Where does the giant otter live?
The giant otter lives in north-central South America, mostly in and along the Amazon River, and in the Pantanal. Its distribution has been greatly reduced. It is the longest member of the weasel family, reaching up to 1.8 m.
What does the giant otter eat?
Unlike most mustelids, it is a social species: it lives in family groups of three to eight members, centred on a dominant breeding pair, extremely cohesive and cooperative. It is generally peaceful, but territorial, and aggression between groups has been observed. It is active only in daylight. It is the noisiest otter species: distinct calls have been documented for alarm, aggression and reassurance.
Is the giant otter endangered?
Yes: it has been listed as Endangered since 1999. For decades it was poached for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, which considerably reduced its numbers. Wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Habitat degradation and loss is now its greatest threat.
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