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Giant Otters

The Giant Otter is the world’s largest otter species, measuring up to 1.8m and weighing 32 kg.   They live in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata river systems and feed mainly on fish and the occasional crustaceans, snakes and baby caiman.   Each animal may eat 3 to 4 kilos of food per day.
 
Giant Otters live in family groups of up to 20 animals (though groups of 5 –9 are more common) which include an adult pair or harem and the offspring from several breeding seasons.   They are active during the day and have a home range of almost 13km.   They spend the night in large burrows in the lake or river bank with a worn slide into the water.
 
The Giant Otter is endangered as a result of overhunting for the skin trade and killed because of competition with man for fish.   Only a few thousand can now be found in the wild.

For some of the best places to see Giant Otters, click on the links to your left.

Featured Trips

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  1. Complete Manu Biosphere Experience

    Complete Manu Biosphere Experience

    Manu was designated a world heritage site due to the incredible diversity of the plants and wildlife in the reserve. A trip to Manu in Peru is a very special experience for anyone interested in jungles. There are still Amazonian tribes living within the reserve, so the park protects indigenous people as well as wildlife and plant life. This 9-day trip takes you through cloud forest, into the Manu National Park, and to the clay licks and canopy attractions of Manu Wildlife Centre.

    Length: 9 days - Guide price from.. £995

  2. Active Peru

    Active Peru

    A wonderful trip for the more active traveller seeking a Peru adventure. Explore the beautiful scenery of the Andes by hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and rafting before descending to the Amazon Basin to experience the amazing biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve.

    Length: 15 days - Guide price from.. £2115

Featured Accommodation

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  1. Pantanal Wildlife Centre

    Pantanal Wildlife Centre

    10 room fazenda set in 4,500 ha of land on the Pixaim River in the northern Pantanal.

  2. Kapawi Lodge

    Kapawi Lodge

    50-bed lodge located close to the Peruvian border in one of the most pristine and isolated parts of the Amazon Basin.

Shop at Tribes Trading

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The Tribes Foundation

Our charity aims to relieve the poverty of indigenous communities outside of the UK.

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