![]() ![]() River otters build dens on the riverbanks and care for their young there. Another motherly difference is how these two creatures care for their young. River otter mothers care for their pups until they are between six and twelve months old.Ĭonversely, sea otters only give birth to one pup and care for them until they are between eight and twelve months old. A river otter mother usually has between two and three babies, called pups. Number of offspring River Otter family in freshwater | image by David Brossard via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0Īnother significant difference is the number of offspring these creatures have. However, sea otters are only found in salt water and very rarely make their way onto land. River otters also can often be found on the banks of the river. River otters, despite their name, can be found in fresh and salt water. They live in different waters River Otter in freshwater | image by caroline legg via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 This results in river otters having short, sleek fur, while sea otters have long, fuzzy fur. In contrast, sea otters actually have one layer of fur, which happens to be the densest fur of any other known animal. ![]() This inner layer keeps them warm, and the outer layer keeps them waterproof. River otters actually have two layers of short, coarse fur. You might not be able to tell by looking at them, but river otters and sea otters have very different fur. Different fur Sea Otter on the rock | image by Jodie Wilson via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 The largest river otters weigh in at around thirty pounds. The largest sea otters can weigh up to one hundred pounds, but river otters are much smaller. Many people may not know this, but sea otters are much larger than river otters. There are twelve different sub-species of river otter, but only three separate sub-species of the sea otter. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. Taxonomically speaking, river otters and sea otters are different genera. River otters and sea otters are different species Here’s a list of 9 ways that sea otters and river otters are different from one another. From behavior and habitat to offspring and appearance, this article will detail the differences between these two otters. They may look similar, but they are two different creatures. They are both weasel family members, as evident by their long, slender bodies. 5(1):522-3.When comparing the sea otter vs river otter, you may wonder if they the same animal. Walker's Mammals of the World - Volume I (Sixth Edition). Though the fur trade is currently prohibited, hunting does continue. This decline is largely due to habitat loss and commercial fur hunting. The giant river otter has become rare or nonexistent over most of its range. To learn more about otters, explore the Otters Infobook. ![]() Nine distinct vocalizations have been characterized, varying from screams of excitement to coos of recognition.Cubs are reared in a central den area (1.2 to 1.8 meters, 3.9 to 5.9 ft wide) which connects to an adjacent waterway via a tunnel or series of tunnels.This home range is regularly patrolled and marked (via the definitive anal glands typifying mustelids). These groups generally maintain a home range of 12 km 2 (4.6 mi 2). Giant river otters are social, typically forming groups of 4 to 8 individuals (though congregations of up to 20 individuals have been observed).Population Global: Unknown Status IUCN: Vulnerable Shows a particular preference for waterways with gently sloping banks and good cover. Habitat Slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. Tail length: 330 to 1,000 mm (13 to 39 in.) Weight Male: 26- to 4 kg (57 to 75 lbs.)įemale: 22 to 26 kg (49 to 57 lbs.) Diet Fish and crabs Incubation 65 to 70 days Nursing Duration Weaned at 3 to 4 months Sexual Maturity Approximately 2 years Life Span Approximately 14 years Range Historically, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, eastern Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina were included. Size Head & body length: 864 to 1,400 mm (34 to 55 in.) Tail is thick at base and tapers to a dorsoventrally flattened end. Lips, chin, throat, and upper chest exhibit white blotches – which may merge into a single white "bib." Paws are large and webbed. Scientific Classification Common Name giant river otter, waterdog Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Mustelidae Genus Species Pteronura brasiliensisįast Facts Description Short coat appears brown when dry and a dark, shiny mocha when wet. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |