Are giant otter shrews extinct?
Are giant otter shrews extinct?
It lives in streams, wetlands and slow flowing larger rivers. It is the only species in the genus Potamogale. Otter shrews are most closely related to the tenrecs of Madagascar….
| Giant otter shrew | |
|---|---|
| Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
What do otter shrew eat?
Otter Shrews (Potamogalinae) The giant otter shrew (Potamogale velox) inhabits southern Africa and is more widely distributed than the other otter shrews. It is a carnivorous tenrec with webbed feet. In addition to the usual insects and snails, its diet also includes crabs, prawns, fish, and frogs.
How big is a giant otter shrew?
11 to 13 inches
The giant otter shrew (Potamogale velox) has the body form, fur texture, and coloration of a river otter but is smaller. It weighs less than 400 grams (0.9 pound) and has a body 27 to 33 cm (11 to 13 inches) long and a slightly shorter tail.
Do shrews have teeth?
shrew, (family Soricidae), any of more than 350 species of insectivores having a mobile snout that is covered with long sensitive whiskers and overhangs the lower lip. Their large incisor teeth are used like forceps to grab prey; the upper pair is hooked, and the lower pair extends forward.
How big are Amazon river otters?
14 lbsNeotropical otter / Mass (Adult)
Do 6 foot otters exist?
This South American otter is the world’s largest, at some 6 feet long. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems.
Which animal has needles on its back?
porcupine
The porcupine is the prickliest of rodents, though its Latin name means “quill pig.” There are more than two dozen porcupine species, and all boast a coat of needle-like quills to give predators a sharp reminder that this animal is no easy meal.
Is a hedgehog a rodent?
Shrews, moles and hedgehogs are also not rodents; they are classified in the Mammal order Eulipotyphla.) at left), yet another South American species, is the largest living rodent.
Do otters eat humans?
Otters are carnivores, eating mainly fish, crayfish, and frogs. Humans aren’t on the menu. The odd crocodilian meal is the result of sheer tenacity in which the otter wears down the gator during an hours-long struggle. Such a concentrated attack on a human is without precedent in the wild.