Review the size of the southern river otter's geographic range compared to other otters Determine how southern river otters are suited to their natural environment; Practice Exams. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. If conservationists know where the individuals and families live, enforcement of antipoaching laws, as well as focusing on maintaining and protecting their habitats, will be easier. And you definitely don’t want to mess with giant otters, just check out this clip below! Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. In its introduced range in Europe it has been classified as an invasive species linked to declines in European mink, Pyrenean desman, and water vole populations. River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while under water. Otters always wash themselves after every meal. Its fur is dark-brown on the top and has a lighter cinnamon color on its underside. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. In addition to being brown or black, they also feature some areas of light gold too. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. Their fur is thick a… In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. Dam and road construction, as well as stream canalization and drainage for agriculture destroy many acres of what could be habitat for this species. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. [3] Some invasive aquatic species that have been introduced into that area are limiting the mollusks and fish available for otter prey. They catch prey with their teeth. Habits. It is one of the driest regions in the country. Sea otters are streamlined marine mammals, which look like a larger, fluffier, version of their freshwater cousins, river otters. of food daily. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. This is due to the fact that the conditions they live under could be compromised easily and that could lead to a significant reduction in their numbers in very little time. They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). Darren Tansley, River Catchment Coordinator at Essex Wildlife Trust, says, 'By the mid-1950s otters started to become badly affected by pollution in the watercourses, among other pressures. One survey in particular was performed to determine if any of this species live within these protected areas. By land and by sea. The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. Modern efforts in sea otter conservation began in the early 20th century, when the sea otter was nearly extinct due to large-scale commercial hunting. Japanese otter (Lutra nippon). Southern sea otter has a high metabolic rate that is about 2.5 times greater than that of terrestrial animals. The adjacent national parks Vicente Pérez Rosales and Puyehue National Park in Chile, and Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lanín National Park in Argentina, provide a continuous protected area of close to 15,000 km2 (5,792 sq mi). A highly distinctive and emblematic feature is its alerce forest; the globally threatened alerce tree is the second longest living tree species in the world. The American mink is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to North America, though human intervention has expanded its range to many parts of Europe and South America. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. Search for an endangered species profile. Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. In the United States Otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. As they swim, their slightly flattened tail steers them through the water like a rudder on a boat, which gives the otters excellent control over their movements. Metabolism. The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels, and ferrets, and are by far the loudest member of the group.Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3-10 individuals that hunt together. Human settlements are mainly near water supplies such as rivers or oases. This otter can dive to 300 feet in search of food. These results suggest having shoreline vegetation for cover is vital for their survival. It is endangered in some parts of its range, but is recovering in others. Its landscapes represent the north Patagonian Andean Zone consisting of three types, namely, the Altoandino, the Andino-Patagónico and the Patagonian steppe. They come in many sizes. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. It is also known as neotropical river otter, a long-tailed otter. Aquatic and semiaquatic mammals are a diverse group of mammals that dwell partly or entirely in bodies of water. A river otter in England. In the United States Otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. In 2012 IUCN uplisted the species from Endangered to Critically Endangered. Body weight averages about 5–10 kg (11-22 lbs). [5] The results showed signs of the southern river otter were found in 32 of the 275 surveyed sites within the three parks. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. The marine otter only lives in saltwater, coastal environments and rarely ventures into freshwater or estuarine habitats. Southern River Otters feed on fish, mollusks, crustaceans and birds. This saltwater exclusivity is unlike most other otter species, except for the almost fully aquatic sea otter of the north Pacific. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. Their diets include fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and birds. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. Males are larger in size than females (see phot In Oregon, River otters are mostly found west of the Cascade Range but have been found in eastern Klamath County and in Deschutes, Wallowa, and Malheur counties. In 2014, a study of giant otters found that the river-dwellers … It is physically similar to the northern and southern river otter, which occur directly north and south of this species' range. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. Several surveys and studies have been performed on the southern river otter to better understand its declining population numbers to be able to prevent the species from becoming extinct. They include the Southern River Otter, Hairy Nosed Otter, Giant Otter, and the India Smooth Coated Otter. Subspecies There are no subspecies of the Southern River Otter. (Image credit: U.K. The river otter is agile in water and on land, in fact there are two different names for a group of otters - a raft of otters if they are in the water, and a romp of otters if they are on land. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. The southern river otter prefers estuaries, rivers, and lakes with fresh water for its habitat. River otters belong to the weasel family. They’re semi-aquatic mammals, which means that they need both land and water habitat to survive. Methods of Collecting Food. This is good news for conservation efforts due to the fact that cross genus cloning efforts have come a long way in recent years. Sea otters also have thick, brown fur that insulates them against the … The scientific name means "otter cat", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat". Adults can reach an average body length of 22 to 28 inches with a tail length of 14 to 18 inches. Social groups are generally composed of the female and her offspring. Identification Hallo! This national park covers about 2,530 km2 (977 sq mi) and is almost entirely in the Andes mountain chain. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. Semiaquatic freshwater taxa include the Baikal seal, which feeds underwater but rests, molts, and breeds on land; and the capybara and hippopotamus which are able to venture in and out of water in search of food. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. The forests are named after the city of Valdivia. Captive breeding programs would also be beneficial for this species, to later reintroduce individuals into the areas where they were previously found in. River otters can dive to a depth of 60 feet. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. River otters eat 15% to 20% of their total body weight each day. The continual decrease in prey numbers also causes problems for the southern river otter. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. Deforestation and over-grazing around these settlements have caused desertification. It grows to about 32 cm (13 in) in length, and is black and white in color. Baby otters are called pups. Check out our Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Smooth coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) Hairy nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana) Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Biological/outstanding features. They swim using their webbed paws as flippers, and for added speed they will undulate the torso like a dolphin. Species: Neotropical, Southern River, Marine and Giant Otter. Body weight ranges from 5–15 kilograms (11–33 lb). A giant otter … They are highly adaptable animals so as long as they have access to enough food and water they can thrive. By 1911, hunting for the animal's luxurious fur had reduced the sea otter population to fewer than 2000 individuals in the most remote and inaccessible parts of its range. The Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. It is found in Chile and Argentina. The southern river otter can be found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats, but are mostly found in freshwater lakes and rivers having a significant amount of dense vegetation, especially along the shorelines, which must be present to use as cover. After an absence of more than a century, its range is again extending into southern Minnesota. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. Large river otter (Lontra provocax). It is considered extinct. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Southern Sea Otter. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). Otters are very social creatures. ... River otters can swim at a speed of 11 kilometers per hour and sea otters swim at a speed of 9 kilometers per hour. She has worked with the endangered Ethiopian wolf, the Serengeti cheetah and the Atlantic salmon. River Otter (Lutra canadensis)What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. 10 facts about the giant river otter: The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! While otters completely disappeared from the rivers of most of central and southern England in just 50 years, their future now looks much brighter. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. River Otters. These propel them through the water at high speeds to help them hunt. Males are larger in size than females (see photos). This species has been exterminated from much of its range in Chile by hunting. People also call it North American river otter. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The Marine Otter is declining with important populations on Isla Catchagua in central Chile and Chiloe island to the south. There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). It surrounds Nahuel Huapi Lake in the foothills of the Patagonian Andes. games and coloring pages! The sea otter was once abundant in a wide arc across the North Pacific ocean, from northern Japan to Alaska to Mexico. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. The author surveyed three parks in Argentina: Lanin, Puelo, and Los Alerces National Parks. The hooded grebe, is a medium-sized grebe found in the southern region of Argentina. Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4 m in length. It lives in both saltwater and freshwater environments. They feature hair that is very dense. Otter and Human Relationship Humans have hunted otters since the 1700s. The alerce forests in the park are in an excellent state of conservation. Its western boundary coincides with the Chilean border. The southern river otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. The Northern River Otter is found both in Canada and the United States. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. They tend … In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. The length of the neotropical otter can range from 36–66 centimetres (14–26 in), plus a tail of 37–84 centimetres (15–33 in). They have four legs to move easily on land, and a long tail to swim through the water. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. They used a lot of methods to hunt otters. River otters and giant otters hunt by using their vibrissae to detect movements of prey in the water. The giant otter is the biggest, the most dangerous, the deadliest. A large male may consume as much as 11 kg (25 lb.) River otters (Lontra canadensis) are now found throughout most of Indiana, thanks to efforts of the DNR and its partners.In 1995, the DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and southern Indiana. The riparian forests and rivers in which these otters are mostly found have been disturbed by human presence. Breeding may occur in July and August, and the female gives birth to up to 4 pups after a gestation period of 60 days. It is know population in freshwater habitats are confined to seven isolated areas between Cautin and Futaleufu. Interesting Facts Breeding After a gestation period of approximately 2 months, Southern River Otters give birth to 1 - 4 cubs. The main cause of decline is loss of habitat and hunting for its fur. Breeding After a gestation period of approximately 2 months, Southern River Otters give birth to 1 - 4 cubs. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents, Eight Inexpensive Ways You Can Help Endangered Species. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Such areas can be made more attractive to otters by establishing “otter havens,” where river banks are planted-up and kept free from human disturbance. The south Andean deer, also known as the southern guemal, Chilean huemul or güemul, is an endangered species of deer native to the mountains of Argentina and Chile. The river otter food chain includes many types of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic plants and roots, eggs, and some small mammals and birds. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss. The level of dependence on aquatic life varies greatly among species. The first is that they have incredibly powerful little legs. The head is broad and somewhat flat with small ears and a powerful, well defined muzzle framed by very long, highly sensitive whiskers, called vibrissae. This offers a chance at re-population, if worst comes to worst. Although called a "river otter", it inhabits both marine and freshwater environments. Southern river otter range The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a type of otter. It lives in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis. You will notice that they have extremely long whiskers as well. This article is only an excerpt. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are perfect for diving and swimming. The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss. Los Alerces National Park is located in the Andes in Chubut Province in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Review the size of the southern river otter's geographic range compared to other otters Determine how southern river otters are suited to their natural environment; Practice Exams. The viability of the small remaining population is an outstanding concern to researchers. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), also known as California sea otters, were listed as threatened in 1977 under the Endangered Species Act. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. The American mink is a carnivore that feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and birds. They include the Southern River Otter, Hairy Nosed Otter, Giant Otter, and the India Smooth Coated Otter. At this point, only seven known populations of this species are found throughout Chile and Argentina, and all of the populations are isolated from each other. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. Among freshwater taxa, the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins are completely aquatic and fully dependent on aquatic ecosystems. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. Are you inspired by endangered animals? Predators Humans are the only known predators of the Southern River Otter. List of all endangered species (animals & plants). This is the major cause of their current low population numbers and endangered conservation status. Would you like to receive a notice and link when the Interesting Facts The mink was introduced into this area and is thought to compete with the southern river otter for food resources and habitat space. They are not a taxon and are not unified by any distinct biological grouping, but rather their dependence on and integral relation to aquatic ecosystems. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. River otters are long-bodied, well-muscled animals, with relatively short legs, five webbed toes on all four feet, (most carnivores have 4 toes on the rear foot), and a long flat tail used as a rudder in the water. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here.Read on to learn about the otter. The marine otter is a rare and relatively unknown South American mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae). It is threatened by habitat loss. Amphibious, muscular river otters swim gracefully and quickly underwater to catch prey, and they can run on land. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. River otter reaches a length of … The Valdivian Coastal Range has a healthy population on the Marine otte… Northern River Otter, North American River Otter, Canadian Otter, Common Otter, North American Otter, Northern American River Otter, River Otter Southern river otters were vigorously hunted for their pelts throughout the last 100 years. Southern river otters, Lontra provocax, are only found in central and southern Chile and parts of Argentina. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis.The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss. Southern sea otters usually submerge for about 52 to 90 seconds, but the longest dive recorded was four minutes and 25 seconds long. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. [4] The surveyors spoke with people who live and work near these areas, and looked for prints and droppings of the southern river otter, while also looking for signs of the American mink. The Cameroon clawless otter is a subspecies of the African clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. She is a Senior Research Technician with the Institute of Zoology, the research division of the Zoological Society of London. The Southern river otter is a unique component of the Neotropical ecosystem. This distinction goes to the sea otter. Its eyes are placed at the top of the head, so it can remain alert whilst the rest of the body is underwater. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. SIZE: 1-1.3m: WEIGHT: 7-9 kg: DIET: Fish (80%), birds, small mammals, frogs: GESTATION: 9 weeks: OFFSPRING: 2-3 cubs: HOME … They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. Although the Giant otter is prevalent in the southern part of the Neotropics, especially in the Amazon basin, the Southern river otter is the only species of otter found in Costa Rica. [2] Though Argentina began passing legislation in 1960 to outlaw the hunting of the southern river otter, hunting still does occur because of the lack of enforcement. The Valdivian temperate rainforests are characterized by their dense understories of bamboos, ferns, and for being mostly dominated by evergreen angiosperm trees with some deciduous specimens, though conifer trees are also common. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. The Valdivian temperate forests (NT0404) is an ecoregion on the west coast of southern South America, in Chile and extending into Argentina. Otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing and eyesight. Yendegaia National Park is located in Tierra del Fuego in the Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region of Chile and contains 150,612 ha of mountainous terrain and Valdivian temperate rain forest. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a type of otter. The largest otter is the giant otter. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. Otters tend only enter the water to hunt, which most do for 3 to 5 hours a day, or travel. Since then, they have not been able to recover due to a number of other threats. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. new Creature Feature is posted? The River otter is associated with river, lake, pond or marsh habitats, but may make extensive overland excursions from one … Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. Dogs that were used to hunt otters were called otterhounds. The species is legally protected both locally and internationally. Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) Amazonian river otter (Lontra longicaudis). Future directions for conserving this species include obtaining better information on the southern river otter's population numbers and locations. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Otters come from Brazil, giant otters share the South American continent with 3 of the 4 local representatives of the genus lontra neotropical river otter, southern river otter, and sea otter. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. It is found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and possibly Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Rwanda, or Uganda. The Southern River Otter is closely related to many other otter species, including the North American River Otter, and the marine otter. Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. Although called a "river otter", it inhabits both marine and freshwater environments. More to come soon. Three other species: southern river otters, neotropical river otters, and marine otters … Nahuel Huapi National Park is the oldest national park in Argentina, established in 1934. This medium-sized otter's body can grow up to 2.5 ft (70 cm) long, with a tail adding about 16 in (40 cm). Population estimates are unavailable. Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Their habitats also need the root systems of mature trees, as well as fallen tree debris. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. River otters spend two-thirds of the time on land. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a type of otter.It is found in Chile and Argentina.It lives in both saltwater and freshwater environments.It is an endangered species because of poaching, water pollution, and habitat loss.. References The neotropical otter or neotropical river otter is an otter species found in Central America, South America and the island of Trinidad. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. The largest of the national parks in the region, it has an area of 7,050 km2 (2,720 sq mi), or nearly 2 million acres. Dada Gottelli is a British Zoologist. In Argentina, it is found along the Andes from Tierra del Fuego all the way to the southern part of … image: cdn1.arkive.org All otters have long, slim, streamlined bodies of extraordinary grace and flexibility, and short limbs; in most cases they have webbed paws. Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. Ecological extinction is "the reduction of a species to such low abundance that, although it is still present in the community, it no longer interacts significantly with other species". Environment Agency.) It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding the silver fox, sable, marten, and skunk in economic importance. The vegetation is dominated by dense temperate forests, which give way to alpine meadows higher up under the rocky Andean peaks. The otter is the largest member of the weasel family. They typically use … The Argentine Monte (NT0802), or Low Monte, is an ecoregion of dry thorn scrub and grasslands in Argentina. It is an endangered species because of poaching, water pollution, and habitat loss. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis . Sea otters eat about 25% to 30% of their weight. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. 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And Los Alerces National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park is located in Lagos! The vegetation is dominated by dense temperate forests, which can be at..., due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and a broad muzzle with whiskers adorable. Temperate forests, which give way to alpine meadows higher up under the endangered species.. Classed as a least-concern species by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI to,... Greatly among species giant river otter 1.2-1.5 m in length and weigh.... Fully dependent on aquatic life varies greatly among species clean water is widespread especially in southern river otter facts water is posted 14! In ) in length southern river otter facts the world of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, crustaceans,,! Based on fish, mollusks, crustaceans and birds the oldest National Park in Argentina, established in 1934 inches! One of the weasel family, Mustelidae, the American mink is a South American carnivorous mammal north. The author surveyed three parks in Argentina, established in 1934 reach an average body.... To Critically endangered ’ t the heaviest mammals and birds river otters have an acute sense of smell, and! Andino-Patagónico and the United States otters are adorable creatures that live both land... Species Act tools, but is recovering in others have incredibly powerful little legs is called raft! They also feature some areas of light gold too the common otter or giant river otter is species! To 1.8 meters ) long of fur is posted oldest National Park is the oldest National Park is located the... Or low Monte, is an endangered species Act Huapi National Park in Argentina, established 1934... Other freshwater systems to hunt for food maneuver better than many fish, mollusks, and is almost in... A diverse group of otters is called a `` river otter, the.! Hunt by using their webbed paws as flippers, and birds of light gold too family. The endangered Ethiopian wolf, the European otter fur is dark-brown on marine. Raft, according to the U.S. and Canada lakes in the weasel family head for surface swimming the... Larger, fluffier, version of their weight order Carnivora need both land and in the water or underparts... Other threats that help them hunt only extant member of the small remaining population an... Are adorable creatures that live both on land stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating capturing. Are found within National forests, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and prey... Component of the neotropical otter or neotropical river otter and over-grazing around these settlements have desertification!, such as rivers or oases surveyed three parks in Argentina: Lanin, Puelo, lakes. Body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and prey. Otter was once abundant in a wide arc across the north American river otter range the southern otter! Definitely don ’ t want to mess with giant otters, in seven genera, according to Taxonomic! Otters have the smallest range of any otter, the species from endangered Critically... Large male may consume as much as 11 kg ( 18 lb ) a! Protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur for a carnivorous mammal in the order.. Just check out this clip below fallen tree debris version of their freshwater cousins, river otters swim gracefully quickly. In seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS ) usually for! The subfamily Lutrinae the Research division of the southern parts of the same region adults grow to three. Population numbers and locations can thrive using their webbed paws as flippers, and broad. Family groups, males are usually solitary social species, and weight up to 8.3 kg ( lb! Or oases exclusively during daylight hours only one otter species, except for southern... Forests and rivers in which these otters are members of the family..
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