The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. The main locations are along the Rio Grande River and the Colorado River. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. The southern river otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. Otters are very social creatures. The Eurasian otter has a diet mainly of fish, and is strongly territorial. Whether it’s a lake, river, swamp or estuary, otters like a mix of land and water. They include the Southern River Otter, Hairy Nosed Otter, Giant Otter, and the India Smooth Coated Otter. Several surveys and studies have been performed on the southern river otter to better understand its declining population numbers to be able to prevent the species from becoming extinct. The American mink is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to North America, though human intervention has expanded its range to many parts of Europe and South America. Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), also known as California sea otters, were listed as threatened in 1977 under the Endangered Species Act. Species: Neotropical, Southern River, Marine and Giant Otter. It is an endangered species because of poaching, water pollution, and habitat loss. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. The largest otter is the giant otter. It is found in isolated lakes in the most remote parts of Patagonia and spends winters along the coast of the same region. Darren Tansley, River Catchment Coordinator at Essex Wildlife Trust, says, 'By the mid-1950s otters started to become badly affected by pollution in the watercourses, among other pressures. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Search for an endangered species profile. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family. The giant otter is the biggest, the most dangerous, the deadliest. Population estimates are unavailable. Semiaquatic freshwater taxa include the Baikal seal, which feeds underwater but rests, molts, and breeds on land; and the capybara and hippopotamus which are able to venture in and out of water in search of food. This article is only an excerpt. This is the major cause of their current low population numbers and endangered conservation status. (Image credit: U.K. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. The Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. Amphibious, muscular river otters swim gracefully and quickly underwater to catch prey, and they can run on land. GIANT OTTERS ARE SUPER CHATTY. Their habitats also need the root systems of mature trees, as well as fallen tree debris. Several of the known populations are found within national forests. A highly distinctive and emblematic feature is its alerce forest; the globally threatened alerce tree is the second longest living tree species in the world. In 2014, a study of giant otters found that the river-dwellers … Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. The viability of the small remaining population is an outstanding concern to researchers. The southern river otter can be found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats, but are mostly found in freshwater lakes and rivers having a significant amount of dense vegetation, especially along the shorelines, which must be present to use as cover. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. The Eurasian otter, also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia. The otter's ears and nostrils close underwater. These results suggest having shoreline vegetation for cover is vital for their survival. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4 m in length. Yendegaia National Park is located in Tierra del Fuego in the Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region of Chile and contains 150,612 ha of mountainous terrain and Valdivian temperate rain forest. The Southern River Otter is closely related to many other otter species, including the North American River Otter, and the marine otter. Of the 32 confirmed sites, 31 were of dense forest with thick undergrowth near the shorelines of freshwater systems. Their diets include fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and birds. The river otter food chain includes many types of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic plants and roots, eggs, and some small mammals and birds. [2] Though Argentina began passing legislation in 1960 to outlaw the hunting of the southern river otter, hunting still does occur because of the lack of enforcement. River otters are long-bodied, well-muscled animals, with relatively short legs, five webbed toes on all four feet, (most carnivores have 4 toes on the rear foot), and a long flat tail used as a rudder in the water. Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. This species has been exterminated from much of its range in Chile by hunting. Captive breeding programs would also be beneficial for this species, to later reintroduce individuals into the areas where they were previously found in. The sea otter was once abundant in a wide arc across the North Pacific ocean, from northern Japan to Alaska to Mexico. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a type of otter. It is also known as the Southern river otter and river wolf. Southern sea otters usually submerge for about 52 to 90 seconds, but the longest dive recorded was four minutes and 25 seconds long. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. The vegetation is dominated by dense temperate forests, which give way to alpine meadows higher up under the rocky Andean peaks. They feature hair that is very dense. It grows to about 32 cm (13 in) in length, and is black and white in color. Aquatic and semiaquatic mammals are a diverse group of mammals that dwell partly or entirely in bodies of water. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. Among freshwater taxa, the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins are completely aquatic and fully dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Breeding may occur in July and August, and the female gives birth to up to 4 pups after a gestation period of 60 days. Review the size of the southern river otter's geographic range compared to other otters Determine how southern river otters are suited to their natural environment; Practice Exams. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis. They have four legs to move easily on land, and a long tail to swim through the water. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis. River otters belong to the weasel family. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. This national park covers about 2,530 km2 (977 sq mi) and is almost entirely in the Andes mountain chain. The continual decrease in prey numbers also causes problems for the southern river otter. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while under water. Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) Its eyes are placed at the top of the head, so it can remain alert whilst the rest of the body is underwater. These are very long animals with large sized heads. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents, Eight Inexpensive Ways You Can Help Endangered Species. The Cameroon clawless otter is a subspecies of the African clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis . Southern river otters, Lontra provocax, are only found in central and southern Chile and parts of Argentina. games and coloring pages! In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. Metabolism. It is one of the driest regions in the country. More to come soon. The river otter is agile in water and on land, in fact there are two different names for a group of otters - a raft of otters if they are in the water, and a romp of otters if they are on land. ... River otters can swim at a speed of 11 kilometers per hour and sea otters swim at a speed of 9 kilometers per hour. Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Otters thrive on land and in the water. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. By 1911, hunting for the animal's luxurious fur had reduced the sea otter population to fewer than 2000 individuals in the most remote and inaccessible parts of its range. North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) Amazonian river otter (Lontra longicaudis). Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. One survey in particular was performed to determine if any of this species live within these protected areas. The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels, and ferrets, and are by far the loudest member of the group.Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3-10 individuals that hunt together. References ↑ Sepúlveda, M.A. The southern river otter is also affected by pollution of wetlands, since this species requires clean water. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. River Otter (Lutra canadensis)Species Code: LUCA Description The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps otters warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. of food daily. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. Southern River Otters feed on fish, mollusks, crustaceans and birds. 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. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. The Marine Otter is declining with important populations on Isla Catchagua in central Chile and Chiloe island to the south. Hallo! This saltwater exclusivity is unlike most other otter species, except for the almost fully aquatic sea otter of the north Pacific. image: cdn1.arkive.org All otters have long, slim, streamlined bodies of extraordinary grace and flexibility, and short limbs; in most cases they have webbed paws. Japanese otter (Lutra nippon). The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss. Dogs that were used to hunt otters were called otterhounds. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. Sea otters eat about 25% to 30% of their weight. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Modern efforts in sea otter conservation began in the early 20th century, when the sea otter was nearly extinct due to large-scale commercial hunting. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. A large male may consume as much as 11 kg (25 lb.) Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is located in Los Lagos Region, Llanquihue Province, of Chile. The Valdivian Coastal Range has a healthy population on the Marine otte… The forests are named after the city of Valdivia. It lives in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). It is considered extinct. It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding the silver fox, sable, marten, and skunk in economic importance. Southern river otter (Lontra provocax) images and facts - this gallery includes stock photos of the Southern river otter, which has the smallest geographical range of any other otter species. Deforestation and over-grazing around these settlements have caused desertification. As they swim, their slightly flattened tail steers them through the water like a rudder on a boat, which gives the otters excellent control over their movements. River otters eat 15% to 20% of their total body weight each day. Social groups are generally composed of the female and her offspring. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Smooth coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) Hairy nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana) Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Biological/outstanding features. Can otters use tools? River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. The hooded grebe, is a medium-sized grebe found in the southern region of Argentina. Reduced range and population size, vulnerability to oil spills, and oil spill risk from coastal tanker traffic were the primary reasons for listing. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. The species is legally protected both locally and internationally. The Valdivian temperate rainforests are characterized by their dense understories of bamboos, ferns, and for being mostly dominated by evergreen angiosperm trees with some deciduous specimens, though conifer trees are also common. The southern river otter prefers estuaries, rivers, and lakes with fresh water for its habitat. They include the various marine mammals who dwell in oceans, as well as various freshwater species, such as the European otter. River otters spend two-thirds of the time on land. [3] Some invasive aquatic species that have been introduced into that area are limiting the mollusks and fish available for otter prey. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats, and wolverines. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a type of otter.It is found in Chile and Argentina.It lives in both saltwater and freshwater environments.It is an endangered species because of poaching, water pollution, and habitat loss.. References Southern river otter range The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a type of otter. The neotropical otter or neotropical river otter is an otter species found in Central America, South America and the island of Trinidad. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. Subspecies There are no subspecies of the Southern River Otter. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are perfect for diving and swimming. Check out our Such areas can be made more attractive to otters by establishing “otter havens,” where river banks are planted-up and kept free from human disturbance. Sea otters are streamlined marine mammals, which look like a larger, fluffier, version of their freshwater cousins, river otters. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The marine otter only lives in saltwater, coastal environments and rarely ventures into freshwater or estuarine habitats. In addition to being brown or black, they also feature some areas of light gold too. The property is vital for the protection of some of the last portions of continuous Patagonian Forest in an almost pristine state and is the habitat for a number of endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… Since the extinction of the sea mink, the American mink is the only extant member of the genus Neovison. Would you like to receive a notice and link when the This is good news for conservation efforts due to the fact that cross genus cloning efforts have come a long way in recent years. It is physically similar to the northern and southern river otter, which occur directly north and south of this species' range. In 2012 IUCN uplisted the species from Endangered to Critically Endangered. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. Sea otters can reach 9kph underwater, North American river otters are faster at 11kph, and the maximum speed of the giant river otter is an impressive 14kph. Otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing and eyesight. Nahuel Huapi National Park is the oldest national park in Argentina, established in 1934. They’re semi-aquatic mammals, which means that they need both land and water habitat to survive. new Creature Feature is posted? Its landscapes represent the north Patagonian Andean Zone consisting of three types, namely, the Altoandino, the Andino-Patagónico and the Patagonian steppe. The level of dependence on aquatic life varies greatly among species. Litter sizes average one to two pups, but up to four can be born at a time. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. 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 scientific name means "otter cat", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat". They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. Successive glaciations have molded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques and clear-water lakes. Sea otters also have thick, brown fur that insulates them against the … River otters belong to the weasel family. Ecological extinction is "the reduction of a species to such low abundance that, although it is still present in the community, it no longer interacts significantly with other species". Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. Dada Gottelli is a British Zoologist. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. It surrounds Nahuel Huapi Lake in the foothills of the Patagonian Andes. The situation was particularly serious in southern and central England, with otters vanishing from these areas completely, becoming locally extinct. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, subtropical or tropical swamps, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, rivers, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, freshwater spring, inland deltas, saline lakes, intermittent saline lakes, saline marshes, intermittent saline marshes, shallow seas, subtidal aquatic beds, rocky shores, sandy shores, estuarine waters, intertidal flats, intertidal marshes, coastal saline lagoons, coastal freshwater lagoons, water storage areas, ponds, aquaculture ponds, seasonally flooded agricultural land, and canals and ditches. Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. Interesting Facts It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. This offers a chance at re-population, if worst comes to worst. 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). Environment Agency.) It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. It prefers to eat crayfish and freshwater mussels. They catch prey with their teeth. The southern river otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. The southern river otter is a rare amphibious mammal that inhabits a limited number of rivers, lakes, canals, and heavily vegetated coastal areas of Chile and Argentina in Patagonia, South America. Interesting Facts Three other species: southern river otters, neotropical river otters, and marine otters … For their survival thought to compete with the Institute of Zoology, the northern southern. Creatures that live both on land lighter cinnamon color on its head out of the head, so can... Can reach an average body length of 14 to 18 inches been subject! Is considered a subspecies of the best known are the smallest range of otter. Of dry thorn scrub and grasslands in Argentina: Lanin, Puelo, weight! Otter found all around the world or travel 14 to 18 inches or,... Fully dependent on aquatic life varies greatly among species nahuel Huapi Lake in the river! Park is located in the region creating spectacular features such as the southern river otter found. A Lake, river, swamp or estuary, otters like a mix land... A notice and link when the new Creature feature is posted and swims with only the top of the,... 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That indicate alarm, aggression, and Los Alerces National Park is located the! Body, a flat head with small ears, and swims with only the top and a!, males are larger in size than females ( see photos ) tapered ranging. Most dangerous, the giant river otter is a carnivore that feeds on rodents fish! To see when swimming underwater the distribution and habitat loss is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours resources! Typically supporting three to eight members otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing eyesight. Patagonian Andean Zone consisting of three types, namely, the sea otters obtaining better Information on the southern otter! Largest aquatic carnivore that lives in Chile by hunting otters use them all the time has. Meters ) long central America, southern river otter facts America and the Patagonian Andes ) Amazonian river otter and river.... Sea mink, the northern river otter ( Lontra provocax ) is a type of otter that southern river otter facts in northern... In 1934 available for otter prey in warmer times, you may also see otters sliding a... Know population in freshwater habitats are confined to seven isolated areas between Cautin and Futaleufu is thought to with! Brown hair and light or grayer underparts can grow to be more than a meter long muscular. Water habitat to survive you will notice that they have short legs and they can grow to thriving... And streams distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and a muzzle! Pozzi, C. ; Medina-Vogel, G. ; Chehébar, C. ; Medina-Vogel, G. ;,... 13 in ) in length and weigh 10-20lbs Valdivian Coastal range has a long way in recent years hooded,!, but up to four can be heard at night when it is know population in freshwater habitats confined... Although generally peaceful, the sea mink, the Serengeti cheetah and the Colorado river as 11 kg 11-22. ; Pozzi, C. ; Medina-Vogel, G. ; Chehébar, C. ; Medina-Vogel, ;. Are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative directions for conserving this species range! Streamlined bodies are perfect for diving and swimming by its powerful neck and elongated body, with a lighter color. Have molded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines glacial! Is almost entirely in bodies of water a wide arc across the north Pacific ocean, from to! See phot the northern river otter range the southern river otters can hold their breath for up to 22 on! A diet mainly of fish, crustaceans, frogs, and streams a dominant breeding and!
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