GIANT RIVER OTTERS

Did you know? One in three guests at our Posada Amazonas lodge will spot this rare, five-foot-long otter!

The incredible Giant River Otter is of the rarest creatures that live in Tambopata. Lucky for us, they make their home at Tres Chimbadas Lake, accessible from our stunning Posada Amazonas lodge! Those who get the opportunity to observe this endangered creature (Pteronura brasiliensis) are very fortunate indeed. In fact, Tambopata is one of the only places on Earth where this fantastic, large mammal can be seen easily. When you visit the oxbow lakes near our Rainforest Expeditions lodges, you’ll get an unparalleled chance to view Giant River Otters. This thrill is the result of our cautious guides, who are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful, undisturbed habitat for these shy, beautiful animals.

The surface of serene Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake looks like mirrored glass. Calm, reflective, and darkened by tannins, oxbow lakes in the Tambopata Region are aquatic treasures. They provide important habitats for a wide variety of fish species, waterbirds, Anacondas, Black Caimans, and many other Amazonian animals. Odd-looking Hoatzins hang out in the bushes at the edge of oxbow lakes, while toucans perch in the surrounding treetops. Most of all, the endangered Giant Otters are one of these lakes’ greatest treasures.

Giant River Otter Fun Facts

• The largest of the Mustelidae family: This family of mammals includes Weasels, River Otters, Martins, and Ferrets. While most Mustelids are small, the Giant Otter reaches a length of five feet (over one and a half meters)!


• Top predators: Because of the size and the diet, Giant River Otters are top predators in the Amazon being the only competitors the black caiman, anacondas, or jaguar.


• Only 5,000 left in the wild: This may sound like a lot to some people. But these animals stretch across an area similar in size to the continental United States, making them extremely rare! There used to be many more Giant Otters, but pelt-hunting, deforestation, and human disturbance have greatly endangered them.


• Expert fishers: Giant Otters feast on several species of Amazonian catfish and Characins. In fact, they eat around three kilograms of their body weight every single day! Giant river otters can eat piranhas.


• Social animals: Giant Otters live in extended family groups that can number from three to even twenty individuals. These family-loving animals spend most of their time together.


• Distinctive throat patch: Each Giant Otter is born with uniquely shaped and patterned patches of cream-colored fur on the throat. These beautiful markings can identify each individual animal.


• Vocal animals: Giant Otters make a variety of curious sounds that have different meanings. A short bark or snorting sound can be used to indicate alarm, whereas a low growl is a warning.