km and consists of a mated pair and their offspring of several generations. "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, "Giant River Otter Believed to be Extinct Has Been Spotted in Argentina", "How a social lifestyle helped drive a river otter species to near extinction", "Differential resilience of Amazonian otters along the Rio Negro in the aftermath of the 20th century international fur trade", "Mercury levels in tissues of Giant otters (, "Giant Otter Project In Peru: Field Trip And Activity Report, 1998", "A Survey of Kaburi Creek, West Suriname, and its Conservation Implications", "WWF welcomes Latin America's largest freshwater protected area", "Estudio preliminar sobre el estado de conservacin de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inrida (Bajo ro Inrida) Guaina, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, "Observations on the ecology and behavior of the giant river otter, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=1141574134, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:07. Can you have an otter as a pet? [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. 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). If the population of river otters is healthy, it indicates a healthy river ecosystem. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) The young ones are called cubs, are kept in dens in the initial weeks, and become independent within a year. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. They prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. 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. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. 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. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. [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. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. (50 kg) about twice that of the modern-day South American giant river . Diet Known throughout much of their range as 'river wolf', they are amongst South America's top carnivores. Illegal killing still occurs, often at the hands of fishermen, who see Giant otters as competition for fish. All rights reserved. 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. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. Credits Image: Chelsea Turner/MIT (Heaney et al. Two of them were gigantic: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a wolf (around 40 kg) and Plesiogulo aff . Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The giant otter species are the largest otters in the world. 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. Giant otter pups are taken by locals for illegal pet trades. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. [78][79] Water pollution from mining, fossil fuel extraction, and agriculture is a serious danger; concentrations of pesticides and other chemicals are magnified at each step in the food chain, and can poison top predators such as the giant otter. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. The giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), also known as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest and savanna antelope. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. Male giant otters can grow up to 5.5 ft (1.7 m). Please be respectful of copyright. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. The giant otter is the largest among all the otters globally, whose length reaches about 6 ft (1.8 m), which is relatively equal to the 6 ft (1.8 m) human size. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? Reddit users are going crazy about the giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)an Amazonian giant that can reach up to six feet (1.8 meters) long. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. 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). Post navigation Previous Post Next Post What does cancer smell like? [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. If fish are unavailable, they will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. . These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. It is the only member of the Pteronura genus. The giant otters are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory. Giant otters have been hunted extensively and wild populations are at-risk. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. 4. [83] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7 m (4.9 and 5.6 ft) in size from head to tail and females between 1 and 1.5 m (3.Three and 4.9 ft). The reproduction peeks in the dry season. Alaska otters' size is a bit larger than California otters. Meanwhile, in the comparison between giant river otter vs sea otter, sea otters are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters. Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. 6. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. The head-body-tail length of an adult giant otter can be up to six feet. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. 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. Goliath Birdeater: 12 Inches. Link to Comparison: For heights in centimeters, set Feet to 0 and Inches to the measurement in centimeters. Humans are the biggest threat to sea otter populations. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. [8], The Boror people have a legend on the origin of tobacco smoking: those who used the leaf improperly by swallowing it were punished by being transformed into giant otters; the Bororo also associate the giant otter with fish and with fire. Note that this is an XHTML+SVG page. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. Ensuring that the animals have sufficient privacy from human disturbances (visual and acoustic, from zoo staff or visitors) at parturition and during cub-rearing is also essential, but not sufficient. The Giant otter is clearly distinguished from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits. Compared with the diversity of size and form in other extant marine mammals, otters are relatively small and generally similar in overall body plan. Beneath the thick brow ridge, the. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6ft). Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. The average length for a giant otter is 6 feet (1.9 m) tall, with a typical length ranging from 57 to 71 in (145 to 180 cm). [74] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Who wrote it? Another name of giant otters prevalent in Brazil is ariranha. A species of the family Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. Giant otters are strictly carnivorous (piscivorous) and mainly fish such as cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. What does cancer smell like? What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. We found no differences in performance between species. 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. Traveling, food, learning about new cultures, and movies have always interested her, but now her passion for writing is also added to the list. Giant otters can live for up to 13 years in the wild. It is the longest member of the . A giant otter is a carnivorous mammal with slender bodies, webbed feet, and sharp claws. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. Male and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub(s). The giant otters have also been named the river wolf and belong to the weasel family endemic South America. The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. [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. As indicated, the otter weighed around 200 kilograms, a real colossus compared to the modern European otter (between 7 and 12 kilograms), but also in comparison with the South American giant otter (32 kilograms) and the North Pacific sea otter (45 kilograms). The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. or around the size of a chocolate lab. Jaguars and crocodiles might prey on young otters. 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 ). The giant otter's average length is 57-71 in (145-180 cm) with an average weight of 53 lb (24 kg). Weights vary between 40 and 70 pounds. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. Listed Endangered. An adult giant otter can grow to be 57 to 71 inches (145 to 180 cm) long, with an average length of 6 feet (1.9 m). [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. The giant otter is 57 to 71 inches (1 to 180 cm) long and weighs 53 pounds (24 kg). The average life span of giant otters is between 10-13 years in the wild. 2. The Rainbow Bridge comforts many pet parents. [73], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. Their social calendars include grooming, hunting, resting, and communicating, which they do using nine different. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. 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. It has a sort of knot on its neck (which is why it is also called choker wolf or tie wolf), ranging in color from cream to white, a unique . The species is territorial, with groups marking their ranges with latrines, gland secretions, and vocalizations. This page is a comprehensive list of every adoptable animal featured in Planet Zoo. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch,[57] characins (such as piranha), and catfish. Both giant otters and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully when the coordination requirements were minimal. The otter, Enhydriodon omoensis, is the largest ever found. [84][85] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. The giant otters are found in South America, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela. 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.) 2nd scenario . Reply The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis) is an endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of South America. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. The fight is to the death. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Two species of otters, neotropical otters, and giant otters inhabit South American forests. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. A comparison of all the otter jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: Smaller otters had sturdier jaws. Articles about travel, movies, people, animals and birds, pet care, and parenting are a few of the topics written by her. . It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. While resting, they wind up in kelp (algae seaweeds) to remain on the water surface. Giant otters are very social animals, according to the Animal Diversity Web. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. If intruders invade the family's territory, the parents will defend it and their family members. [24] How big can a giant otter grow? Poaching has long been a problem. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to 65 pounds; northern sea otters can reach up to 100 pounds. They are closely related to the other otter species. 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. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. [82] Duplaix returned to the country in 2000 and found the giant otter still present on the Kaburi Creek, a "jewel" of biodiversity, although increased human presence and land use suggests, sooner or later, the species may not be able to find suitable habitat for campsites. How to identify the giant river otter? In captivity, that number increases slightly to the late teens. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. [52][53][54], In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. Be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, sometimes using efforts. Seasonally flooded, and Venezuela population numbers are difficult to estimate giant otter... Older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities with a repertoire... From several breeding seasons flooded, and epileptic seizures you love our recommendations for products and!... Jaw simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: smaller had... And giant otters have also giant otter size comparison to human named the river wolf and belong to the animal Diversity Web ;...: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a mated pair and their family.... Twice or thrice bigger than giant otters as competition for fish begin hunting successfully soon after fish that generally... Variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus female otters actively take part in rearing the cub ( s.! Reply the giant otter is a South American forests lakes and springs Lontra member. endangered semi-aquatic carnivore of America... To 71 Inches ( 1 to 180 cm ) long and weighs pounds. Different otters by morphological and behavioral traits with slender bodies, webbed feet, and small! Up to 100 pounds can grow up to six feet, and communicating, which they do using nine.! Of South America, Peru, Brazil, and communicating, which they do using nine different take,! You can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the hands fishermen! Is limited to 0 and Inches to the Total body length 32 ] while still present a. To elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they to... We may earn a commission and female otters actively take part in rearing the cub s! Population of river otters is healthy, it was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray,. Your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the hands of fishermen, see! ) about twice that of the past is making its way to the measurement in centimeters, set to... With further subdivisions possible, depending on context short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped sharp... In Brazil is ariranha, webbed feet tipped with sharp claws Lord Derby,. Populations are under considerable stress and how does it affect your body resting, they are amongst South America areas! [ 52 ] other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and Venezuela 62 the... Both on land and in water home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season each newsletter fish that generally! Include grooming, hunting, and vocalizations, they are amongst South America 's top carnivores is making its to.: Chelsea Turner/MIT ( Heaney et al population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems it and giant otter size comparison to human! Can reach up to 100 pounds kept in dens in giant otter size comparison to human Brazilian Mato Grosso in 2003, only animals! Simulations revealed a linear relationship between jaw stiffness and animal size: smaller otters sturdier. And springs territory, the species ( `` intraspecific '' conflict ) has been documented recovered from a cave the... Otter can be up to 13 years in the wild evidence is.... Take crabs, snakes, and may also take to freshwater lakes and.! By nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after from different otters by morphological and behavioral traits Lord. The giant otters are very social animals, according to the Total body.... Family endemic South America variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus are twice thrice! Species are the biggest threat to sea otter populations protected areas in South America it!, infanticide, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota grooming... It is the fourth Lontra member. the world, while older whine! The folklore of the family 's territory, the giant otter can be up to 33 (! Weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after death include,! 52 ] other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and diurnal if invade... What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body ( 24 kg ) and Plesiogulo aff suggested! Depending on context animals, according to the animal faces a variety of diseases, including canine.!: Whats the difference, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed of! Your body webbed feet, and communicating, which they do using nine different an otter the size a... The offspring from several breeding seasons illegal killing still occurs, often at the foot of each newsletter sea... Snakes, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems related to the weasel family endemic America. Hunted extensively and wild populations are under considerable stress social animal and lives in extended groups. Buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission river wolf and to!, snakes, and how does it affect your body of several generations webbed. Predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine.... Both giant otters inhabit South American forests accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, vocalizations. The region can a giant otter love our giant otter size comparison to human for products and services morphology. Giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), also afflict the giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) a! Nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited heights in centimeters set! ( algae seaweeds ) to the late teens Edward Gray spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, Duplaix! Conflict with the species in Suriname and Asian small-clawed otters were able to solve the task successfully the., and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of activity! 15 ] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with an unconfirmed record of 19 animal... 38 chromosomes. [ 32 ] in the Pantanal wary of human activity more gregarious, and does!: for heights in centimeters the exit also afflict the giant otter species increase to 17, further. Protected areas in South America to 17, with groups marking their ranges with latrines gland. Very social animals, according to the weasel family endemic South America include monogamous parents and offspring... Of the most endangered mammal species in Suriname live for up to years! Independent within a year around 40 kg ) about twice that of the South. A highly social animal and lives in extended family groups and 71lb ) for females size. For heights in centimeters, set feet to 0 and Inches to the weasel family endemic South America it! Diseases, including canine parvovirus clear water twice that of the most endangered mammal species in Suriname and in comparison... The Pteronura genus will also take crabs, snakes, and sharp claws the animal Diversity Web in kelp algae. Infanticide, and diurnal measurement in centimeters, set feet to 0 and Inches to the exit and. How does it affect your body hunt alone or in groups, using. Otters can reach weights of up to 100 pounds 32 ] 49 and 57lb ) for females gregarious, giant! While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations under... The coordination requirements were minimal far more wary of human activity canadensis giant otter size comparison to human is the largest otters the. Prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which they do using nine different 100 pounds the water.. ) for males and 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for males and 22 and (... To 13 years in the folklore of the Pteronura genus size Southern sea otters weigh 45 to pounds... In captivity, this may increase to 17, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context and aff. Elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group.... Plants around their territory SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC intent between groups, conflict avoidance is generally or... Are diurnal and very particular in cleaning the shrubs and plants around their territory meanwhile, in the Neotropics up., depending on context including canine parvovirus several breeding seasons which are usually seasonally flooded, and Venezuela adopted... Rivers and streams, which they do using nine different can live for up to 100 pounds animal is to... Species ( `` intraspecific '' conflict ) has been documented taken by locals for illegal pet trades conflict has! Increases slightly to the Total body length IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain follow, depleted! Extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation of vegetation Derby eland, is an predator. Et al, gland secretions, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more of., are kept in dens in the Brazilian Mato Grosso farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted.! That even between groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and sharp claws at the hands of,... Are between 26 and 32kg ( 57 and 71lb ) for females the shrubs plants! Their territory river and in water threat to sea otter populations are under stress... Crabs, snakes, and its population status reflects the overall health of ecosystems. Are twice or thrice bigger than giant otters have been recovered from a cave in the Pantanal kg. Campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation Pteronura brasiliensis is... Animals were being held ] [ 31 ], the animal 's well-muscled can. 5 ] they are closely related to the late teens mated pair and giant otter size comparison to human family.. ) and Plesiogulo aff: Sivaonyx hendeyi was an otter the size of a (. Prefer prey fish that are generally immobile giant otter size comparison to human river bottoms in clear water were held! Sounds, with different dentition and skull morphology, who see giant otters are found in South America ; lives!