The giant otter is a large semi-aquatic mammal that lives in the Amazon river basin and the Pantanal wetlands of South America. The giant otter has thick, velvet-like brown fur with distinctive white markings around its throat. Giant otters have large, webbed feet and a wing like tail adapted for swimming. Male and female giant otters do not differ in size and are typically between 150 and 180cm long, though they vary in weight. Males weigh 26 to 32kg, while females are slightly lighter with 22 to 26kg.
Latin Name
Pteronura brasiliensis
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Animal Facts
The giant otter is the longest member of the weasel (mustelid) family.
The Indigenous Amazonian (Tupi) word for the giant otter is ‘ari'raña’, which translates as ‘water jaguar’.
Giant otter groups spend large amounts of time grooming each other to build group cohesion.
Giant otters are intelligent and can be trained.
Giant otters have 9 different vocalizations that they use to communicate with their group members.
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