European Otter – Lutra lutra Description. Neotropical river otters are threatened by habitat degradation associated with: agriculture, soil compaction, pollution, roadways, and runoff. ... Lutra lutra (European otter, Eurasian otter… Habitat. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. Also, when forests are cleared for cattle grazing, heavy vegetation (which is the otter's preferred habitat) near streams is also cleared or trampled by cattle. The European Otter is one what has a distinct look to it. They tend to be more adaptable than other otter species, and can survive on a large assortment of foods from fish to crab to muskrats and young beavers. The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. The European otter, also known as the Eurasian otter, or the common otter, has the widest range of all otter species. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Otter populations, despite densities per area of suitable habitat that compare well with other carnivores, cannot fall back on substantial numbers if something goes wrong. There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. The European or Eurasian otter is often referred to as the common otter. You will notice that … The white is also there under the face and down to the belly. The eyes are placed high on the head so that it can see when the rest of the body is below water. FACT: Although the otter is an exceptionally good swimmer and fish catcher, it cannot hold its breath for long and the average dive is about 30 seconds. Habitat. Despite being such a lovable carnivore, the Eurasian Otter is classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN due to a declining population over the last 40 years. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to Scotland, especially the islands and the north-west coast, western Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country (though they remained common and widespread also in Ireland). While it does have the brownish color of coat, it also features white along the length of it. Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. Recent studies of the genetic variability of otter populations have concentrated on the Eurasian and the sea otter … It is able to generate heat internally thus is "endothermic." Origin & Distribution: The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Although the Korean population of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was designated as an endangered species, habitat and basic ecology of Korean otters have been rarely known.To ascertain sprainting behavior of the Eurasian otter in the freshwater habitat and investigate the habitat preferences, otter surveys along the Ungok River in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, were … The Eurasian otter is chiefly brown on its upper side while its underside is cream-colored. Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). Otters are usually found no more than a … The Eurasian otter is an aquatic mammal belonging to the Mutelidae family together with weasels and badgers. This has steadied and the decline is not as drastic as it was over the last 23 years. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! The IUCN status has been described as precautionary. Amazing Facts About the Otter. 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