The revitalization of giant otters in Ecuador

The giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, is the longest and largest of all otters. They can reach up to 2 meters in length, and weigh between 26kg to 34kg depending on the individual and their gender. It is also the largest species of the entire mustelid class which includes carnivorous mammals such as weasels, badgers and wolverines.

Due to their formidable size and speed, giant otters are apex predators known as “River Wolves”. They compete successfully with Jaguars and fully-grown Caiman for food in their natural habitats. It doesn’t hurt that their whiskers, or vibrissae, are highly attuned organs of touch that detect water pressure and movement in the current which helps them pinpoint the location of their prey. They frequently hunt together as a team, otherwise known as a “romp” on land and a “raft” in the water. They eat a wide variety of creatures such as many species of fish (including piranha!), crabs, turtles, small…