Otter
Lutrinae
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Otters are water-associated members of the weasel family. This account focuses on the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), which hunts in freshwater and coastal habitats.
Representative species: Lutra lutra.
At a glance
- Location
- Eurasian otters inhabit much of Eurasia and parts of North Africa. They forage in water and rest in covered sites along banks or shores.
- Habitat
- Rivers and lakes, Coast, Wetlands
- Diet
- Piscivore
- Food
- Fish, crustaceans and other aquatic prey form much of the diet.
Classification
- Common name
- Otter
- Browse group
- Mammals
- Scientific name or taxon
- Lutrinae
- Source classification
- Mammalia
Three things to know
- Whiskers help it detect prey underwater.
- Scent marks communicate territorial information.
- It uses both freshwater and coastal habitats.
Habitat and range
Eurasian otters inhabit much of Eurasia and parts of North Africa. They forage in water and rest in covered sites along banks or shores.
Appearance and adaptations
Sensitive whiskers detect movements around prey. Sheltered bank cavities, roots and rocks provide resting places after foraging.
Diet and behaviour
Fish, crustaceans and other aquatic prey form much of the diet. Individuals are often solitary and hunt around dusk or at night. They communicate with calls and scent, and may slide down muddy banks.
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Lutra lutra
- A–Z Animals: Otter · Directory entry
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