Should you see an otter that is not really giant, you are
looking at a Southern River Otter (Lontra longicaudis),
a species that ranges throughout the Neotropics as far
south as Uruguay, and to elevations as high as 3,000 m
(9,843 ft). The Southern River Otter is but half the size
of the Giant Otter and can be identified by its all- white
throat and belly and non- flattened tail. Though widely
ranging, this species, like its larger cousin, sadly, has
been reduced by overhunting and is also placed on the
CITES list.
A Stupendous Serpent
The largest of all the New World snakes are the
magnificent anacondas, which range throughout
Amazonia. There are four anaconda species, including
the Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus; plate 12-
21) and the largest of the four, the Green Anaconda
(E. murinus). Anacondas do not grow to quite the
lengths of some of the Old World python species. Male
Green Anacondas usually reach about 3 m (9.8 ft) and
females reach 4.6 m (15 ft), though some individuals
have attained greater lengths, to nearly 9 m (approx. 29
ft.). Anacondas are wider in body than pythons and are
considered to be the bulkiest of the world’s snakes. One
5.8 m (19 ft) specimen, photographed with seven men
holding it, weighed 107 kg (236 lb). Some have been
reputed to exceed 227 kg (500 lb).
Anacondas are constrictors and are nonvenomous.
They feed on agoutis, capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, large
birds, and even crocodiles and caiman. They do not eat
people and will avoid humans by taking shelter under
water. Nonetheless, it’s not a good idea to disturb a 3 m
long anaconda, as the animal might, understandably,
react aggressively. Not particularly skilled swimmers,
anacondas normally capture prey by lying in wait
along quiet, muddy, marshy riverbanks, where even an
immense snake can look remarkably camouflaged when
coiled at the water’s edge. Anacondas, like most snakes,
are prolific breeders. One recorded birth yielded 72 baby
snakes.
Crocodilians
Crocodilians are venerable survivors from the reptilian
dominance of the Mesozoic era. Today’s crocodiles and
caimans look scarcely different from their ancestors,
whose menacing eyes beheld such equally menacing
creatures as Tyrannosaurus rex (plate 12- 22). The exact
Plate 12- 18. With a long and lithe body and flattened tail,
the Giant Otter is a surprisingly fast swimmer. These otters
frequently are seen along riverbanks as well as in the water.
Photo by John Kricher.Plate 12- 20. Giant Otters are carnivores, enjoying a fish- heavy
diet. Photo by Nancy Norman.Plate 12- 19. Giant Otters frolicking along a riverbank. Photo by
John Kricher.216 chapter 12 cruising the rivers to the sea