European Otter Factfile
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Scientific Name : Lutra lutra
World Distribution
They are found throughout most of Europe, Asia and even the northern tip of Africa. They were almost wiped out in the U.K but now their numbers are slowly starting to increase.
Habitat
They live by rivers, lakes and streams, well away from human contact. They make dens called holts in the bank, by the water's edge. Otters need quite a large territory of their own in which to find food - about a 15 - 20 km stretch of river.
Feeding
European otters feed on fish, crayfish, mussels, frogs, birds, small mammals, and insects. Eels are a favourite food.
Predators
The only predator of the European otter seems to be man. They were hunted not for food but for their thick fur.
Breeding
Mating can take place at any time of year, and males may mate with more than one female. Pregnancy lasts for nine or ten weeks, and usually 2 - 3 young are born. They are blind, furless and only 10cm long at birth. They are helpless and totally dependent on mum for about six weeks, and will stay with her, learning to hunt, until they are about 15 monts old.
Other interesting facts
- Otters are very energetic
animal. Tho supply all this energy, they need to consume about 10% of
their body weight each day!
- When diving underwater,
otters can slow down their heart rate to reduce oxygen consumption.
- The otter's long
whiskers are so touch sensitive that, when underwater, they can feel the
changes in water flow that indicate when a fish is approaching.
- A two-layered coat
- soft dense underfur and coarse, oily hair on the outside - keeps the
otter warm and dry.
- When moving on land,
otters like to "toboggan" down slopes on their belly!
- Adaptations for swimming
underwater include streamlined shape, strong tail, and closeable ears
and nostrils.
- Sharp, strong teeth
and claws are used for catching and eating prey.
Facts and Figures |
|
Name |
European otter |
Type of animal |
mammal |
Where found |
Europe; Asia |
Habitat |
By rivers, lakes and streams |
Diet |
carnivorous |
Average length |
75 cm* |
Average weight |
18 kg |
Average number of young per year |
2 |
Gestation |
66 days |
Maximum lifespan |
10 |
* don't forget - this doesn't include the tail, which adds another 45 cm