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GIANT OTTER FACTFILE

• Scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis.
• Range Most major rivers of Tambopata and Manu
• Length 1,7 – 2 m
• Weight 26 – 32 kg
• Group size 2 – 12, but usually 6 – 12 in good habitat.

Breeding

The single breeding female in the group gives birth annually to 2 - 4 cubs. Young stay inthe group for 2 - 5 years or more and help babysit new cubs, which involves protecting them from caimans and other predators.

Diet

Each giant otter adult otter eats 6 - 10 kilos per day of fish of all sizes though typically in the range of medium-sized piranhas (about 1 kg). These otters also eat any other vertebrate that is not fast enough to get away from them. Researches have seen giant otters eat 20 kg catfish, caimans and even careless herons.

Note From InkaNautra Travel

Where Watch Giant Otters in Peru:

 Lake Sandoval - Sandoval Lake Lodge
 Manu Area - Manu Wildlife Center
 Manu National Park - Manu Tented Camp