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Name : Chungungo , or nautical otter ( Lontra felina )
Where it subsist : Rocky marine coastline from northerly Peru to the islands of Cape Horn in Chile , and Isla de los Estados in Argentina
A chungungo lying on some rocks, soaking up some rays.
What it eats : Crustaceans , mollusk , Pisces , and on occasion birds and small mammals
Why it ’s awesome : take on the chungungo — also known as the marine otter and ocean cat — the small ocean otter in the world .
The chungungo seldom turn beyond 45 column inch ( 114 centimeters ) in duration and weighs just 6.6 to 11 pounds ( 3 to 5 kg ) . Its stretch body and small , flattened promontory give it astreamlined silhouette for swim . But despite being well - adapted to the body of water , the chungungo only spend about 20 % of each day in the water because of the polar temperature .
Unlike river otter , marine ottersaren’t peachy at regulating their body temperature . To retain heat they have to boost their metabolism , which require them eat on huge quantities of food — up to a third of their body system of weights each day . They also expend a muckle of prison term lie on their dorsum , soaking up the Dominicus , and diligently groom their coats to observe their insulating place .
Their highly vascularized feet also permit them to determine their consistence temperature — diffuse their toe helps cool down them down , while close them up maintain fondness .
The chungungo ’s short limbs are equipped with strong claws and net toe , ideal for catching quarry . They use their tails and hind limbs to propel themselves through the H2O and are often found swimming on their backs . This post allow them to have quarry against its chest and manipulate it with its rear limb .
Related : Lion - size otters prowled Ethiopia 3 million years ago
Chungungo pelt , once heavily coveted by the fur trade , is dark dark-brown on the back and yellowish on the belly . Beneath the outer coat lies a dense level of fine hairs that insulate it from the cold and protect it from injury against the rocky coast . Marine otter populate in utmost conditions — the rocky coast they inhabit experience uttermost fashion plate and strong idle words , while the cliffs are often extortionate , with their dens build up into crevices and caves .
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Chungungo pup are known for their peculiarity and playfulness . During their breeding time of year ( December to January ) , adults select a fellow and rest together for life . In these monogamous partnerships , both parent portion out the province of bring prey back to the den to nourish their offspring .
Females give birth to one to three whelp , which stay with their mothers for 8 to 12 months . Then , they separate from their parent and extend a solitary lifespan , until they form a pair during the reproductive season .
