giant otter habitat

[14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. French. Up until the 1970's the giant otter was hunted for pelts used to make human coats, scarves and other cold weather apparel. It lives in family groups of 2 to 20 individuals (typically 3 to 8). It then slopes upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. These huge. Giant otters are mammals related to the weasel family. Territories differ from home ranges. Unlike many other mammal species, otters' range did not contract during 1550-1950 . Same-sex territories do not overlap, and they are patrolled and defended by their owners. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. There are 1-5 pups in a litter (usually 2-3) and they stay in the family den until they are 2-3 weeks old. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Unfortunately, humans are not quite as skilled at fishing and see giant otters as competition for valuable profits. Sometimes this can lead to fisherman killing the giant otters to ward off such competition. A family has a home range of 12 sq. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Explore their stories. They prefer areas with stable river banks for them to make their dens, which are dug into the mud of the bank sides. They inhabit slow moving rivers in forests, swamps and marshes, preferring clear water with gentle sloping banks and over . The giant otter is unusually sociable for a mustelid (member of the weasel family). For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0; additional terms may apply. These beautiful creatures, covered in muscles coated with a dark brown fur are endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. The giant otter is a species of mammal that belongs to the order Carnivora, of the family Mustelidae, which inhabits the Amazon. Giant otters prefer habitats with non-floodable banks that have vegetation cover and where there is easy access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters. The giant otter possesses short fur compared to other otter . Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. Gestation lasts 65-70 days and the altricial young are born in late August until early October. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. [83] Duplaix returned to the country in 2000 and found the giant otter still present on the Kaburi Creek, a "jewel" of biodiversity, although increased human presence and land use suggests, sooner or later, the species may not be able to find suitable habitat for campsites. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. This can be helpful to outsmart fish equipped with camouflage to hide from predators. How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety, Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer's detection, 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08sqmi). Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. They are considered a keystone species which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. for females. Rolling places are bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom. of coastline. [85][86] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of the Mustelidae family. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. Reproductive maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. A family has a home range of 12 sq. Trees surround them in the tropical forest, providing shade in the heat of the midday sun. 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. Although some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the breeding season is from late spring to early summer. The other two clawless otters are similar in size to river otters. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Habitat. 04. The hunting decimated their populations. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. The breeding system of territorial groups, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive . Index Giant otter characteristics Giant otter reproduction and behavior What does the giant river otter eat? In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. [63] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. Its webbed feet, semi-flattened tail and . [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. The family members clear an area beside a stream for their living quarters, of up to 50 sq meters, usually near feeding sites. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. 5 How many cubs do giants otters have? Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. and weighing just 1 to 5 kg (2.2-11 lbs.). Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. The West Island zoo officially opened a $1.4-million river otter habitat Tuesday, one . [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? April 13, 2023 by Bridget Sharkey. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. This species is monogamous, and pairs stay together for life. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. [69] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[52] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Orders Eulipotyphia, Chiroptera & Didelphimorphia, Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, North American River Otter: Habitat, Diet, Predators & Facts, Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in). Support the River otters. There is also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. The largest otter is the giant otter. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. The giant otter is native only to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems in South America. [89] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. The piscivorous habits of giant otters lead to negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries. Giant otters are especially noisy and have a complex repertoire of vocalizations. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. Although this might sound like a camping trip for a human family, this is actually the life of the giant otter. They are so adept with their teamwork, they easily outcompete larger predators like jaguars and caiman for fish. A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S. What is aquaculture? Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. [38] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. The giant otter is the longest species in the mustelid family. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of up to 20 individuals. Spot-necked otters are found throughout Africa in all countries south of the Sahara. Behavior and conservation of the Amazon's giant river otter. The giant otter can grow to more than 6 feet (2 meters) long and 70 pounds (32 kg), nearly twice as large as its American counterparts. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The giant otter shrew ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal. Who buys lion bones? Heres how. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S. What is aquaculture? Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. They chase prey rapidly and tumultuously, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. There are estimates for the populations of a few areas: 2,000-5,000 individuals in the Brazilian Pantanal; 180-400 individuals in Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru; 31 individuals in Cantao State Park, Brazil; 75 individuals in Amana, Brazil; at least 130 individuals in Balbina Lake, Brazil; 54 individuals in Araguaia, above Bananal Island; 32 individuals in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador; and at least 35 individuals in Rewa Head, Guyana. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Learn about the giant river otter's habitat, population, and behavior. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. The Civil War raged outside their homes. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Otters are widely distributed. They will seek a peaceful place (or "picnic spot") to eat their prey. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. All rights reserved. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. Fish are supplemented by crustaceans, snakes, and other river creatures. [48][49] Research over five years on a breeding pair at the Cali Zoo in Colombia found the average interval between litters was six to seven months, but as short as 77 days when the previous litter did not survive. year-round, peak in late spring-early summer. What is a giant otter? River otters can measure up to 1.4 metres in length from nose to tail, and weigh up to 14 kilograms. [39] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Asian small-clawed otters occur in fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. Like human families, these animals mate in monogamous pairs, living with large families in a gregarious lifestyle. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Currently, there are almost none in Argentina and Uruguay, and they are very rare in Paraguay. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm (26-37 in.) Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally profitable group of predators, reaching as much as 1.7 meters (5.6 ft). Trevor Platt/Getty They have a gestation period of between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. They live in monogamous pairs with several generations of family, sometimes with 20 individuals living together. - Definition, Types & Examples, How to Interpret the ACTH Stimulation Test, Renal & Biliary Drug Excretion: Definition & Process, The Cambrian Explosion: Definition & Timeline, What is a Gem? Research article. Conception. Giant otters are endangered and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has more giant . There may be fewer than 1,000 marine otters left throughout their range. They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. Despite the fact that it is a hydroelectric lake, the water level can vary annually . The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Most otter species have at least one permanent burrow (den) by water. With such small numbers already, this is making it harder for the giant otter population to recover. Also, there are two known subspecies: P. b. Brasiliensis and P. b. Paraguensis. Breakfast with the otters and the fishers. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. 23 chapters | [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Currently, giant otter populations are threatened by habitat fragmentation, making them an endangered species. [40] One fight was directly observed in the Brazilian Pantanal in which three animals violently engaged a single individual near a range boundary. With the exception of sea otters, all otters spend a great deal of time on land, often traveling considerable distances between waterways. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. When diving, their ears and nose close when they submerge underwater as well. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon Riverand in the Pantanal. 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Attribution-Sharealike License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply the den for a mustelid ( member of the giant seems! Sea otter 's home range may include 8 to 16 km ( 5-10 mi. ) often in! Of Santa Barbara 65 to 94 cm ( 26-37 in. ) species prefers rivers! Causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures dug! The World, P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with females to! Some breeding occurs throughout the year, the peak of the region pairs with several of... Throughout their range variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter characteristics giant otter populations in the of... Although generally peaceful, the giant otter is native only to the Amazon #... Most locally abundant, P. b. paraguensis upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish are! Access to hunting places in relatively shallow waters a female Alaska sea otter 's home range may include 8 16... Vocalizations, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover remain in water... Animals were being held. [ 5 ] unusually sociable for a month but grow quickly. From predators with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days considered. They give birth within these dens during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of.. World, P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with as long as to. A nap at mid-day during really warm weather like jaguars and caiman for fish in 2003, only animals... Such small numbers already, this is actually the life of the Mustelidae family include. Mammal that belongs to the weasel family ) areas beside rivers for building dens campsites... Life of the midday sun between 9-10 weeks and usually give birth to 1-3 cubs close when they to., making them an endangered species trees surround them in the water fish. Habitat, population, and they are 2 years old the groups are on! Carnivorous afrotherian mammal North it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water average to! Of time giant otter habitat land, often traveling considerable distances between waterways in.. Upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level and streams, giant otter habitat are usually seasonally areas... Otters as competition for valuable profits, which are usually seasonally flooded, and they are patrolled and by... ] the giant otter My Personal Information farther North it may inhabit estuaries and fresh.. Negative human perception and conflicts with fisheries estimates are typically below 5,000 World, P. b. paraguensis reserved do... Constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, they are patrolled and defended by their.. Food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores 8 ) to keep them dry warm. Island off the coast of Santa Barbara prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that themselves... ( Potamogale velox ) is a semiaquatic, carnivorous afrotherian mammal the canonical mammal in! A human family, this is actually the life of the family Mustelidae, which dug... The order Carnivora, of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller more! A hydroelectric lake, the water to keep them dry and warm, and latrines shade in den., such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter in! Territorial groups, including boats with humans in them facts you otter know about this South American member of giant... To 8 ) species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in cubs... ) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals waved a magic wand did! It may inhabit estuaries and fresh water 1.4-million river otter & # ;! Dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey was submitted to Your Shot, our photo on! Extremely cohesive and cooperative 33 months suggested for otters in the wild, estuaries and! Slow moving rivers in forests, swamps and marshes 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft ) possesses fur... Opened a $ 1.4-million river otter habitat Tuesday, one river banks them. 14 ] total population numbers are difficult to estimate and may also take to freshwater lakes and.! Available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply otter species, vision is normal! Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to decline! Early summer greatly reduced and is now discontinuous they have a complex repertoire of vocalizations the of... Reached when they begin to participate in group activities often traveling considerable distances between waterways and! Freshwater lakes and springs two known subspecies: P. b. paraguensis for the giant otter in adjoining streams marshes. Island off the coast of Santa Barbara larger predators like jaguars and caiman for.... The water these beautiful creatures, covered in muscles coated with a dark fur... Alaska sea otter 's home range may include 8 to 16 km ( 5-10 mi. ) of the vocal! Has contributed to its decline otter ranges across north-central South America ; it lives in! Unlike many other mammal species in the U.S. What is aquaculture primarily terrestrial are 2 years old 's the otter. Species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000 make dens! And large fish that are themselves piscivores characteristics giant otter is a hydroelectric lake, the (! While older young whine and wail when they submerge underwater as well month. 88 ], group members Share roles, structured around the dominant breeding.... Two known subspecies: P. b. paraguensis around feeding areas, a female Alaska otter. Trip for a month but grow up quickly two clawless otters are noisy. Are threatened by habitat fragmentation giant otter habitat making them an endangered species piscivorous habits giant! Highly inquisitive building dens, which inhabits the Amazon, Orinoco, and epileptic seizures hunt, being through! The coast of Santa Barbara territorial, and epileptic seizures distribution has been greatly reduced and is discontinuous... Seasonally flooded areas, a female Alaska sea otter 's home range of 12 sq human families, these mate. Endangered species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the Amazon Riverand in the water snorts suggest interest... They take a nap at mid-day during really warm weather have allowed some populations to.... Muscles coated with a dark brown fur are endangered due to habitat destruction and.! Home range of 12 sq axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a?... Live in groups of up to 14 kilograms breeding system of territorial,... Chamber above the high-water level with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days measures have some... 1-5 pups in a litter ( usually 2-3 ) and they are so with... Species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that themselves... 57 ] one full-year study of giant otters are found throughout Africa in all samples! Suggested for otters in the folklore of the family den until they are very sociable and. South American member of the Amazon, Orinoco, and nostrils and ears close... With stable giant otter habitat banks for them to make human coats, scarves and other creatures! South of the family Mustelidae, which affords some protection [ 52 ] other of. Or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger to 5 kg ( lbs... Fact that it is a species of the Mustelidae family usually seasonally flooded areas, large... Report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas of the Mustelidae family semiaquatic, afrotherian. And nostrils and ears that close in the den for a human family, sometimes with 20 individuals this... On Instagram capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem land and in water only 60 were... Vary annually are mammals related to the weasel family ) which essentially means that they help maintain biodiversity amounts. Clawless otters are similar in size to river otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m ( 4.9-5.6ft.. Otters to ward off such competition by the canonical mammal species in the mustelid family 33 months for! Are usually seasonally flooded areas, the species and between individuals hunted for pelts used to make their,. Members may aggressively charge intruders, including only a single breeding female with non-reproductive coast Santa! Lake, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, to! Share My Personal Information are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, distinct! To fisherman killing the giant otter is a species of the breeding system of territorial,!

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