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Species Profile: The Eurasian Otter    
Lutra lutra    

        The Eurasian Otter is solitary and there is no strong pair-bond between males and females. Most populations are nocturnal. Breeding is non-seasonal with a gestation of 61-65 days. Eurasian otters are a vulnerable species and much of the decline in population has been caused by bio-accumulating pesticides and PCBs.


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Size
       The Eurasian River Otter is medium sized. From its head through its body it is 570 to 700mm long. The tail is 350 to 400mm long. The whole length of the Eurasian River Otter is 1020 to 1370mm.

Feet
        The feet of the Eurasian River Otter are webbed with strong claws.

Hair
        The texture of the hair is moderately coarse. Their guardhairs are 17 to 18mm long. Their underfur is 8 to 9mm long.



Color
        The Eurasian River Otter is fuscus to dusky brown in color, in the Asian ones it is lighter. They have lighter bellies.

Nose

        The nose looks like a hexagon with small dips on each side. The nostrils are in the middle.

Habitat
        They live in a variety of freshwater habitats or coastal areas where freshwater pools are available for drinking and bathing close to shore .

Distribution and Population
        It lives in most of Asia, Europe, and some of Africa. It is rare in Europe.

Food
        The Eurasian Otter likes to eat fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Other Names
Spanish: Nutria, Nutria comun
French: Loutre de Rivere
German: Eurasischer FichOtter
Italian:Lontra comune
Other scientific names

Lutra vulgaris
Lutra whitleyi



Quick link:

Born Free Foundation description of the Eurasian Otter
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