International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

Giant Otter Characteristics
(The following has been excerpted from: Staib, E. and Schenck, C. 1994.
Giant Otter…A giant under even bigger pressure. Wildbiologische Gesellschaft, Munich and
Frankfurt Zoological Society, Frankfurt.)
Name:
Identification:
Distribution:
Habitat:
Diet:
Families:
Pregnancy:
Offspring:
Singles:
Activity:
Enemies:
Age:
Status:
Threats:
Protection:
scientific: Pteronura brasiliensis
spanish: Lobo del Rio
portugese : Ariranha
engl.: Giant Otter
length: 1.5 – 2 m [4.92 ft - 6.56 ft] total length
45 – 65 cm [17.7” - 25.6”] tail length
weight: 25 – 32 kg [55.11 lbs - 70.54 lbs]
tail: flat and broad
colour: dark brown, light spots on throat area
tropical rainforests of South America
rivers, lakes, streams, swamps
mostly fish
live in groups of up to 10 individuals. A group usually consists of an adult
couple with their young from two or three consecutive years. Families
may live in the same area for many years
65 to 72 days
1-4 young once a year
Giant Otters reach sexual maturity at the age of two or three years. Both
males and females leave the group when mature. On their own, they
search for a partner and a free territory in order to start a new family.
day – active. All otters belonging to a group sleep together in their den at
night.
no important natural enemies. Young otters may be endangered by other
predators such as black caimans. Otters are susceptible to various
diseases, including those common to domestic dogs (Parvovirosis). Otters
regularly host parasites such as larvae of flies in the skin as botflies, and
hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms in the intestines.
oldest documented life span was eight years for free-ranging giant otters,
and over 17 years in captivity. [The oldest giant otter known in captivity
survived to 19 years of age, although this age is an estimation.]
highly endangered throughout its distribution range. Only remnant
populations left. Numbers are uncertain.
formerly over–hunting, today habitat loss, over–fishing, river pollution,
poaching, tourism
listed in Appendix 1 of CITES (Convention of International Trade of
Endangered Species). Any trade with giant otters or their fur is prohibited.
Additional protection through national legislation throughout the
distribution range
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