Spotted-necked otter. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) 5. spot-necked otter (Lutra maculicollis) 6. smooth/smooth-coated otter (Lutra perspicillata) 7. southern river otter (Lutra provocax) 8. hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana) Genus - Pteronura (giant otter). This otter is found in coastal areas and on larger inland rivers … It is a European branch of the weasel or Mustelidae family. By entering your details, you are agreeing to Discover Wildlife terms and conditions and privacy policy. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. This is the species known as the sea otter. Most are small, with short ears and … Sea Otter Asian small-cl… It is common in Lake Victoria and Zambia, but not in some lakes and rivers, such as in the Zambezi below the Victoria Falls. Some species of Otters live in the extremely cold waters. Male sea otters usually weigh 22 to 45 kg (49 to 99 lb) and are 1.2 to 1.5 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in) in length, though specimens up to 54 kg (119 lb) have been recorded. As the largest otter, it can reach up to 2m in length. This is due to the severe damage that it creates for their coat. Even so, you are better off to observe them from a distance in their natural habitat. 1. giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) Genus - Aonyx (clawless otters). It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). Many researchers believe that there may be more species of Otters out there. The name “otter” is derived from the Old English terms “otor” or “oter”. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is an otter species occurring in most of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with a disjunct population in Iraq.It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 and is threatened by habitat loss, pollution of wetlands and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. This species occurs throughout the USA and Canada, and has been reintroduced to midwestern USA in order to expand its distribution. Due to trapping, water pollution and habitat degradation, the numbers of North American river otter had declined through most of their range by the early 1900s. This species can grow quite large, almost as big as the giant otter, and weigh up to 18kg. This is one of the main reasons why they have been so easy to capture and to kill for their fur over the years. They tend to consume a variety of meat items including fish, frogs, and anything else that can be found in their environment. Also known as the Cape clawless otter, the African clawless otter is found through much of sub-Saharan Africa. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel wa… These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Do giant otters live in a group? The sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammal species, but it is the heaviest mustelid. But otter expert … Genus - Lutra (river otters). It is found most often in areas with protection from the most severe ocean winds, such as rocky coastlines, thick kelp forests, and barrier reefs. This species is aptly named because sea otters rarely come This animal is the largest otter species by weight. Some of them have long claws, others have those that are very short or simply lack of them. A raft typically contains 10 to 100 animals, but the largest raft ever seen contained over 2000 sea otters. What they will have access to depend on where they live. The fur of this species is smoother and shorter than that of other otters, and they use scent to communicate both within the otter species, and with other animals. The Giant Otter's scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis, which means "winged tail belonging to Brazil", although this otter species is not limited to Brazil.Winged refers to the fin-like shape of the giant otter's tail. Should that bacteria develop it would harm and even kill Otters and other types of animals found in the water. Well, that's not strictly true, they have partial webbing on their hind feet, but their front feet are totally free of … This species, like its name implies, has brown splotches on the white underside of its neck. These terms find their root in the Proto-Indo-European language term “wodr”, a word that is also believed to have given birth to what we call “water” today. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. The goal is to help these remaining 13 species to be able to survive for millions more years. The giant otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. All about the sea otter. The goal is to help these remaining 13 species to be able to survive for millions more years. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. Hemker Park & Zoo celebrated the birth of 3 boy Asian Small-Clawed Otters on December 2, 2019. This includes when they are in captivity. North American river otter (Lutra canadensis) 2. marine otter (Lutra felina) 3. neotropical/long-tailed otter (Lutra longicaudus) 4. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. This is known to keep various types of bacteria from developing. On the Shetland Islands, some otters have been known to abandon fishing in favour of rabbit hunting. However, only one species of otter is fully aquatic — Enhydra lutris. They have been seen using rocks to smash shells when they can’t get them to open with their powerful claws. There are 13 existing species, all semiaquatic or marine, with varied diets based on crustaceans, fish, molluscs, amphibians, invertebrates and more. This otter is found in coastal areas and on larger inland rivers across Southeast Asia (Myanmar, South Thailand, Cambodia, South Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia, including Sumatra and Borneo). While they are very intelligent though simply can’t adapt to some of the changes that come their way due to humans. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. It is a gregarious species, living in groups of up to 20 individuals, and will attack potential predators such as caimans. Taxonomy/Description. The scientific name for an otter is Carnivora, with otter being its common name. It is the otter species with the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe. The European otter, a semi-aquatic species, lives along coasts and in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. It is found in the rainforests of the Congo basin including Democratic Republic of Congo, Equitorial Guinea and Gabon. However, this hasn’t always worked in their favor. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. African Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis) Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) Marine Otter (Lontra felina) The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Currently stable populations exist in parts of the Russian east coast, Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and California, with reports of recolonisations in Mexico and Japan. Smooth-coated otters are found in areas where freshwater is plentiful, preferring shallow and placid waters— wetlands and seasonal swamps, rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. Based on twenty-eight sightings, of which he considered thirteen certain and fifteen probable, Bernard Heuvelmans described the super-otter as a four-limbed otter-like animal of enormous, but often exaggerated, size. All species of Otters are mammals due to the fact that they give live birth to their offspring and that they nurse from their mothers. This species is a member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), and is the smallest otter species in the world. Listed alphabetically: L. c. canadensis (Schreber, 1777) – (eastern Canada, U.S., Newfoundland) L. c. kodiacensis (Goldman, 1935) – ( Kodiak Island, Alaska) L. c. lataxina (Cuvier, 1823) – (U.S.) L. c. mira (Goldman, 1935) – (Alaska, British Columbia) L. c. pacifica (J. As its name indicates, the fur of this species is smoother and shorter than that of other otters. You can unsubscribe at any time. Everyone is doing great and we are looking for name suggestions for the boys. Otter Species Overview. The otters were initially thought to be Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus), a species which can be found in Palawan. However, it is important to note that these animals need adequate land to be able to survive. This species is the most widely distributed of all the otters, ranging through Eurasia up to the Arctic Circle, from Ireland to Kamchatka, and south to North Africa, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Aonyx congica- A strange otter, in that, it is the least aquatically-adapted otter of them all. Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of all 13 otter species and are native to… All of the species live both in the water and on land for rest. Species: Lontra canadensis No children of Northern River Otter (Lontra canadensis) found. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Try 3 issues of BBC Wildlife Magazine for just £5! Also known as Oriental small-clowed otters, these otters are often seen in zoos, which makes them one of the more familiar otter species for many people. Otters are fascinating animals as well as being adorable. Otter Species. This is no easy feat with some of them experiencing drastically low numbers already. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Although closely related to the Cape Clawless Otter, it lacks both thick insulating fur and webbing on the feet. The Neotropical otter is the greatest generalist of all otter species, inhabiting a range of habitats including wastewater treatment plants, rice and sugar cane plantations, drainage ditches and swamps to cold, glacial lakes in the Andes of Ecuador. This species has the widest distribution of all the Lontra species, from northern and central Argentina up through south and central America to northwest Mexico. Others like it where it is warmer. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of … North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. There is some debate as to whether the Congo clawless otter is a separate species to the African clawless otter (A.capensis), but it is considered a separate species by the IUCN Otter Specialist Group. There are 13 extant species of otter around the world, one of which is native to the UK. Though they typically forage alone, sea otters tend to rest together and link arms in single-sex groups called rafts. The Sea Otter's scientific name is Enhydra lutris, which means "otter that lives in the water". The taxonomy of otters puts them as the L Canadensis species. Hippo guide: species facts and the best places to see in the wild. The Giant Otter is one of the most popular that people know about. For example they can’t do well when the waters contain pollutants including chemicals or oil. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), also known as the oriental small-clawed otter or simply small-clawed otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. Otters are carnivorous mustelids in the Lutrinae subfamily. Some live in the Americas, others in Asia. In the wild, the distribution range of this species includes India, Taiwan and southern China. However, the spotted-necked otter does not have a light underside, with the exception of its neck. Updated July 17, 2019 The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family. In the past, this species was widely employed throughout its range by fishermen, with trained animals being highly valued. You can discover some of our favourite otter facts here: Editorial and digital co-ordinator at BBC Wildlife Magazine, and countryfile.com. In the mean time a great deal of effort is put on making sure that the remaining 13 species of Otters out there continue to thrive. Fast Facts Description In appearance, sea otters are stouter and have larger rib cages, smaller tails and blunter muzzles than other species of otters. Thanks! Females are smaller, weighing 14 to 33 kg (31 to 73 lb) and measuring 1.0 to 1.4 m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 7 in) in length. Otters are gentle creatures by nature that tend to mind their own business. It belongs to the weasel family and its subfamily is the Lutrinae. 1. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggress… As of 2011, they can be found in every English county, including some urban rivers. The marine otter is found along the western coast of the South American continent, with patchy distribution due to some unsuitable habitat and increased human occupation. Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) 2. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is a species of otter, the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale.The species is found in most of the Indian Subcontinent and eastwards to Southeast Asia, with a disjunct population in Iraq. Spotted-necked otters, like other species of the genus Lutra, are generally brown in color. Species Eurasian otter ( Lutra lutra) Hairy-nosed otter ( Lutra sumatrana) Lutra euxena † Lutra castiglionis † Lutra simplicidens † Lutra trinacriae † Until 1998, it was thought to have been extinct, but small populations have been discovered since then. Otters are opportunistic carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. They movement of the kelp throughout the water actually helps to improve the quality of the ecosystem for everything that lives in it. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. An isolated population of the species is also found in the marshes of Iraq indicating the range must once have been wider. Characterized by an elongated body with short sturdy legs, the otter is much larger than other mustelids and is adapted for a more aquatic habitat. They will fight when necessary but they aren’t known to attack unprovoked. Origin & Distribution: The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. The classification it falls under is Mammalia. It is one of the rarest otter species. © Ariadne Van Zandbergen/GettyUntil recently, the spotted-necked otter was considered to be part of the Lutra genus, but it is now placed in the Hydrictus genus. There are many types of otters in the world. Many people don’t realize the value that the Otter contributes to its environment. The super-otter (Hyperhydra egedei) is a Heuvelmans type of sea serpent, reported from the coasts of Norway until 1848. The Sea Otter is also one that is very popular due to the attention it gets for being different from the others in some huge ways. Their varied and adaptable diets mean they may inhabit any unpolluted body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds, as long as there are adequate food supplies. The giant otter is found in South America in a range of countries including Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. The Northern Pacific Ocean is the primary location where you will find the … Already have an account with us? Discover more fascinating facts about giant otters in our fact file by the International Otter Survival Fund. This species once had an extensive distribution from the Cauquenes and Cachapoal Rivers to the Magellan region in Chile, but is now restricted to seven isolated areas from Cautín to Futaleufú due to overhunting. However, only time will tell if they are subspecies of those already identified and classified or not. They don’t have a natural fear of humans though like so many other animals do. Otters have a very unique feature that all species have exhibited – the ability to use tools to open up food. They have been able to adjust to new environments due to their land being taken over. Hairy-nosed otter, Lutra sumatrana. Some live on land, some in freshwater, others in the sea. This is why so many people take delight in observing them. Common Name sea otter Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Mustelidae Genus Species Enhydra lutris. Without it they will experience high levels of stress. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Two otter species are strictly marine: the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) of the Pacific Coast of North America and the much smaller marine otter (Lontra felina) from the coast of Peru and Chile. Meet the adorable members of the otter family from around the world. Extremely few individuals survive in Vietnam, southern Thailand, Sumatra and Cambodia, mainly due to poaching. For example it helps to move the kelp around in the water. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which includes badgers, martens, wolverines, mink among others. The South American river otter can be found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats throughout Chile and Argentina. Smooth-coated otters occur throughout much of the Indian Subcontinent in Java, Sumatra and Borneo, northward to south-western China, east through Nepal and Bhutan and India to Pakistan, excluding the Indus Valley. There are 13 known species of Otters left in the world with at least one that was removed from the list due to extinction. There are 13 known species of Otters left in the world with at least one that was removed from the list due to extinction. However, all species of Otters are small in size and they are very playful. The river otter, along with weasels, mink and several other species, belongs to the family Mustelidae. 1. 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). Without these benefits from the Otters the environment would be very different to live in. Submit your choices below through Sunday, February 16th, 2020. Sea otters are native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Many people don ’ t adapt to some of them sea otters are in... 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