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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Characin Fish
- Catfish
- Spectacled Caiman
Predators
- Jaguar
- Black Caiman
- Green Anaconda
ThreatsHabitat destruction, water pollution from mining, overfishing of prey, and illegal hunting.
HabitatsSlow-flowing rivers, creeks, freshwater lakes, and flooded forests.
Life spanAbout 10 to 13 years in the wild, up to 17 years in captivity.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMustelidae
- SpeciesPteronura brasiliensis
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Highly territorial and capable of delivering severe bites; maintain a respectful distance from riverbanks.
- What to notice
- Look for a massive, chocolate-brown body, a flattened tail, and a unique, creamy-white throat patch.
- Support conservation
- Observe strictly from motorized boats at a distance, keeping noise levels low and never approaching campsites or dens.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Prey (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Charles J. Sharp , some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Sidnei Dantas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Sidnei Dantas · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Marshal Hedin from San Diego / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Jackson · cc0
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