Excessive fur trapping during the 19th and 20th centuries caused severe declines in many populations. • Otters were heavily hunted in the 1960-70s by humans mainly for their fur. The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter.Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Sea Otter Conservation. Giant otters are classed as endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 5000 left in the wild, with populations affected by habitat loss, poaching and industry.. We work with the Instituto Araguaia Giant Otter Project in Brazil, funding a scheme to improve management and conservation of the Cantão ecosystem.The project has been continuing their patrols and wildlife … Lara is older, born January 31, 2011. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon’s giant river otter. Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. The otter pet trade continues to be a problem (see Illegal Trade section). 1. 2011). All otter species have been hunted for their thick, velvety fur. Giant otters once were found throughout the Tropical rainforests of the Amazon, down to Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. one or two giant otters left the den at any one time during the night. By Staff Writer Last Updated Apr 15, 2020 11:48:59 AM ET. They are sisters from two different litters. Many Asian countries took part in World Otter Day and there is also a lot of interest in the IOSF Team Otter education programme as we have mentioned. Photo by: Frank Hajek. As of 2014, the number of gorillas left in the world is around 100,000, and their population is steadily decreasing. The giant river otter is the largest otter in the world, they can reach 6 feet (1.8m) in length and a maximum of 70 lbs (32kg). Richard Ashurst/CC-BY-2.0. Appearance. Only 600 mountain gorillas are left … Karina is the younger sibling, born November 3, 2011. 41 years later and counting, their conservation status remains unchanged and their future uncertain. Giant Otters. Giant river otters sharing a giant river eel. Fascinating Facts. However, an important step forward was the upgrading of Asian Small-clawed (Aonyx cinereus) and An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs).. 2004; K RUUK 2006; K EAN et al. There are two species of gorillas, and both are endangered. The first ever giant river otter cub born in Asia arrived at Wildlife Reserves Singapore just this last August, UPI reports.Dr. The giant otter can grow to more than 6 feet (2 meters) long and 70 pounds (32 kg), nearly twice as large as its American counterparts. California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. Find out more about this beautiful mammal. As the name suggests, the giant otter is the world's largest otter species and is well-known from wildlife documentaries. As many as 3000 furs per year were recorded in the Amazonian Brazil alone in the 1960s. During the 1976-77 trapping season 32,846 North American river otter pelts were reported taken in … Scent-marking is an important mechanism of communication among otters (R OSTAIN et al. The giant river otter. The Zoo has two giant otters that joined the collection in 2013. A giant otter’s throat markings are unique to each individual and are used to identify and recognize one another. Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). 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