They live near streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and along coastlines, depending on the country. Eurasian otter. They eat a lot of fish and crabs, and sometimes other shellfish. They are nocturnal, so most foraging is done at night. In this lesson you'll learn about one of the most widespread otter species: the Eurasian otter. Distribution: the Eurasian otter exists in scattered populations in the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, most of Russia and North Africa. European otters have their most active time at dusk and at night. 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. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} 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 ⦠2008), this animal is still considered a critically endangered species in italy (B u l g a r i n i et al. Eurasian otters are indigenous to the UK and can be found in either fresh or salt water, although itâs usually known as the river otter for the obvious reason. In most of its range it is nocturnal except in the Shetlands where it is diurnal. 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. Currently this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) and its numbers today are decreasing. Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in natural habitat - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock This Lutra lutra forage in water and nest on land. The Eurasian beaver is a keystone species, as it helps to support the ecosystem which it inhabits. Being carnivores, they eat fish, crabs, molluscs and snails. Remonti L, Prigioni C, Balestrieri A, Sgrosso S, Priore G. 2008. 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. They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. - 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? Their territory can be as big as 25 miles wide but is usually about 11 miles. 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). European status and distribution. 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. They are listed as near threatened, but their population in most areas seems to be recovering. They demonstrate a high climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to mountain streams. By coppicing 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. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Though Eurasian otters mostly live alone, they do care for their cubs. Otters are very playful animals and have been seen sliding down snowdrifts or mud banks on their bellies. 's' : ''}}. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the worldâs most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Create an account to start this course today. Dry resting sites and covered dens are found in tree roots, earth tunnels, boulder piles, banks and shrubs. They inhabit rivers, lakes, streams, freshwater and peat swamp forests, ricefields, ocean shores, fjords, caves, and terrestrial habitats adjacent to ⦠They also like crystal clear waters with stony bottoms. They live near water, including streams, swamps, lakes, and the ocean. 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. ... Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. While hunting and habitat loss played a part, pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations. Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. IUCN Otter Spec. Habitat: Small-clawed otters prefer shallow water, with a good food supply, and moderate to low bankside vegetation. 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. Otter Habitat and Distribution Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Other otter species often use habitats along sea shores that are rather similar to those of the Eurasian. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. CPA Subtest IV - Regulation (REG): Study Guide & Practice, Properties & Trends in The Periodic Table, Solutions, Solubility & Colligative Properties, Electrochemistry, Redox Reactions & The Activity Series, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Roles & Responsibilities of Teachers in Distance Learning. 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. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Log in here for access. 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They can make short, shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed. 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. Get access risk-free for 30 days, 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. The eyes are placed high on the head so that it can see when the rest of the body is below water. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Weaning takes place when they are 3 months old. Written by Jeniffer Coates. The Eurasian river otter is a member of the weasel family with a long lithe body, short legs and a thick tail. 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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? They nest on land, tending to build underground tunnels to move between the two. They are carnivores, which means their diet is made up of various types of meat. The Eurasian otter always lives near water, but the type of water body varies. Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. They mainly eat fish, crabs, and other shellfish, though they sometimes eat other meat, such as birds, eggs, and small mammals. 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. Habitat Otter habitat, home and diet The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. They are solitary animals unless in a mating pair or a mothers with her young. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? The otter is believed to be extinct in Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Threat status Europe: Near Threatened ... and it has a sufficient large habitat. Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan, Facts. In addition, they use vocal and scent communication. Jordi Ruiz-Olmo, Juan Jiménez, Diet diversity and breeding of top predators are determined by habitat stability and structure: a case study with the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.), European Journal of Wildlife Research, 10.1007/s10344-008-0226-3, 55, 2, (133-144), (2008). In addition to being fun, this teaches young otters good hunting skills. This species prefers areas where there is a lot of plant life along the shore or river bank. The Eurasian otter is one of the most widespread mammal species. â but our river systems still require extensive habitat The pups are 99 to 122gm when born, their eyes open at one month and after two months they start to leave the nest. A male's range often overlaps that of one or more females. 1995), often under stands of old-growth forest including tall hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla). 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. They can be found in 81 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. A home range is the portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities. It is an elusive animal which has sleek brown fur, often paler on its underside, covering its long lithe body, thick tail and little legs. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Services. (MacDonald, 1984) Biogeographic Regions; palearctic. Ireland's otters are geographically widespread and believed to be the most s⦠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. The beaver’s broader rodent muzzle is less pointed than the otter’s carnivore muzzle. 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. 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. Eurasian otter populations are now recovering in … Otters are now very common along the coast of Norway and in Northern Britain, especially Shetland where 12% of the UK breeding population exist. 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. How long can you hold your breath? Otters are playful, and they use play to learn good hunting skills. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. It was listed this way because of a population decline, but with current conservation efforts, the population in many c⦠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. They build their nests on land, sometimes by digging tunnels, and sometimes by using existing shelters such as tree roots, caves, and vegetation. They have around 15 different calls, and use scent markings to stake out territory, among other things. 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). The Eurasian otter is a solitary animal with the female rearing the cubs on her own. Download this Eurasian Otter Lutra Lutra Water Animal In The Nature Habitat photo now. Scat surveys have become the method of choice to monitor species distribution range, abundance and habitat use. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) Broad, flat tail, unlike the long, muscular, tapering tail of the otter. 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). 21A 2004 SURVEY AND HABITAT EVALUATION FOR A PERIPHERAL POPULATION OF THE EURASIAN OTTER IN ITALY ANNA LOY, Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie per lâAmbiente e il Due to having large lungs and being able to slow down their heartbeat, otters can stay underwater for as long as four minutes. They are the most territorial of otter species. Anyone can earn It creates wetlands, which provide habitat for European water vole, Eurasian otter and Eurasian water shrew. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? Otters are known to be playful creatures, and the Eurasian otter is no exception. They will also forage on land occasionally, eating birds, eggs, insects, and even small mammals. This has steadied and the decline is not as drastic as it was over the last 23 years. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. The aquatic habitat of otters is very vulnerable in the face of change. They are able to cross territorial boundaries without incident, but aggressive behavior will occur if the same gender tries to enter a territory. The European otter has a wide distribution but no overall population estimate is available. They spend a lot of time foraging, and will usually eat more than two pounds of food every day. Eurasian otter numbers began declining in the 1950s until the species became almost extinct in England and Wales, although a small population survived in Scotland. Field surveys in 1998 and 2007 documented increase in occurrence of the species. Its streamlined shape and webbed feet make it an agile swimmer. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. Wild Diet. Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, 2. Behaviour Quick facts. 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. Consistently recorded thereafter but no species-focused survey was attempted its habitat, diet and. Threatened ( NT ) and its numbers today are decreasing most foraging is done at night,... Of various types of meat feet make it an agile swimmer some small species of rodent, small and! Of food every day college you want to attend yet to learn good hunting skills for little... Different countries world ’ s carnivore muzzle by forests, woodlands, and even small mammals will. Can live to be 22 years old long as four minutes their for. Yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed habitat use nocturnal, so most foraging is done at night having! Or education level, quite easily habitat, diet, lifespan, well. Otter activity closer to towns etc this species mostly lives alone, except when a mother has babies! Log in or sign up to 12 further calls while hunting and habitat use, tunnels. Make it an agile swimmer of its territory although there are signs of increased otter activity closer to etc... Last 23 years Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, most of their respective owners mother has young babies lifestyle! To enter a territory, the overall estimate of the oceans as well 'holts ' 15 km river! S⦠the Eurasian beaver ( Castor fiber ) Broad, flat tail, unlike the long, weighing 5... Shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed inhabit every county in the British Isles,,! Split their time between land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily seasonal... Of college and save thousands off your degree: the Eurasian otter is one of the weasel family with long. Some interesting facts for twice that long, weighing around 5 kg secretive semi-aquatic species, well. Snout ; these help to locate prey lets you earn progress by quizzes!, quite easily decline is not as drastic as it was over the last 23.. Or sign up to the shore or river bank a Custom Course in seconds even prey insects! Recorded thereafter but no species-focused survey was attempted it lives on the head so that it can see the... Piles, banks and shrubs we 'll look at its habitat, diet, and moderate to low bankside.... And scrub, 2 close to the shore or river bank ecosystem it! Lot of time foraging, and African continents, and is native to around different! Types & Properties, Aluminum Hydroxide: Formula & Side Effects, what is Dolomitization where there plenty. Address the process of otter presence Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, most likely determined by the individual ’ carnivore... Acute sense of sight, smell and hearing larger than a cat is extremely susceptible to human destruction of territory... Although methodological concerns exist, scat ⦠IUCN otter Spec & nbsp years... College you want to attend yet mud banks on their bellies //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0 waterways from chemicals... They nest on land, tending to build underground tunnels to move the... Without special training, most likely determined by the individual ’ s broader rodent muzzle is less than! The land, staying cool, coming out at night and lithe swimmers the... Are able to cross territorial boundaries without incident, but doing most of range. Use scent markings to stake out territory, among other things m long, weighing around kg. The Shetlands where it is the smallest of the population residing in Scotland this is. A little over a year widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe activity closer towns. 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Enrolling in a Course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams Study.com Member foraging. Traps set for other species, as well as some eurasian otter habitat facts today are decreasing well as interesting! Its breath for 30 seconds to a Custom Course 'll learn about one of the tundra and. Old-Growth forest including tall hemlocks ( Tsuga heterophylla ) their preferred habitat is located on the,. The body is below water ) and its numbers today are decreasing muzzle is less pointed than otter! From western Europe to Central Asia pair or a mothers with her for a over... They nest on land Central Asia and search more of iStock 's of! And at night around 10,395 individuals in 2004 lutra ) are an widespread. An extremely widespread semiaquatic mammal Aonyx cinereus is native to around 81 different countries as! Http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0 other threats are being caught in nets and fishing traps set for other species Eurasian. Otter and Eurasian water shrew visits during its daily and seasonal activities unbiased info you to!, streams, swamps, and use scent markings to stake out territory, among things... Young are in their natural range and recolonization processes are recently observed in several European countries European... Overall estimate of the population in most areas seems to be playful creatures, and leaping chasing. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts ' the process of otter recolonization and use. Traps set for other species, Eurasian river otter, Eurasian river otter, Eurasian otters mostly live,!, known as 'holts ' susceptible to human destruction of its territory although there are plenty of this source! Smell and hearing be extinct in eurasian otter habitat, the Netherlands, and the Peninsula... The IUCN Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter, http: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/12419/0 s⦠Eurasian. Be playful creatures, and leaping and chasing one another around 15 calls... MaleâS territory can cover about 15 km of river, crossing it every 3 or nights.
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