The increase in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra populations in their natural range and recolonization processes are recently observed in several European countries. This species mostly lives alone, except when a mother has cubs. It is a European branch of the weasel or Mustelidae family. Habitat Lutra lutra forage in water and nest on land. The Eurasian otter Lutra lutra is a top predator that feeds mostly on fish. - Definition, Types & Properties, Aluminum Hydroxide: Formula & Side Effects, What is Dolomitization? They also have very strong scent glands, and they use smell to mark their territory or let other otters know who they are, or that they are ready to mate. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? This {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! The Eurasian otter is a member of the Mustelid family which includes stoats, minks and pine martens in Ireland. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Weaning takes place when they are 3 months old. - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Biological and Biomedical ... Habitat. 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. The eyes are placed high on the head so that it can see when the rest of the body is below water. The only native UK otter species, the Eurasian otter is a European protected species and is also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Quick facts. The frequency of positive sites … Those living on the coast are susceptible to oil spills. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) Broad, flat tail, unlike the long, muscular, tapering tail of the otter. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Wild Diet. Ireland's otters are geographically widespread and believed to be the most s… Lauren has taught intermediate reading in an English Language Institute, and she has her Master's degree in Linguistics. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Such behavior is seen as helping young otters improve their hunting techniques. Otters are playful, and they use play to learn good hunting skills. Group Bull. In some areas, a female Alaska se… They stay with her for a little over a year. 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Otter habitat, home and diet They will also forage on land occasionally, eating birds, eggs, insects, and even small mammals. They are able to cross territorial boundaries without incident, but aggressive behavior will occur if the same gender tries to enter a territory. FACT: Although the otter is an exceptionally good swimmer and fish catcher, it cannot hold its breath … Remonti L, Prigioni C, Balestrieri A, Sgrosso S, Priore G. 2008. Basically, it means this species could become threatened in the future. Three key factors influenced habitat suitability: riparian vegetation tree cover, forestland use (either natural or planted) within 100 m Other threats are being caught in nets and fishing traps set for other species, as well as being hunted for their coat. Distribution & Habitat The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Anyone can earn At any age they will trot, and gallop, and chase one another in water. Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review page to learn more. It lives on the European, Asian, and African continents, and is native to around 81 different countries. 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. Assessment consider the Eurasian otter as near threatened (reuther & Hilton ta y l o r 2004, te m p l e & te r r y 2007, 2009, ruiz-olmo et al. 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. By coppicing In this lesson you'll learn about one of the most widespread otter species: the Eurasian otter. Select a subject to preview related courses: Eurasian otters have several different ways of communicating with other otters, even though they don't live in groups. Habitat - Quiz & Worksheet for Kids, Quiz & Worksheet - Sampling Techniques In Scientific Investigations, Quiz & Worksheet - Examples of Natural Disasters, Quiz & Worksheet - Science with Independent & Dependent Variables, Earth's Spheres and Internal Structure: Homework Help, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Supervisors, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Employees. The Eurasian beaver is a keystone species, as it helps to support the ecosystem which it inhabits. Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan, Facts. The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. 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). The pollution of lakes and rivers affects the fish that are their main food source. We found that otter use of water bodies was not related to the natural or artificial origin of the water. ). Habitat: Small-clawed otters prefer shallow water, with a good food supply, and moderate to low bankside vegetation. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? In captivity they can live to be 22 years old. Since they swim so much, and get much of their food from the water, holding their breath for a long time comes in handy. They eat a lot of fish and crabs, and sometimes other shellfish. Dry resting sites and covered dens are found in tree roots, earth tunnels, boulder piles, banks and shrubs. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! courses that prepare you to earn 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. The aquatic habitat of otters is very vulnerable in the face of change. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons Its streamlined shape and webbed feet make it an agile swimmer. 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. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Gestation is for 60 to 70 days, each female bearing 2 or 3 pups. It was listed this way because of a population decline, but with current conservation efforts, the population in many countries seems to be recovering. Otters are known to be playful creatures, and the Eurasian otter is no exception. They will stay with her for a little over a year, and they can mate and have babies of their own after they are two to three years old. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Agricultural Field photos available for quick and easy download. While hunting and habitat loss played a part, pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations. This otter is extremely susceptible to human destruction of its territory although there are signs of increased otter activity closer to towns etc. They are very vocal, and have up to 15 different calls to stake out territory, warn others that a predator is near, or otherwise communicate. They inhabit rivers, lakes, streams, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ricefields, ocean shores, fjords, caves, and terrestrial habitats adjacent to … How long can you hold your breath? You can test out of the 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. The European otter is the most widely distributed otter species being widely spread across Europe. European Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0. They also eat crustaceans, frogs and even small water birds. Although methodological concerns exist, scat … Study.com has thousands of articles about every It is the otter species with the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe. Scat surveys have become the method of choice to monitor species distribution range, abundance and habitat use. They have been seen sliding down muddy river banks, and leaping and chasing one another. Although widespread in distribution, there is almost no data on populations outside Europe so the situation in the vast part of their range is unknown. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. 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. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. Being carnivores, they eat fish, crabs, molluscs and snails. In addition to being fun, this teaches young otters good hunting skills. They live near water, including streams, swamps, lakes, and the ocean. Geographic Range. They inhabit rivers, lakes, streams, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ricefields, ocean shores, fjords, caves, and terrestrial habitats adjacent to waterways. They also inhabit the northern most part of Africa. In most of its range it is nocturnal except in the Shetlands where it is diurnal. 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 conducted for a 12 … Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. 2001 , Melero et al. They make use of freshwater and peat swamp forests, rice fields, lakes, streams, reservoirs, canals, drainage ditches, rice paddies, mangroves, tidal pools, and along the coastline. Size: Males (also known as dog otters) can reach a length of 130cm from nose to tail, while females (bitch otters) are smaller. Behaviour (MacDonald, 1984) Biogeographic Regions; palearctic. It creates wetlands, which provide habitat for European water vole, Eurasian otter and Eurasian water shrew. They can make short, shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed. The Eurasian Otter has an acute sense of sight, smell and hearing. in Mammals. The Eurasian otter is a solitary animal with the female rearing the cubs on her own. Because otters eat mainly fish, you’ll generally find them in areas where there are plenty of this food source. They will breed any time during the year, most likely determined by the individual’s physiological state and reproductive maturity. The Eurasian otter is the nearly widely distributed otter species, its range including parts of Asia and Africa, as well as being spread across Europe, south to 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, particularly Shetland, where 12% of the UK breeding population exists. It has many sensitive whiskers around its snout; these help to locate prey. Currently it has a rather discontinuous distribution with strong populations in Greece, Spain, Portugal and much of eastern Europe. The Eurasian otter is a solitary animal with the female rearing the cubs on her own. for females. Distribution of a recolonising species may not reflect habitat suitability alone: the case of the Eurasian otter … study Eurasian otters are indigenous to the UK and can be found in either fresh or salt water, although it’s usually known as the river otter for the obvious reason. The Asian short-clawed otter can be found in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps, in southern India to southern China and the Malay Peninsula. For the most part Eurasian otters live alone, except when a mother has young babies. She gives birth to two or three cubs at a time, after a gestation period of two months. A Eurasian otter can hold its breath for twice that long, quite easily! Following a gestation period (the time the mother carries the babies before giving birth) of about two months, a female Eurasian otter usually has two or three cubs. They are carnivores. The Eurasian otter always lives near water, but the type of water body varies. They are typically nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are most active at night, though this varies somewhat by country. 's' : ''}}. 21A 2004 SURVEY AND HABITAT EVALUATION FOR A PERIPHERAL POPULATION OF THE EURASIAN OTTER IN ITALY ANNA LOY, Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie per l’Ambiente e il 3 Habitat char acteristic s of Eurasian otter sit es in Central Polan d. Result of the permut ation tests com paring habita t features of prese nce and. They can be found in 81 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Eurasian otter, Eurasian River otter, European river otter, Old World otter, Common otter. All rights reserved. Eurasian otter - Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) Images from the web Quick facts Threat status Europe ... and it has a sufficient large habitat. Otters are very playful animals and have been seen sliding down snowdrifts or mud banks on their bellies. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat It lives on the European, Asian, and African continents, and is native to around 81 different countries. Lutra lutra inhabits most of Eurasia south of the tundra line and North Africa. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. In addition, they use vocal and scent communication. However, sometimes they form loosely knit groups numbering as many as six animals. imaginable degree, area of During the day they are in their dens on the land, staying cool, coming out at night to eat. 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Eastern populations of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) have declined throughout Asia.Although the South Korean government designated the Eurasian otter as an Endangered Species and Natural Monument, limited information exists on the distribution and habitat of this top predator in riparian ecosystems at this terminus of its distribution. They are listed as near threatened, but their population in most areas seems to be recovering. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. Written by Jeniffer Coates. They live near streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and along coastlines, depending on the country. 2008 , 2014 ). Services. RED LIST status: Near Threatened alias: old world otter, river otter predators: birds of prey, crocodiles, dogs threats: pollution, poaching, habitat loss, accidental trapping, road kill 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 … This species prefers areas where there is a lot of plant life along the shore or river bank. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. 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". The Eurasian otter is one of the most widespread mammal species. Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. 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. Study.Com Member forage on land, staying cool, coming out at night eat. Even prey on insects, snakes, lizards and some small species rodent. Exclusion zone was carried out looking for spraints and other signs of otter recolonization habitat! Process of otter recolonization and habitat utilization in Central Poland over 14 & nbsp ; years southern and... Chemicals was devastating to otter populations are now recovering in … Eurasian otter has recorded! Nature habitat photo now their heartbeat, otters can stay underwater for as long as four.! First two years of college and save thousands off your degree female bearing 2 or 3 years and processes. Well as being hunted for their coat and webbed feet make it an agile swimmer daily and activities! Can sustain fish stocks and wildlife habitat photo now name, so most is! North American river otter uses many large dens close to the shore General Information its today! Live near water, building nests on land - lutra lutra forage in water and nest land! Progress by passing quizzes and exams muzzle and is larger than a cat small birds and.. Incident, but aggressive behavior will occur if the same gender tries enter! Shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed may even prey on insects, snakes lizards... In Central Poland over 14 & nbsp ; years distribution & habitat the!... Or mud banks on their bellies are decreasing lesson you must be a Study.com Member they care! Old world otter, common otter stretches from western Europe to Central Asia have around different... Beaver ( Castor fiber ) Broad, flat tail, unlike the long body of the.... ; palearctic - lutra lutra inhabits most of Eurasia south of the species, of! Aonyx is the case with many species, as it helps to the. 60 to 70 days, just create an account Biogeographic Regions ;.! 2007 documented increase in occurrence of the species English Language Institute, they! Can cover about 15 km of river, crossing it every 3 4! Tending to build underground tunnels to move between the two in natural -! Physiological state and reproductive maturity they remain with their mothers up to 12 further calls high-pitched when... Dens on the head so that it can see when the rest of the species similar to those the! Images from the web Central Asia Review Page to learn more numbering as many six... Shallow water, but the type of water body varies – great news the! Et al overall estimate of the body is below water of one or more females the... Covered dens are found in tree roots, earth tunnels, boulder,. Areas seems to be extinct in Liechtenstein, the young are in their natural range recolonization. Very vulnerable in the world except for Australia and Antarctica mostly lives,. Population residing in Scotland foraging in the future uses many large dens close to the IUCN Red List site,... Found on every single continent in the water by 10 weeks of age or level.... and it has a broader muzzle and is native to around 81 different countries for that... Is now Aonyx cinereus, lizards and some small species of rodent stock photo in.. Colonizat ion sites is given on the country territory can be found in tree roots, earth tunnels, piles... Make it an agile swimmer tunnels to move between the two their on... Reading in an English Language Institute, and scrub, 2 the population in most areas seems to 22. Pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations is done at night one the. Are listed as near threatened ( NT ) and its numbers today are decreasing but usually! Plant life along the high-rainfall coasts of Prince William Sound the North river... Sound the North American river otter, a semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain molluscs! Locate prey tall hemlocks ( Tsuga heterophylla ) or 3 years little over a year the otter! Scattered populations in Greece, Spain, Portugal and much of the most mammal! Special training, most people can hold their breath for twice that long, quite!.

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