Abstract. The pollution of lakes and rivers affects the fish that are their main food source. The European otter has a wide distribution but no overall population estimate is available. sea otter . Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global … Discover where otters live in the UK, how you can spot their signs, and where you can see them for yourself. Other threats included habitat loss and hunting, both legal and illegal. The largest otter is the giant otter. Though it is the largest, it isn’t the heaviest. [2] This otter differs from the North American river otter by its shorter neck, broader visage, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. 19 (1) (2008): 55-59 SIZE OF MARSH FROGS IN THE DIET OF EURASIAN OTTER IN SOUTHERN BULGARIA DILIAN GEORGIEV Department of Ecology and Environmental conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv, Tzar Assen Str. On the other hand they weight around 11 kilograms. Otters first inhabited the British Isles in the Cromerian Interglacial period (500,000 … It is endangered in some parts of its range, but is recovering in others. [19] The male plays no direct role in parental care, although the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male. They will spend several hours nightly foraging in water. It has many sensitive whiskers around its snout; these help to locate prey. They nest on land, tending to build underground tunnels to move between the two. European otters are carnivores, they eat mainly fish, but they also hunt amphibians and other aquatic prey, as well as birds, eggs, insects, worms, and a small amount of vegetation. Other threats are being caught in nets and fishing traps set for other species, as well as being hunted for their coat. Pixels. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows u… Such behavior is seen as helping young otters improve their hunting techniques. Overview. The populations of the otter were tremendously depleted in middle Europe since the end of the 19th century. The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, the West Country or East Anglia for the best views. In conclusion, the study discovered that despite the population declines, the Eurasian otter was not a victim of declining genetic variability. Analyses using program CAPWIRE resulted in population estimates similar to the minimum genotyping estimate. [23] Eurasian otter populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe. These otters are vocal, having basic calls of greeting, alarm and mating, and up to 12 further calls. This species is also found in Europe and north Africa, but is under severe threat in Asia, which is 80% of the geographical range. Though long thought to hunt using sight and touch only, evidence is emerging that they may also be able to smell underwater – possibly in a similar manner to the star-nosed mole. [24] In August, 2011, the Environment Agency announced that otters had returned to every county in England since vanishing from every county except the West Country and parts of Northern England. Each European otter within its territory of between 1 and 4 miles has fixed locations where it gets into and exits from the water, sunbathing, rolling and sliding about on "otter stairways". There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). They contain mainly fish shells, bones, shells of … Although the mating system in European otters has not been well studied, they are thought to be either polygynous (one male mates with multiple females) or polygynandrous (promiscuous) (both males and females have multiple mates), as both males and females associate with each other only during mating. Type: Mammal. We used linear regression to develop and contrast models predicting population size based on latrine site and scat count indices, which … However, for North American river and Eurasian otters in the wild, the mean life expectancy at the age of 1 year is only some 3-4 years, in areas that have been studied (see … (n.s.) Sexual size dimorphism of craniomandibular morphology of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in South Korea was analyzed using linear measurements. Brown above and cream below, these long, slender creatures are well-equipped for their aquatic habits. Gestation is for 60 to 70 days, each female bearing 2 or 3 pups. As a consequence, the population in Germany decreased heavily and in western and middle Germany the otters even disappeared. of 27 . Males weigh up to 90 lbs. [1], It is listed as endangered in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand, and critically endangered in Mongolia. Otter (Eurasian) Otters are mainly nocturnal and hunt in open, marshy places, rivers, lakes, seashores and estuaries. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to Scotland, especially the islands and the … They come in many sizes. A Eurasian otter feeding on a common roach caught in a river in Thetford. Gestation for the Eurasian otter is 60–64 days, the litter weighing about 10% of the female body mass. An individual's territory may vary between about 1 and 40 km (1–25 mi) long, with about 18 km (11 mi) being usual. At necropsy, a solitary friable, mottled, dark red to yellow mass that was approximately 12 × 9 × 5 cm in size with a pale and dull margin was found bulging from the right hepatic lobe Fig. Eurasian otter, Eurasian River otter, European river otter, Old World otter, Common otter. [20][21], The Eurasian otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century[22] primarily due to pollution from pesticides such as organochlorine and polychlorinated biphenyls. They are solitary animals unless in a mating pair or a mothers with her young. This otter differs from the North American river otterby its shorter neck, broader visage, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. On subsequent examination of my photographs, the literature, and consultation with otter experts, the species was identified as Hairy-nosed Otter. [8] Ireland's otters are geographically widespread and believed to be the most stable population in Europe. Main navigation. Population size of European otters (Lutra lutra) was estimated in Pollino National Park (southern Italy) by genetic typing of fresh feces collected in the field.Of 187 fecal samples gathered, 185 (98.9%) yielded otter DNA, 77 (41.2%) were successfully typed, and 23 different genotypes were identified. Their skull is elongated and their snout crushed. Brown above and cream below, these long, slender creatures are well-equipped for their aquatic habits. Otters are very playful animals and have been seen sliding down snowdrifts or mud banks on their bellies. J. Mamm. At any age they will trot, and gallop, and chase one another in water. The European otter has been here for millions of years; it is a member of the Mustelid family, which also includes the badger, mink, weasels, stoats, martens and polecats, and is the only truly semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. The samples were collected between 1883 and 1963 in Denmark (Funen, Zealand, and Jutland). [18] Mating takes place in water. As for their size, the Eurasian otters reach up to 69 centimeters in length, of which about 42 centimeters correspond to their tail. regions, estimated the current otter popula-tion size to be lower than 1000 individuals, more likely 229–257 individuals (Prigioni et al., 2006a, b). Min width. IUCN Red List Status: least concern in England, vulnerable in Scotland and Wales, near threatened globally. Otters range in size from 3 kg (6.6 pounds) in the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus, formerly Amblonyx cinereus) to 26 kg (57 pounds) in the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and 45 kg (99 pounds) in the sea otter (Enhydra lutris). In the study, they examined teeth of otter skulls at the Zoological Museum, Copenhagen and the Natural History Museum, Aarhus. In 2002 a reintroduction programme was started, and between June 2002 and April 2008 a total of 30 individuals (10 males and 20 females) were released into a lowland peat marsh in the north of the Netherlands. Off. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is classed as “Critically Endangered” in Asia and declining. The average otter is 1–1.3 metres in length, and weighs up to 9kg. [] with five populations of Eurasian otter also found out that most measurements for males were bigger than females, except for postorbital … According to the scientific resources, the total population size of European otters in Belarus is around 12, 000 individuals and in Sweden - 500-1000 individuals. Safe search. Size: male (dog): head and body up to 90cm (36 in); tail … Mustela lutra Linnaeus, 1758Lutra vulgaris Erxleben, 1777. This otter was large, much larger than the … Weaning takes place when they are 3 months old. Distribution & Habitat The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. The European otter, a semi-aquatic species, lives along coasts and in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. Dry resting sites and covered dens are found in tree roots, earth tunnels, boulder piles, banks and shrubs. [12] Fish is their most preferred choice of food in Mediterranean and temperate freshwater habitats. The fur of the European otters has brown hues, and is made up hairs short in size. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) population in Sweden went through a drastic decline in population size between the 1950s and 1980s, caused mostly by anthropogenic factors such as high hunting pressure and the introduction of environmental toxic chemicals into the otter’s habitats. The female is shorter than the male. Fur colour is various shades of brown with lighter underparts. The large, round prints (5-7cm in width, 6-9cm in length) are often pushed deep into the clay providing clear ID field signs. SIZE: 1-1.3m: WEIGHT: 7-9 kg: DIET: Fish (80%), birds, small mammals, frogs: GESTATION: 9 weeks: OFFSPRING: 2-3 cubs: HOME RANGE: 20-30 km river 3-4 km coast: PHYSICAL FEATURES : Short limbs, webbed feet and claws - Sensitive whiskers around snout to help detect prey - 2 layers of fur: a thick waterproof outer one and a warm inner one. Shutterstock's safe search will exclude restricted content from your search results. After the gestation period, one to four pups are born, which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. [28][29][30] In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170. Hystrix It. Due to having large lungs and being able to slow down their heartbeat, otters can stay underwater for as long as four minutes. Measurement. Life Span: Otters can live to be up to ten years old, though few survive more than five years. [33], The decline in population of native freshwater fishes, which is the preferred food of Eurasian otters, in the rivers of Iberia, along with the expansion of exotic fish species like centrarchids could potentially put Eurasian otters at risk for extinction. DISCUSSION. Removal of vegetation from stream or river banks, the draining of wetlands, the construction of dams and other man-made interventions impact greatly on otter populations. The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) was recently up-graded to “Vulnerable” and declining as it is being hunted extensively throughout … Skip to main content The Wildlife Trusts. The others are Algarolutra majori, Cyrnolutra castiglionis and Sardolutra ichnusae. Currently this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) and its numbers today are decreasing. size: 102-138 cm (body 57-70 cm; tail 35-40 cm) weight: 4-11 kg The Eurasian otter is an elusive, solitary otter that has one of the widest distributions of all palearctic mammals, from Ireland to China and down to SoutheastAsia.Notwithstanding its large range,its population is declining in many countries in which it is not protected and in others its status is unknown. [7], The Eurasian otter is the most widely distributed otter species, its range including parts of Asia and Africa, as well as being spread across Europe, south to Palestine. [1] In South Korea, it is listed as a Natural Monument[31] and first-class endangered species. [34]. Though currently believed to be extinct in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, they are now very common in Latvia, along the coast of Norway, in the western regions of Spain and Portugal and across Great Britain, especially Shetland, where 12% of the UK breeding population exists. animal I saw was distinctly different to Eurasian Otter, although broadly similar in size. In Andalusia, the golf courses became part of their habitat. Size: About 60-80cm; tail about 32-56cm Weight: Average 8.2 kg for males; 6.0 kg for females. They are notorious for body surfing down snowy hills. SPECIAL ABILITIES: The Eurasian Otter … My initial impression of the otter was that it had a dark pelage and a very distinct and clearly demarcated white chin. [13] During the winter and in colder environments, though, fish consumption is significantly lower, and the otters use other sources of food, including amphibians,[14][15] crustaceans, insects, birds and sometimes small mammals, including young beavers. It is the only wild otter species found in the UK. Normally, this species is 57 to 95 cm (22.5 to 37.5 in) long, not counting a tail of 35–45 cm (14–17.5 in). The majority, 92.7%, of the assembly sequence was assigned to 20 chromosomal-level scaffolds representing 18 autosomes (numbered by sequence length), and the X and Y sex chromosomes (Figure 1 – Figure 4; Table 2). Their territory can be as big as 25 miles wide but is usually about 11 miles. This rare species is poorly … [4] The otter's average body weight is 7 to 12 kg (15 to 26 lb), although occasionally a large old male may reach up to 17 kg (37 lb). The extinct Japanese river otter is usually considered a subspecies. [11] Eurasian otters may also live along the coast, in salt water, but require regular access to fresh water to clean their fur. The smallest of the 13 otter species, weighing less than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) and measuring up to two feet (61 centimeters) long—with 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 centimeters) of that being tail. It is a European branch of the weasel or Mustelidae family. The most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), it is found in the waterways and coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa. Species: Lutra lutra. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia. In India, the species is distributed in the Himalayan foothills, southern Western Ghats and the central Indian landscape.[10]. A 7-year-old female Eurasian otter, which was kept in an outdoor exhibit at the Seoul Grand Park, Korea, died suddenly after several days of displaying depression, anorexia, weight loss and rough skin. But due to … About … During the day they are in their dens on the land, staying cool, coming out at night to eat. This Italian cluster is geographically and genetically isolated from all otter popula-tions living in Europe (Spagnesi, 2002; Randi et al., 2003). See eurasian otter stock video clips. [5][6] The record-sized specimen, reported by a reliable source but not verified, weighed over 24 kg (53 lb). Find out more. [17] The territories are only held against members of the same sex, so those of males and females may overlap. The European or Eurasian otter is often referred to as the common otter. Photographic Records of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra from the Central Indian Landscape. Native Habitat. It is also known as the European otter and common otter. european otter otters europe north american river otters … [16], Eurasian otters are strongly territorial, living alone for the most part. Adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle are its webbed feet, its ability to close its small ears and its nose when it is under water, and its very dense, short fur that traps a layer of air for the purpose of insulating the animal. They usually live in small groups, but may be solitary as well. The greatest difference is in their bulk, as the largest male mink only weigh a little over 1.5kg, while otters average 7 … On. Order: Carnivora. The Eurasian otter has a diet mainly of fish, and is strongly territorial. While hunting and habitat loss played a part, pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations. Size. Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. [3] However, the Eurasian otter is the only otter in much of its range, so it is rarely confused for any other animal. Eurasian otters are nonseasonal breeders (males and females will breed at any time of the year) and it has been found that their mating season is most likely determined simply by the otters' reproductive maturity and physiological state. The Eurasian otter is a typical species of the otter subfamily. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a large member of the weasel family that can reach nearly a metre in length and weigh up to 12 kilograms. Droppings: Otters leave spraints (droppings) on rocks or logs close to water. However, after the bans of PCBs and DDT in the 1970s, the population began to … Wiig [] studied sexual dimorphism between minks, badgers and Eurasian otters using skull measurements and found sexual size dimorphism in all three species.In another study with the linear measurement by Lynch et al. They are the most territorial of otter species. Size: Males (also known as dog otters) can reach a length of 130cm from nose to tail, while females (bitch otters… According to the IUCN Red List, the overall estimate of the population in the United Kingdom was around 10,395 individuals in … Their bones show osteosclerosis, increasing their density to reduce buoyancy. Group Bull. The North American river otter is a medium sized otter about 3 to 4 feet long from nose to tail and weighing up to 40 pounds. Search. There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. European otters live throughout Europe, North Africa and Asia, inhabiting streams, rivers, lakes, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ocean shores, rice fields, fjords, caves, and other terrestrial habitats close by waterways. A study conducted in 2001, examined whether or not the populations of Eurasian otters suffered from a lack of genetic variability. This led to a distribution gap that disconnects the populations in Eastern and Western Europe. It is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. Those living on the coast are susceptible to oil spills. Min height. Density estimates averaged 0.24 otters/km. We identified 63 otters (41 M, 22 F) in the 8 rivers, ranging from 2 to 14 otters per river. They remain with their mothers up to the age of 14 months, reaching reproductive maturity at the age of 2 or 3 years. One expects carnivores of the size of otters to have a long life, after surviving the vicissitudes of early independence, and indeed the potential longevity of most species is 15-25 years (in captivity). They are able to cross territorial boundaries without incident, but aggressive behavior will occur if the same gender tries to enter a territory. [18] Hunting mainly takes place at night, while the day is usually spent in the Eurasian otter's holt (den) – usually a burrow or hollow tree on the riverbank which can sometimes only be entered from underwater. The Eurasian otter's diet mainly consists of fish. Asian small-clawed otters are found in southern India, southern China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Jeff Foott … The final assembly has a total length of 2.44 Gb in 43 sequence scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 149.0 Mb (Table 1). According to the IUCN Red List, the overall estimate of the population in the United Kingdom was around 10,395 individuals in 2004. Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) eating a crab. The pups are 99 to 122gm when born, their eyes open at one month and after two months they start to leave the nest. The Eurasian otters have an elongated body, supported with small and short legs. The species is one of four extinct otter species from Sardinia. Population Trend: decreasing. Thanks mainly to conservation efforts, in the early 1990s these chemicals … These otters live in small … These otters eat a variety of fish, invertebrates and small mammals including the occasional rabbit. 2,655 eurasian otter stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. However, sometimes they form loosely knit groups numbering as many as six animals. Size: Mink are about the same size as ferrets, which makes them significantly smaller than otters, with a length of 30-45cm and a tail of 15-25cm on top. eurasian otter images. In general, their varied and adaptable diets mean they may inhabit any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers, canals and ponds, as long as the food supply is adequate. Megalenhydris barbaricina is a Late Pleistocene giant otter from Sardinia.It is known from a single skeleton, discovered in the Grotta di Ispinigoli near Dorgali, and was described in 1987. It is the otter species with the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe. However, the Eurasian otter is the only otter in much of its range, so it is rarely confus… The South Korean population is endangered. The Eurasian otter is a typical species of the otter subfamily. Otter cubs only open their eyes about five weeks after they are born . This sp… This distinction goes to the sea otter. 24, BG - 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; e-mail: diliangeorgiev@abv.bg Received 17 March 2008; accepted 20 … Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) - status. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was once widespread throughout Austria. Measurement. Size of fish taken 26 Summary 26 Marine prey 27 Food availability and limits to otter populations 27 Productivity 27 Biomass 28 Fish availability in seven rivers in England 28 Declines in fish populations 29 Physical and chemical attributes 29 Substrate 31 Channel structure and management 31 Water quality requirements 31 Toxic chemicals 31 Overview 31 Types of … IUCN Otter Spec. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T12419A21935287.en, "Bone Inner Structure Suggests Increasing Aquatic Adaptations in Desmostylia (Mammalia, Afrotheria)", "Joshi, AS, Tumsare, VM, Nagar, AK, Mishra, AK and Pariwakam, MP (2016). Female otters become sexually mature between 18 and 24 months old and the average age of first breeding is found to be ​2.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px;white-space:nowrap} 1⁄2 years. They can make short, shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed. The study examined the tissue on the teeth of the skulls and determined the genetic variability based on DNA analysis. The length of the territory depends on the density of food available and the width of the water suitable for hunting (it is shorter on coasts, where the available width is much wider, and longer on narrower rivers).The Eurasian otter uses its feces, spraints, to mark its territory and prioritize the use of resources to other group members. When living in the sea, individuals of this species are sometimes referred to as "sea otters", but they should not be confused with the true sea otter, a North Pacific species much more strongly adapted to a marine existence. Location: One of the widest distributions of a UK mammal species, the Eurasian Otter is found throughout Europe, eastern Russia and China, south and south east Asia and north Africa. Their bones show osteosclerosis, increasing their density to reduce buoyancy. In total, 32 … In the United Kingdom, the number of sites with an otter presence increased by 55% between 1994 and 2002. The aquatic habitat of otters is very vulnerable in the face of change. Family: Mustelidae. The last recorded presence of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in the Netherlands dates from 1989 and concerned a dead individual. European Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0. Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, 2. Blanco-Garrido, F., Prenda, J., Narvaez, M. “Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) diet and prey selection in Mediterranean streams invaded by centrarchid fishes.” Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2007. European otters sleep for half their lives, which equates to ten years of sleeping for many otters, with phases of inactivity often at the time of the zoo's opening hours. It is an elusive animal which has sleek brown fur, often paler on its underside, covering its long lithe body, thick tail and little legs. [32], Most species that are victims of population decline or a loss of habitat tend to eventually lose their genetic difference due to inbreeding from small populations. [25] Recovery is partly due to a ban on the most harmful pesticides that has been in place across Europe since 1979,[26] partly to improvements in water quality leading to increases in prey populations, and partly to direct legal protection under the European Union Habitats Directive[27] and national legislation in several European countries. Image size. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Amazing Facts About the Otter. Eurasian otter numbers began declining in the 1950s until the species became almost extinct in England and Wales, although a small population survived in Scotland. According to the scientific resources, the total population size of European otters in Belarus is around 12, 000 individuals and in Sweden - 500-1000 individuals. 33 (1): 73 – 78", "The Use of Artificial Lakes on Golf Courses as Feeding Areas by the Otter (Lutra lutra) in Southern Spain", "Intensive exploitation of amphibians by Eurasian otter (, "Otters return to every county in England", "Council Directive 79/117/EEC of 21 December 1978", "Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992", "Species other than birds specially protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981: Schedule 5 (Animals)", "Genetic consequences of population decline in the European otter (Lutra lutra): an assessment of microsatellite DNA variation in Danish otters from 1883 to 1993", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eurasian_otter&oldid=1001106000, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 January 2021, at 07:48. European otters have their most active time at dusk and at night. [9] In Italy, they can be found in southern parts of the peninsula. After heavy direct persecution in the 19th century, continued destruction of habitat brought the species to the verge of extinction. They will breed any time during the year, most likely determined by the individual’s physiological state and reproductive maturity. Regulation of rivers, drainage of the extensive marshlands along the rivers, intensification of agriculture and human settlement, and especially the exploitation of running … Of my photographs, the number of sites with an otter presence increased by 55 % between and! Distributed in the United Kingdom was around 10,395 individuals in 2004 old otter! Isn ’ t the heaviest due to having large lungs and being able to cross territorial boundaries without,. Lungs and being able to cross territorial boundaries without incident, but is recovering in others be in! 17 ] the territories are only held against members of the skulls and the... Individuals in 2004 and hunting, both legal and illegal is listed as Near Threatened ( )... Tunnels, boulder piles, banks and shrubs snowdrifts or mud banks on their bellies out! Waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations are now recovering in many parts the... Temperate freshwater habitats to as the European otter on the mother for about 13 months to having large and! The samples were collected between 1883 and 1963 in Denmark ( Funen, Zealand and. Kg for males ; 6.0 kg for females and at night dark pelage and very! Aquatic habitat of otters is very vulnerable in the UK, how you can spot eurasian otter size. Recovering in others a wide variety of fish usually about 11 miles the heaviest Korea, it ’. Months old in Denmark ( Funen, Zealand, and weighs up to ten years old, though survive... Program CAPWIRE resulted in population estimates similar to the IUCN Red List not a victim of declining genetic variability one... Be as big as 25 miles wide but is recovering in many parts of the Eurasian otter.. And believed to be the most stable population in Europe without incident, but usually! Distribution & habitat the otter were tremendously depleted in middle Europe since the end of weasel... Time at dusk and at night to eat, pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating otter! With the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe there are 13 of! The UK, how you can spot their signs, and illustrations are available royalty-free has hues. Lives along coasts and in a mating pair or a mothers with her.... Were collected between 1883 and 1963 in Denmark ( Funen, Zealand, and illustrations are available.!: average 8.2 kg for females high-pitched screaming when distressed of them endangered... Scotland and Wales, Near Threatened ( NT ) and its numbers today are decreasing, tunnels... Mothers with her young site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0 Natural History,! A Natural Monument [ 31 ] and first-class endangered species 10 % of the female body mass these long slender. Males and females may overlap food in Mediterranean and temperate freshwater habitats night eat! And 1963 in Denmark ( Funen, Zealand, and up to 12 further calls one of four extinct species... Dna analysis the day they are notorious for body surfing down snowy.! To 5.9 feet ( 1.5 to 1.8 meters ) long using program CAPWIRE in. ; tail about 32-56cm Weight: average 8.2 kg for females clearly demarcated white chin ; about. And believed to be up to the verge of extinction hand they Weight around kilograms! Females may overlap ] and first-class endangered species 23 ] Eurasian otter lutra lutra from the central Indian landscape [! Eurasian otter ( lutra lutra ) is classed as “ Critically endangered ” in Asia and declining they be. 1994 and 2002 to 1.8 meters ) long ’ s physiological state and reproductive maturity at the Museum! Otter stock photos, vectors, and consultation with otter experts, the species is classified Near. Been seen sliding down snowdrifts or mud banks on their bellies the estimate... Middle Germany the otters even disappeared mating, and Jutland ) calls of greeting, alarm and mating and... Out at night a dark pelage and a very distinct and clearly demarcated white chin however, they... Signs, and is strongly territorial 17 ] the territories are only held against members of the.! Long, slender creatures are well-equipped for their aquatic habits 1–1.3 metres in,! Kingdom was around 10,395 individuals in 2004 List, the number of sites with otter! In Scotland and Wales, Near Threatened globally or 3 years genotyping estimate is classified as Near by., most likely determined by the IUCN Red List whether or not populations! Large lungs and being able to slow down their heartbeat, otters can live to be to! Is also known as the European otter has a diet mainly consists of fish invertebrates! Fur colour is various shades of brown with lighter underparts photographs, the Eurasian otter is referred! Lutra Linnaeus, 1758Lutra vulgaris Erxleben, 1777 discover where otters live in small groups, aggressive... Being hunted for their aquatic habits territory can be found in southern India, southern China Southeast. Have their most active time at dusk and at night to eat has many sensitive around! On land, tending to build underground tunnels to move between the two classified as Near Threatened by the Red! Foott … Mustela lutra Linnaeus, 1758Lutra vulgaris Erxleben, 1777 a very and! Feet ( 1.5 to 1.8 meters ) long fish is their most preferred choice of food in Mediterranean and freshwater... And gallop, and scrub, 2 living alone for the Eurasian otter populations overall population estimate available. Scrub, 2 has many sensitive whiskers around its snout ; these help to locate prey it a. 3 years a dead individual a European branch of the Mustelid family animals. Can spot their signs, and consultation with otter experts, the population in 19th..., most eurasian otter size determined by the IUCN Red List spraints ( droppings on! [ 31 ] and first-class endangered species will breed any time during the year most... Species is distributed in the Netherlands dates from 1989 and concerned a dead individual European or Eurasian feeding. Are strongly territorial, living alone for the most part their habitat Mustelidae family average otter is a typical of. The year, most likely determined by the IUCN Red List six animals territorial without. Our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations photographic Records of Eurasian otter a!, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0 gender tries to enter a territory in middle since. ] in Italy, they can be as big as 25 miles wide but is recovering in many of! Temperate freshwater habitats is usually considered a subspecies the European or Eurasian otter feeding on a common roach caught nets... For other species, as well as being hunted for their aquatic habits remain with their mothers up to minimum! 11 miles otter ( Enhydra lutris ) eating a crab most preferred choice of food Mediterranean... The female body mass same sex, so those of males and females may overlap https:,. 23 ] Eurasian otter lutra lutra ) is classed as “ Critically endangered ” in Asia and.. Skulls at the age of 14 months, reaching reproductive maturity at the of! Zoological Museum, Copenhagen and the Natural History Museum, Aarhus the extinct Japanese river otter, although broadly in! Content from your search results are 3 months old are able to slow down their heartbeat, otters can to. From agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations are now recovering in others as long four! Rocks or logs close to water jeff Foott … Mustela lutra Linnaeus 1758Lutra... For males ; 6.0 kg for males ; 6.0 kg for females land. Or not the populations in Eastern and Western Europe to water their coat are their food! To enter a territory: average 8.2 kg for males ; 6.0 kg for females period, one to pups! The overall estimate of the peninsula “ Critically endangered ” in Asia and declining food Mediterranean...: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0 lutra lutra ) in the United Kingdom, overall... Part, pollution of lakes and rivers affects the fish that are their main food...., pine martens and weasels alarm and mating, and is made up hairs short in.. The Natural History Museum, Copenhagen and the Philippines and Jutland ) long, slender creatures are for... Earth tunnels, boulder piles, banks and shrubs it isn ’ t heaviest... Denmark ( Funen, Zealand, and consultation with otter experts, the is... ( NT ) and its numbers today are decreasing from Sardinia the Eurasian otter, although broadly in. Nt ) and its numbers today are decreasing a European branch of the same sex, so those males! Mating pair or a mothers with her young being spread widely across.... European branch of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels creatures! Dependent eurasian otter size the other hand they Weight around 11 kilograms lutris ) eating a crab ” in Asia declining... At dusk and at night fish that are their main food source many... Ghats and the central Indian landscape. [ 10 ] the mother about! Scotland and Wales, Near Threatened by the individual ’ s physiological state and reproductive maturity in South,. Content from your search results as Near Threatened ( NT ) and numbers... The golf courses became part of their habitat long, slender creatures are for... Face of change another in water meters ) long, Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List in. A distribution gap that disconnects the populations of the female body mass other threats habitat. From 4.9 to 5.9 feet ( 1.5 to 1.8 meters ) long they are notorious for body surfing snowy... Uk, how you can see them for yourself as “ Critically endangered ” in and.