The Neotropical Otter (Lutra longicaudis) 

This species is one of the most widespread in South America, ranging from Central and South America.  It is a medium sized otter and lives in a variety of habitats, from small forest streams and lakes, marshes and coastal savannah swamps.  It has also been reported to live in irrigation ditches among rice and sugar cane in Guyana. 

It feeds mainly on fish and crabs taking smaller species than the giant otter.  Preferred areas to build the holts were found on rocky shores, or in areas of deep vegetation along small rivers.  Little is known of its Ecology or distribution but work in Argentina has put the density at 0.8 otters per km along the coast, and here the otters lived a  diurnal  and solitary lifestyle. 

 This otter has suffered from severe hunting throughout its range and is verging on extinction in many areas.

The Facts 

Conservation status: 

Size: 1 to 2 metres nose to tail 

Weight 12kg 

Endangered status: Data deficient

Threats: Habitat destruction and water pollution.

Distribution of the Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis)

Data based on Otters and Action Plan for their conservation (IUCN 1990) and world otters (IOSF 2005)