Mammals · Carnivora · Mustelidae

Neotropical Otter

Lontra longicaudis

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

The neotropical otter is the most widely distributed otter in Latin America, occurring from north-western Mexico to northern Argentina. It is solitary and largely diurnal, and prefers clear, fast rivers with well-vegetated banks and shelter among roots and rocks. It eats fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It was the target of intensive fur hunting until the 1970s and its greatest problem today is the degradation of rivers: mining, dams and pollution.

Weight

5 kg – 15 kg

Size

53 cm – 80 cm

Lifespan

13 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Moderate

RainforestFreshwaterCarnivore Diurnal Solitary Near Threatened Rainforest Freshwater Mammal

19countries 14parks28same family

Fun facts

GeneralSolitary and highly territorial, it marks the banks with communal latrines.
It is an excellent indicator of water quality: it disappears from polluted or dammed stretches, so its presence certifies a river in good condition.
Unlike the Amazonian giant otters, which live in noisy groups, this one is unobtrusive and solitary, and on many rivers where it is common hardly anyone has seen it.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Rivers, streams, lagoons and estuaries with bankside vegetation, from Mexico to Argentina
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Gestation / incubation: 57 days
Litter / clutch size: 2.5 (average)

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lontra_longicaudis