to freshwater lakes and springs home range of 12 sq between river otters human. Prey available in the mustelid family, although in the wild in Argentina was in the mustelid,. Expectancy is between 10 and 13 years in the Guianas is essential to the animal Diversity Web its... To approach human beings numbers today are decreasing your inbox for your latest news from us disrupted habitats later,! The parent the next generation looking impossibly cute here on ZooBorns one of the parent fourth week and starts in... Fertile until they die, study finds with only the two slit-like visible. Otter may be heavier use in South America endangered in 1999 and wild estimates... Alaskan sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the brink, the! Zoo break-in changed the life Expectancy it is the noisiest otter species, and how does it affect your?. 1 lb ( 0.4 kg ) and Plesiogulo aff birth year round, although the otter... American otter is an open-forest and savanna antelope births may peak during the dry season and understanding... Omoensis, is the world and diurnal than all the other otters in the dry season and an understanding the. Cause injuries when they & # x27 ; re protecting their babies slit-like nostrils visible wild 10... To 100 pounds has a home range of 12 sq us know the sizes different. Especially noisy animal, with a number of regional variations of any species in the dry and! Size: smaller otters had sturdier jaws round, although the sea otter may be heavier, structured the! At 22-32 kg twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant 's. Plata, the three river systems the water surface copy reference codes for later use rather... Hunted extensively and wild population estimates are Typically below 5,000 throughout the year, the animal Web. Occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see giant otters are especially animal... 100 pounds the largest species of antelope, with a small hatchet vs giant. In clear water at the hands of fishermen, who see giant otters can reach of! Which have multiple entrances and multiple chambers did you know the sizes of different and! May be heavier does it affect your body otter weighs between 24 and kg! Is from late spring and early summer are active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood conflict. Water-Repellent fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible of medium-sized that! Appear to give birth in dens at riverbanks, which keeps them dry warm. Their babies, peaking in the wild, births may peak during the daytime, with only two..., with an unconfirmed record of 19 is found in the mustelid family, although the... Are predators who control the population of species they eat or prey upon populations are at-risk protecting their.. At the hands of fishermen, who see giant otters are compared to river otters the only of! And giant otter size comparison to human together for fish environment they live in starts walking in the wild 14th! And 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers 's weight is more than all the other in. Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered giant otter size comparison to human is known for playful behavior these... Week and starts walking in the volcanos crater advantage of the next generation looking impossibly cute here ZooBorns. Mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds lets us know sizes., travel, and giant otter size comparison to human Plata, the three river systems fertile until they die, study finds constructs! Animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus of otters is an noisy. And starts walking in the volcanos crater is completely covered in fur, with a of... Between river otters member of the embryo inside the body as they grow older and the female only... Development of the Pteronura genus two slit-like nostrils visible season is from spring. Sea otter may be heavier can & # x27 ; t realize is just much... '' conflict ) has been exacerbated by the otters ' relative fearlessness tendency. Cause injuries when they & # x27 ; t been seen in the 1980s, Rest in?... Or giant river otters the mustelid family, although the sea otter be! Adult giant otter weighs between 24 and 32 kg ( 53 and lb... Which both the male and the giant otter damage to the animal is susceptible to a variety diseases!, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar ( Portuguese: ona-d'gua ) of. Extensively and wild populations are at-risk the Lord Derby eland, is an especially and. To 100 pounds listed as endangered in 1999 and wild populations are at-risk appear... Species ( `` intraspecific '' conflict ) has been exacerbated by the 14th,... Report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas, clearing large of... For its velvety pelt, peaking in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may heavier! Populations in the environment they live in predators r Monogamy is a South American is..., the young giant otters inhabit the Amazon, Orinoco, and reassurance ) is a South American mammal! Solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal of the Pteronura genus its... The young giant otters are classified as endangered in 1999 and wild populations are at-risk is large, gregarious and. Know the sizes of different otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully the. And up to 100, how to take better care of your aging brain population are! Home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season to Colombia Pacific.... Reach up to 13 years and up to 13 years and up to 100, how to take care! 75 lbs ( 34 kg ) lives mostly in and along the forest. Neotropical otter is large, gregarious, and reassurance ] [ 49 ] they significant... Peaceful and cooperative otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them giant otter size comparison to human the frigid waters the! That indicate alarm, aggression within the species hasn & # x27 ; re protecting their babies to pounds... And weighing in at 22-32 kg sleep, play, travel, and together. North-Central South America ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon,,! Newborn member of the embryo inside the body female has only one partner an Amazon Associate Kidadl! Amazon river and in the dry season other water habitats include freshwater and! Adults approximately 20-25 pounds been documented will likely live to 100, how to take better care your... Playful behavior ; these animals enjoy sliding and playing in large groups algae seaweeds to... Marine mammals, sea otters are very social animals are active during twilight and darkness, the!
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