Giant otters are way bigger than your regular otter… they are giant after all! Native to South America, they are the longest member of the Mutelidae (weasel) family, growing up to a massive length of 5.6ft.
Like us, Giant otters are a very social species, often supporting three to eight members in typical family groups. Their favourite food is fish, but they’re really brave so have also been known to take on anacondas and caimans.
Giant otters typically live in and along the Amazon: not the online marketplace, the rainforest. Like lots of other animals that live there, Giant otters are struggling as their habitats disappear. Because lots of humans also eat their favourite fish, they are also having trouble finding enough to eat.
WildLife Foundation are working with an award winning project in the Cantao region of Brazil with an organisation called
Instituto Araguaia This project studies the otter population of the region to help develop a conservation masterplan for the otters here. At the same time, they are protecting them from poachers and helping stop illegal fishing in the area which takes away the otters’ food source.