Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lutra lutra
- Common name
- Eurasian otter
- Category
- Marine mammals
- Family
- Mustelidae
- Genus
- Lutra
- Size
- 60–120 cm
- Depth
- 0–20 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- shore, estuarine
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Lutra lutra, the Eurasian otter, is a semi-aquatic mustelid 60 to 120 cm long, dark-brown fur, thick-based tail. Primarily in freshwater but also visits estuaries and the Mediterranean coastline in Corsica, Spain and Greece. Nocturnal, solitary, piscivorous. Extremely elusive. Listed Near Threatened by IUCN, slowly recolonizing western Europe after near-extinction.
Photo of Eurasian otter
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Eurasian otter?
- Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) reaches 60–120 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Eurasian otter?
- Eurasian otter is found between 0–20 m deep.
- Is the Eurasian otter dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Eurasian otter?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Eurasian otter?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Tursiops truncatus - Common bottlenose dolphin
- Stenella frontalis - Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Delphinus delphis - Common dolphin
- Globicephala macrorhynchus - Short-finned pilot whale
- Physeter macrocephalus - Sperm whale
- Balaenoptera physalus - Fin whale
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137076)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2433753)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia