Human settlements are mainly near water supplies such as rivers or oases. It is found in isolated lakes in the most remote parts of Patagonia and spends winters along the coast of the same region. North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals endemic to the U.S. and Canada. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. They have four legs to move easily on land, and a long tail to swim through the water. River otters spend two-thirds of the time on land. Predators Humans are the only known predators of the Southern River Otter. Southern river otter (Lontra provocax) images and facts - this gallery includes stock photos of the Southern river otter, which has the smallest geographical range of any other otter species. It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding the silver fox, sable, marten, and skunk in economic importance. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary. If conservationists know where the individuals and families live, enforcement of antipoaching laws, as well as focusing on maintaining and protecting their habitats, will be easier. Otters are very social creatures. Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Dam and road construction, as well as stream canalization and drainage for agriculture destroy many acres of what could be habitat for this species. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. The Valdivian Coastal Range has a healthy population on the Marine otte… Deforestation and over-grazing around these settlements have caused desertification. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. new Creature Feature is posted? Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It is found in Chile and Argentina. The Cameroon clawless otter is a subspecies of the African clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. Their fur is thick a… They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). They are highly adaptable animals so as long as they have access to enough food and water they can thrive. Large river otter (Lontra provocax). Their habitats also need the root systems of mature trees, as well as fallen tree debris. The Eurasian otter has a diet mainly of fish, and is strongly territorial. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. The main cause of decline is loss of habitat and hunting for its fur. You will notice that they have extremely long whiskers as well. They communicate via whistles, twittering noises and spitting sounds, which can be heard at night when it is quiet and still. Nahuel Huapi National Park is the oldest national park in Argentina, established in 1934. Although called a "river otter", it inhabits both marine and freshwater environments. Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. The forests are named after the city of Valdivia. This is due to the fact that the conditions they live under could be compromised easily and that could lead to a significant reduction in their numbers in very little time. The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina. Interesting Facts This medium-sized otter's body can grow up to 2.5 ft (70 cm) long, with a tail adding about 16 in (40 cm). Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. Can otters use tools? The southern river otter (Lontra provocax) is a species of otter that lives in Chile and Argentina.Although called a "river otter", it inhabits both marine and freshwater environments. It grows to about 32 cm (13 in) in length, and is black and white in color. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. The viability of the small remaining population is an outstanding concern to researchers. Sea otters eat about 25% to 30% of their weight. Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax) North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Smooth coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) Hairy nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana) Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Biological/outstanding features. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. Since the extinction of the sea mink, the American mink is the only extant member of the genus Neovison. Its landscapes represent the north Patagonian Andean Zone consisting of three types, namely, the Altoandino, the Andino-Patagónico and the Patagonian steppe. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. Although the Giant otter is prevalent in the southern part of the Neotropics, especially in the Amazon basin, the Southern river otter is the only species of otter found in Costa Rica. The giant otter is the biggest, the most dangerous, the deadliest. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. River Otter (Lutra canadensis)Species Code: LUCA Description The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps otters warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. "Lontra provocax". The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss. It lives in both saltwater and freshwater environments. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss. Its western boundary coincides with the Chilean border. Environment Agency.) Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. They typically use … River otters belong to the weasel family. Would you like to receive a notice and link when the The riparian forests and rivers in which these otters are mostly found have been disturbed by human presence. And you definitely don’t want to mess with giant otters, just check out this clip below! Ecological extinction is "the reduction of a species to such low abundance that, although it is still present in the community, it no longer interacts significantly with other species". The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. It is part of the Neotropical ecozone. 10 facts about the giant river otter: The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! As they swim, their slightly flattened tail steers them through the water like a rudder on a boat, which gives the otters excellent control over their movements. The situation was particularly serious in southern and central England, with otters vanishing from these areas completely, becoming locally extinct. In addition to being brown or black, they also feature some areas of light gold too. Subspecies There are no subspecies of the Southern River Otter. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. The southern river otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. The most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), it is found in the waterways and coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa. SIZE: 1-1.3m: WEIGHT: 7-9 kg: DIET: Fish (80%), birds, small mammals, frogs: GESTATION: 9 weeks: OFFSPRING: 2-3 cubs: HOME … Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. Whether it’s a lake, river, swamp or estuary, otters like a mix of land and water. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. Captive breeding programs would also be beneficial for this species, to later reintroduce individuals into the areas where they were previously found in. North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) Amazonian river otter (Lontra longicaudis). It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. Body weight averages about 5–10 kg (11-22 lbs). Males weigh up to 90 lbs. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. List of all endangered species (animals & plants). Since then, they have not been able to recover due to a number of other threats. The vegetation is dominated by dense temperate forests, which give way to alpine meadows higher up under the rocky Andean peaks. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. [2] Though Argentina began passing legislation in 1960 to outlaw the hunting of the southern river otter, hunting still does occur because of the lack of enforcement. This article is only an excerpt. The southern river otter is found in the southern parts of Chile and western Argentina. Its feet are equipped with claws and webs for swimming. River otter reaches a length of … It is an endangered species because of poaching, water pollution, and habitat loss. Though it is the largest, it isn’t the heaviest. Litter sizes average one to two pups, but up to four can be born at a time. Otters thrive on land and in the water. The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. (Image credit: U.K. The Neotropical otter is the only species which is widespread especially in the central and northern parts of the country. The otter's ears and nostrils close underwater. They can weigh up to 20 lb. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. Breeding After a gestation period of approximately 2 months, Southern River Otters give birth to 1 - 4 cubs. Among freshwater taxa, the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins are completely aquatic and fully dependent on aquatic ecosystems. games and coloring pages! Such areas can be made more attractive to otters by establishing “otter havens,” where river banks are planted-up and kept free from human disturbance. Three other species: southern river otters, neotropical river otters, and marine otters … A large male may consume as much as 11 kg (25 lb.) Otters are members of the family Mustelidae, the most species-rich family in the order Carnivora. Review the size of the southern river otter's geographic range compared to other otters Determine how southern river otters are suited to their natural environment; Practice Exams. By land and by sea. The property is vital for the protection of some of the last portions of continuous Patagonian Forest in an almost pristine state and is the habitat for a number of endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna. The largest otter is the giant otter. Los Alerces National Park is located in the Andes in Chubut Province in the Patagonian region of Argentina. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. Southern River Otters feed on fish, mollusks, crustaceans and birds. Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. Sea otters also have thick, brown fur that insulates them against the … Baby otters are called pups. They are not a taxon and are not unified by any distinct biological grouping, but rather their dependence on and integral relation to aquatic ecosystems. The first is that they have incredibly powerful little legs. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are perfect for diving and swimming. The southern river otter is a rare amphibious mammal that inhabits a limited number of rivers, lakes, canals, and heavily vegetated coastal areas of Chile and Argentina in Patagonia, South America. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are perfect for diving and swimming. Dogs that were used to hunt otters were called otterhounds. People also call it North American river otter. It is know population in freshwater habitats are confined to seven isolated areas between Cautin and Futaleufu. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. It is found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and possibly Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Rwanda, or Uganda. Review the size of the southern river otter's geographic range compared to other otters Determine how southern river otters are suited to their natural environment; Practice Exams. River otters are long-bodied, well-muscled animals, with relatively short legs, five webbed toes on all four feet, (most carnivores have 4 toes on the rear foot), and a long flat tail used as a rudder in the water. ... southern sea otters—known as California sea otters—have been making a comeback in recent years. Are you inspired by endangered animals? Their diets include fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and birds. These results suggest having shoreline vegetation for cover is vital for their survival. In the United States Otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. However, while southern river otters face significant threats from humans, they have a number of adaptations that make them well suited for their natural environment. Otters always wash themselves after every meal. These propel them through the water at high speeds to help them hunt. This otter can dive to 300 feet in search of food. The southern river otter can be found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats, but are mostly found in freshwater lakes and rivers having a significant amount of dense vegetation, especially along the shorelines, which must be present to use as cover. References ↑ Sepúlveda, M.A. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. Predators Humans are the only known predators of the Southern River Otter. It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. They include the various marine mammals who dwell in oceans, as well as various freshwater species, such as the European otter. Social groups are generally composed of the female and her offspring. Its western entrance is close to the Ensenada locality, 82 km (51 mi) northeast of the provincial capital of Puerto Montt, and 64 km (40 mi) from Puerto Varas along Ruta CH-225. Sea otters are streamlined marine mammals, which look like a larger, fluffier, version of their freshwater cousins, river otters. While otters completely disappeared from the rivers of most of central and southern England in just 50 years, their future now looks much brighter. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. Although the female and her young will live in family groups, males are usually solitary. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. The scientific name means "otter cat", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat". These are very long animals with large sized heads. Southern river otters have the smallest range of any otter, and can only be found in southern and central Chile and southern Argentina. Its fur is dark-brown on the top and has a lighter cinnamon color on its underside. Males are larger in size than females (see phot The species is legally protected both locally and internationally. This causes the otters to move to other freshwater systems to hunt for food. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, subtropical or tropical swamps, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, rivers, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, freshwater spring, inland deltas, saline lakes, intermittent saline lakes, saline marshes, intermittent saline marshes, shallow seas, subtidal aquatic beds, rocky shores, sandy shores, estuarine waters, intertidal flats, intertidal marshes, coastal saline lagoons, coastal freshwater lagoons, water storage areas, ponds, aquaculture ponds, seasonally flooded agricultural land, and canals and ditches. Metabolism. In its introduced range in Europe it has been classified as an invasive species linked to declines in European mink, Pyrenean desman, and water vole populations. [5] The results showed signs of the southern river otter were found in 32 of the 275 surveyed sites within the three parks. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft). It borders the Alberto de Agostini National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park. She has worked with the endangered Ethiopian wolf, the Serengeti cheetah and the Atlantic salmon. It has velvety dark brown hair and light or grayer underparts. Northern River Otter, North American River Otter, Canadian Otter, Common Otter, North American Otter, Northern American River Otter, River Otter River otters can dive to a depth of 60 feet. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is located in Los Lagos Region, Llanquihue Province, of Chile. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. Successive glaciations have molded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques and clear-water lakes. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents, Eight Inexpensive Ways You Can Help Endangered Species. Southern River Otters feed on fish, mollusks, crustaceans and birds. They used a lot of methods to hunt otters. The level of dependence on aquatic life varies greatly among species. 13 in ) in length and weigh 10-20lbs need both land and water! 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