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Ariranha (giant otter)

Pteronura brasiliensis

Photo by CassioCorradi
Published on Project Noah
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-16.346, -55.8618

Field Notes

Description:

The "ariranha" is the largest species of the subfamily Lutrinae (otters) and can get to measure about 180 cm long, 65 cm of which are the tail. Males are usually heavier than females and weigh up to 26 kg. The otter has relatively large eyes, small rounded ears and short, thick legs and long, flat tail. The fingers of the legs are joined by webbing to facilitate swimming. The coat is thick with velvety texture and dark color, except in the area of the throat where they present a white spot.

Habitat:

It is found in Brazil in the Amazon, Pantanal and Midwest near rivers and wetlands.

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Photographed
PublishedSeptember 13, 2015

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