Species · GBIF taxon 2433681
Giant Otter
Pteronura brasiliensisAlso known as Giant River Otter, Ariranha, Water Dog, Lobo de Río
Giant otters are highly social, vocal river-dwellers that rule the slow-moving waterways of South America in tightly knit family groups. They hunt cooperatively, using their keen eyesight and sensitive whiskers to detect fish, and can easily overpower large prey like caimans and anacondas. Their loud, complex vocabulary of hums, barks, and screams keeps the family coordinated as they patrol their territories.
SocialDiurnalSemiaquatic
Licensed referenceCharles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish, crabs, small caimans, and water snakes.
- family
- Mustelidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction, water pollution from mining, overfishing of prey, and illegal hunting.
- life Span
- About 10 to 13 years in the wild, up to 17 years in captivity.
EN
Highly territorial and capable of delivering severe bites; maintain a respectful distance from riverbanks.
Listed as Endangered due to severe habitat fragmentation, water pollution from gold mining, and disturbance from unregulated tourism.
Observe strictly from motorized boats at a distance, keeping noise levels low and never approaching campsites or dens.- Keep your distance: Maintain at least 50 meters of distance when observing from a boat to avoid causing stress.
- Listen for warnings: Retreat immediately if you hear loud, explosive snorts, which signal group alarm.
- Protect their dens: Avoid landing boats near clay banks where active nesting burrows are located.