Page 131 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

GIANT OTTER 131

Tail
The otters’ scientific name,
Pteronura brasiliensis, means
Brazilian wing-tail, referring to
their flattened tail,which
helps generate thrust when
they swim.

Key Facts ORDER Carnivora / FAMILY Mustelidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Pteronura brasiliensis

Webs and claws Weight Up to 34kg (75Ib)
Four short, stocky legs end in a
Length Up to 2m (6.6ft) including tail
set of large,well-webbed paws.
These, in turn, are tipped with Sexual maturity 2 years
sharp claws.
Breeding season All year
Number of young 1–6; usually 2
Gestation period 52–79 days
Breeding interval 7–33 months, depending on conditions

Typical diet Fish and crustaceans
Lifespan Up to 8 years in the wild;
17 in captivity

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.