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The Neotropical Otter (Lontra 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.
Conservation status: Data
Deficient
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)
