Species group · Mammals

Otters

WAnimals has 8 species of otter, all in the family Mustelidae.

8 species
1 family
107 countries
238 parks
Weight
2.7 kg – 45 kg
Length
45 cm – 1.8 m
Lifespan
9 – 17 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 8.

All 8 species of otters on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

European OtterNear Threatened

European Otter

Lutra lutra

53 countries69 parks11 dive sites
Sea OtterEndangered

Sea Otter

Enhydra lutris

5 countries6 parks5 dive sites
Giant OtterEndangered

Giant Otter

Pteronura brasiliensis

11 countries21 parks
North American River OtterLeast Concern

North American River Otter

Lontra canadensis

3 countries17 parks4 dive sites
Neotropical OtterNear Threatened

Neotropical Otter

Lontra longicaudis

19 countries14 parks
Smooth-coated OtterVulnerable

Smooth-coated Otter

Lutrogale perspicillata

20 countries13 parks
Vulnerable

Oriental Small-clawed Otter

Aonyx cinereus

16 countries56 parks
Near Threatened

Spotted-necked Otter

Hydrictis maculicollis

14 countries51 parks

Conservation status

3 Near Threatened2 Endangered2 Vulnerable1 Least Concern

4 especies in this group están en alguna categoría de riesgo real según la UICN.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 107 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • It marks its territory with scented droppings called 'spraints'.

    From European Otter

  • Its populations collapsed across Europe in the twentieth century because of chemical pollution, and have recovered markedly since.

    From European Otter

  • It starts to swim at around 10 to 16 weeks old.

    From European Otter

  • It has the densest fur of any animal, with up to a million hairs per square inch.

    From Sea Otter

  • It uses stones as tools to crack open the shells of its prey.

    From Sea Otter

  • It wraps itself in kelp while it sleeps so it does not drift away.

    From Sea Otter

  • It can eat up to 4 kg of fish a day.

    From Giant Otter

  • Every animal has a unique pattern of throat markings.

    From Giant Otter

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one