Endangered Species Guide : Mammals : Animal Planet

Endangered Mammals

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GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)

The giant otter is a large aquatic mammal with a dark brown shiny coat and cream-colored streaks and patches on the chin and throat. Its short legs and webbed toes make it a great swimmer, and its whiskers allow it to find prey in the water. They live in communal groups in northern and central South America and are threatened by habitat destruction throughout their range.

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IUCN Status: Endangered
USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Habitat destruction
Habitat: Tropical rivers, lakes and creeks
Location: Northern and central South America
Diet: Mainly fish; also crabs, snakes and small caimans,

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(R) WWF Registered
Trademark. Panda Symbol (C) 1986 WWF

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