North American giant otter (SciiFii)

The North American giant otter (Pteronura floridanus) is a species of otter that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, lakes, and rivers across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American giant otter is the South American giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). The North American giant otter is one of the largest river otters and the largest of the North American otters, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). The North American giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. The North American giant otter constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. The North American giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, including characins, catfish, trout, bass, and among others, but may also eat crabs, crayfish, snails, slugs, turtles, snakes and small crocodilians. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the North American river otter, American small-clawed otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. Atypical of mustelids, the North American giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The North American giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. It is one of the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The conservation status of the North American giant otter is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American giant otter's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii