Eurasian otters split their time between land and water, building nests on land, but doing most of their foraging in the water. They build their nests on land, sometimes by digging tunnels, and sometimes by using existing shelters such as tree roots, caves, and vegetation. All rights reserved. 2008), this animal is still considered a critically endangered species in italy (B u l g a r i n i et al. 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. While hunting and habitat loss played a part, pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations. 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. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? The Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, is distributed over the Eurasian continent from the Korean Peninsula in East Asia to the Iberian Peninsula in Western Europe and is capable of occupying environments from tundra to tropical rainforest (Mason and Macdonald 1986). Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. The pollution of lakes and rivers affects the fish that are their main food source. 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Their territory can be as big as 25 miles wide but is usually about 11 miles. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia.The most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), it is found in the waterways and coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa. The Eurasian otter is a solitary animal with the female rearing the cubs on her own. No membership needed. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Those living on the coast are susceptible to oil spills. IUCN Otter Spec. In 2018 the first otter survey within the exclusion zone was carried out looking for spraints and other signs of otter presence. Other threats included habitat loss and hunting, both legal and illegal. Otter habitat, home and diet Get access risk-free for 30 days, Other otter species often use habitats along sea shores that are rather similar to those of the Eurasian. 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. just create an account. This species mostly lives alone, except when a mother has cubs. The Eurasian otter Lutra lutra is a top predator that feeds mostly on fish. Otters are now very common along the coast of Norway and in Northern Britain, especially Shetland where 12% of the UK breeding population exist. Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, North American River Otter: Habitat, Diet, Predators & Facts, Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? 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 coppicing Without special training, most people can hold their breath for 30 seconds to a minute before they are pretty uncomfortable. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. 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. Because otters eat mainly fish, you’ll generally find them in areas where there are plenty of this food source. Other threats are being caught in nets and fishing traps set for other species, as well as being hunted for their coat. Otters are known to be playful creatures, and the Eurasian otter is no exception. The frequency of positive sites … In this lesson you'll learn about one of the most widespread otter species: the Eurasian otter. Wild Diet. Key Information: This is the smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5 kg. A Eurasian otter can hold its breath for twice that long, quite easily! 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. They are able to cross territorial boundaries without incident, but aggressive behavior will occur if the same gender tries to enter a territory. 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 … Particularly important otter habitats are the coasts and islands of … - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Biological and Biomedical Fig. They mainly eat fish, crabs, and other shellfish, though they sometimes eat other meat, such as birds, eggs, and small mammals. As is the case with many species, Eurasian otters tend to live longer in captivity than in the wild. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. It was listed this way because of a population decline, but with current conservation efforts, the population in many c… 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. 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. At any age they will trot, and gallop, and chase one another in water. The Eurasian river otter is a member of the weasel family with a long lithe body, short legs and a thick tail. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. It is a European branch of the weasel or Mustelidae family. ... Habitat. It is the otter species with the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe. They also inhabit the northern most part of Africa. Otter Habitat and Distribution Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Growing human-wildlife conflicts and legal conservation obligations increased the need for precise information on Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) population parameters for species status assessment and wildlife management measures. 1995), often under stands of old-growth forest including tall hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla). They live in burrow in most waterways and coastal Diet Yet, studies show the high plasticity of otter foraging behaviour and the varying importance of alternative food types in … The otter Lutra lutra was once widespread in Europe, but populations declined sharply during the 1960s and 1970s due to pollution, exacerbated by hunting and habitat loss. They nest on land, tending to build underground tunnels to move between the two. Distribution of a recolonising species may not reflect habitat suitability alone: the case of the Eurasian otter … They also like crystal clear waters with stony bottoms. Though currently believed to be extinct in Liechtenstein and 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, especially Shetland, where 12% of the UK breeding population exists. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Otters are playful, and they use play to learn good hunting skills. 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Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, 2. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? Geographic Range. This has steadied and the decline is not as drastic as it was over the last 23 years. They inhabit rivers, lakes, streams, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ricefields, ocean shores, fjords, caves, and terrestrial habitats adjacent to waterways. 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 are listed as near threatened, but their population in most areas seems to be recovering. Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in natural habitat - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock It has many sensitive whiskers around its snout; these help to locate prey. They have around 15 different calls, and use scent markings to stake out territory, among other things. The eyes are placed high on the head so that it can see when the rest of the body is below water. In South Korea, Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) habitat has increased since the 1990 s because of legal protection, forest development, and increased public awareness. A home range is the portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities. 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. Growing human-wildlife conflicts and legal conservation obligations increased the need for precise information on Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) population parameters for species status assessment and wildlife management measures. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. They inhabit rivers, lakes, streams, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ricefields, ocean shores, fjords, caves, and terrestrial habitats adjacent to … They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. Eurasian otter - Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) Images from the web. They can be distinguished from other Mustelids by their long slender bodies, short legs and long thick tail which tapers off to a point. They eat a lot of fish and crabs, and sometimes other shellfish. colonizat ion sites is given on the pl ot. - 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. Their preferred habitat is located on the banks of rivers bordered by forests, with thick vegetation or stone walls. Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) are semiaquatic, which means they split their time between land and water. Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland Jerzy Romanowski , Marcin Brzeziński , and Michał Żmihorski Centre for Ecological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Dziekanów Leśny ul. Though Eurasian otters mostly live alone, they do care for their cubs. European Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0. As per their habitat requirements, the American mink frequently co-occur with the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758). We address the process of otter recolonization and habitat utilization in Central Poland over 14 years. Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is a species belonging to the Weasel family and is known as an indicator of ecological health of rivers, as they prefer aquatic environments rich in cover and food resources such as stable shelters and homes that are not affected by … How long can you hold your breath? Basically, it means this species could become threatened in the future. Habitat With the widest distribution of the otter subfamily, the common otter stretches from western Europe to central Asia. Being carnivores, they eat fish, crabs, molluscs and snails. for females. Otter habitat, home and diet Spotted sliding down banks on their bellies before elegantly gliding into water, or wrestling with siblings, the playful and … They can make short, shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed. Behaviour The Eurasian beaver is a keystone species, as it helps to support the ecosystem which it inhabits. Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Its streamlined shape and webbed feet make it an agile swimmer. Beaver has a stockier body, compared to the long body of the otter. It lives on the European, Asian, and African continents, and is native to around 81 different countries. courses that prepare you to earn Eurasian otter (lutra lutra) in natural habitat - download this royalty free Stock Photo in seconds. Lutra lutra inhabits most of Eurasia south of the tundra line and North Africa. We address the process of otter recolonization and habitat utilization in Central Poland over 14 years. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons The River Eden provides an example of lowland otter Lutra lutra habitats in north-west England and complements the selection of the River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake. 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 Otter Habitat and Distribution. 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 … European status and distribution. Habitat: mainly the area around freshwater lakes, rivers, some coasts - as long as they are undisturbed and there is plenty of cover. Field surveys in 1998 and 2007 documented increase in occurrence of the species. 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. The aquatic habitat of otters is very vulnerable in the face of change. The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. 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". Otters are semi-aquatic animals eating fish, frogs, crabs, small birds and mammals. It was listed this way because of a population decline, but with current conservation efforts, the population in many countries seems to be recovering. Dry resting sites and covered dens are found in tree roots, earth tunnels, boulder piles, banks and shrubs. They will breed any time during the year, most likely determined by the individual’s physiological state and reproductive maturity. Along the high-rainfall coasts of Prince William Sound the North American river otter uses many large dens close to the shore Along the high-rainfall coasts of Prince William Sound the North American river otter uses many large dens close to the shore (Bowyer etal. The male’s territory can cover about 15 km of river, crossing it every 3 or 4 nights. In addition to being fun, this teaches young otters good hunting skills. Abstract. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. They are the most territorial of otter species. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males Straight line lengths for Eurasian otter home ranges in Sweden average about 15 km (9.3 mi.) 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. 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Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal European otters have their most active time at dusk and at night. They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. The Eurasian otter is a solitary animal with the female rearing the cubs on her own. Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) are an extremely widespread semiaquatic mammal. Habitat correlates of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland April 2013 Acta Theriologica 58(2):149-155 DOI: 10.1007/s13364 … The European otter is the most widely distributed otter species being widely spread across Europe. The increase in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra populations in their natural range and recolonization processes are recently observed in several European countries. Basically, it means this species could become threatened in the future. Habitat. This A male's range often overlaps that of one or more females. They will spend several hours nightly foraging in water. Distribution: the Eurasian otter exists in scattered populations in the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, most of Russia and North Africa. However, sometimes they form loosely knit groups numbering as many as six animals. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Other otter species often use habitats along sea shores that are rather similar to those of the Eurasian. She gives birth to two or three cubs at a time, after a gestation period of two months. This species prefers areas where there is a lot of plant life along the shore or river bank. They are nocturnal, so most foraging is done at night. Distribution & Habitat The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. 2008 , 2014 ). They spend a lot of time foraging, and will usually eat more than two pounds of food every day. The Eurasian otter is the near 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 glide of Norway, in the western regions of Spain and Portugal and across Great Britain, particularly Shetland, where 12% of the UK breeding population exists. 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). Group Bull. You can test out of the several factors have been suggested to explain - Formation, Origin & Formula, Soil Contamination: Treatment, Phytoremediation & Bioremediation, Soil Contamination: Definition, Sources & Prevention, Quiz & Worksheet - Textual & Non-Textual Scientific Presentations, What is a Constant in Science? Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review page to learn more. Weaning takes place when they are 3 months old. That of the female is smaller, occupying about 7 km. 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. In captivity they can live to be 22 years old. Although methodological concerns exist, scat … FACT: Although the otter is an exceptionally good swimmer and fish catcher, it cannot hold its breath … The European otter, a semi-aquatic species, lives along coasts and in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. Lutra lutra forage in water and nest on land. They also eat crustaceans, frogs and even small water birds. The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan, Facts. The Eurasian otter was known to inhabit rivers there long before the disaster and was consistently recorded thereafter but no species-focused survey was attempted. Eurasian otter populations are now recovering in … Given its wide range, it is not surprising that this species is only listed as near threatened, which is one of the lower concern ratings for endangered species. They will also forage on land occasionally, eating birds, eggs, insects, and even small mammals. The beaver’s broader rodent muzzle is less pointed than the otter’s carnivore muzzle. They are carnivores. Currently this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) and its numbers today are decreasing. Create your account, Already registered? Three key factors influenced habitat suitability: riparian vegetation tree cover, forestland use (either natural or planted) within 100 m The Eurasian otter declined across its range in the second half of the 20th century primarily due to pollution from pesticides such as organochlorine and polychlorinated biphenyls. ... Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. Scat surveys have become the method of choice to monitor species distribution range, abundance and habitat use. Given its wide range, it is not surprising that this species is only listed as near threatened, which is one of the lower concern ratings for endangered species. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? in Mammals. In addition, they use vocal and scent communication. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. 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. native; Habitat. They can be found in 81 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Ireland's otters are geographically widespread and believed to be the most s… Remonti L, Prigioni C, Balestrieri A, Sgrosso S, Priore G. 2008. Quick facts. They demonstrate a high climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to mountain streams. Services. Such behavior is seen as helping young otters improve their hunting techniques. 1998). ). – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Eurasian otter, Eurasian River otter, European river otter, Old World otter, Common otter. Anyone can earn These otters are vocal, having basic calls of greeting, alarm and mating, and up to 12 further calls. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. They are solitary animals unless in a mating pair or a mothers with her young. All otter species occupy a home range. 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. (MacDonald, 1984) Biogeographic Regions; palearctic. 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. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! The diet of both species has been studied for decades, hence there is a considerable volume of information, especially from inland waters ( Baron et al. The Asian short-clawed otter can be found in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps, in southern India to southern China and the Malay Peninsula. We'll look at its habitat, diet, and lifespan, as well as some interesting facts. 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. 1993 , Macdonald & Strachan 1999 , Jędrzejewska et al. We found that otter use of water bodies was not related to the natural or artificial origin of the water. The pups are 99 to 122gm when born, their eyes open at one month and after two months they start to leave the nest. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | The otter is believed to be extinct in Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Field surveys in 1998 and 2007 documented increase in occurrence of the species. the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.) is a semi-aquatic carnivore that underwent a strong decline in Europe between the 1960s and the 1980s (M a s o n & M a c d o n a l d 1986, M a s o n 1989, M a c d o n a l d & M a s o n 1994). They live near streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and along coastlines, depending on the country. Diet Counselor: Job Duties & Career Requirements, Diet Technician Certification and Degree Program Info, Graduate Programs Related to Diet and Health: Degree Options, Difference Between Food Scientist & Nutritionist, Nutritional Psychology Degrees & Programs, Holistic Animal Care Schools: How to Choose, Physical Trainer: Job Description & Career Requirements, Health Education Certification in Illinois, Holistic Dietitian Degree and Certificate Program Information. European otters sleep for half their lives, which equates to ten years of sleeping for many otters, with phases of inactivity often at the time of the zoo's opening hours. Log in here for access. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. The Eurasian otter is one of the most widespread mammal species. General Information. In some areas, a female Alaska se… credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. Eurasian otter - Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) Images from the web Quick facts Threat status Europe ... and it has a sufficient large habitat. It creates wetlands, which provide habitat for European water vole, Eurasian otter and Eurasian water shrew. As you might expect, given their semiaquatic lifestyle, much of the diet of a Eurasian otter comes from the water. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. 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. Study.com has thousands of articles about every 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.