As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Call: Chungungo, or marine otter(Lontra felina
Where it lives: Rocky marine shoreline from northern Peru to the islands of Cape Horn in Chile, and Isla de los Estados in Argentina
What it consumes: Shellfishes, mollusks, fish, and periodically birds and little mammals
Why it’s incredible: Fulfill the chungungo– likewise called the marine otter and sea feline– the tiniest sea otter on the planet.
The chungungo hardly ever grows beyond 45 inches (114 centimeters) in length and weighs simply 6.6 to 11 pounds (3 to 5 kgs). Its extended body and little, flattened head offer it a structured shape for swimmingRegardless of being well-adapted to the water, the chungungo just invests about 20% of each day in the water due to the fact that of the freezing temperature levels.
Unlike river otters, marine otters aren’t fantastic at managing their body temperature levelTo maintain heat they need to improve their metabolic process, which needs them consuming big amounts of food– as much as a 3rd of their body weight every day. They likewise invest a great deal of time pushing their backs, absorbing the sun, and vigilantly groom their coats to preserve their insulating homes.
Their extremely vascularized feet likewise enable them to manage their body temperature level– spreading their toes assists cool them down, while closing them up saves heat.
Get the world’s most remarkable discoveries provided directly to your inbox.
The chungungo’s brief limbs are geared up with strong claws and webbed toes, perfect for capturing victim. They utilize their tails and hind limbs to move themselves through the water and are typically discovered swimming on their backs. This position enables them to hold victim versus its chest and control it with its rear limbs.
Related: Lion-size otters lurked Ethiopia 3 million years ago
Chungungo fur, when greatly longed for by the fur trade, is dark brown on the back and yellowish on the tummy. Below the external coat lies a thick layer of great hairs that insulate it from the cold and secure it from injury versus the rocky coast. Marine otters reside in severe conditions — the rocky coasts they live in experience severe swells and strong winds, while the cliffs are typically high, with their dens constructed into crevices and caverns.
Chungungo puppies are understood for their interest and playfulness. Throughout their reproducing season (December to January), grownups pick a mate and stay together for life. In these monogamous collaborations, both moms and dads share the duty of bringing victim back to the den to nurture their offspring.
Women bring to life one to 3 puppies, which stick with their moms for 8 to 12 months. They separate from their moms and dads and lead a singular life, up until they form a set throughout the reproductive season.
Learn more
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
