The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, European river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia and the Maghreb. 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. The Eurasian otter has a diet mainly of fish, and is strongly territorial. It is endangered in some parts of its range, but is recovering in others.
>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<
👉 European otter in the context of Aquatic mammal
Aquatic mammals and semiaquatic mammals are a diverse group of mammals that dwell partly or entirely in bodies of water. They include the various marine mammals who dwell in oceans, as well as various freshwater species, such as the European otter. 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 level of dependence on aquatic life varies greatly among species. Among freshwater taxa, the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins are completely aquatic and fully dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Semiaquatic freshwater taxa include the Baikal seal, which feeds underwater but rests, molts, and breeds on land; and the capybara and hippopotamus which are able to venture in and out of water in search of food.
Mammal adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle vary considerably between species. River dolphins and manatees are both fully aquatic and therefore are completely tethered to a life in the water. Seals are semiaquatic; they spend the majority of their time in the water, but need to return to land for important activities such as mating, breeding and molting. In contrast, many other aquatic mammals, such as hippopotamus, capybara, and water shrews, are much less adapted to aquatic living. Likewise, their diet ranges considerably as well, anywhere from aquatic plants and leaves to small fish and crustaceans. They play major roles in maintaining aquatic ecosystems, beavers especially.
In this Dossier
European otter in the context of Pelister National Park
Pelister National Park is a national park in the Municipality of Bitola, North Macedonia. The park is located in the Baba Mountain massif and covers an area of 171.5 square kilometres (66.2 sq mi). Established in 1948 as Yugoslavia's first national park and North Macedonia's oldest protected area, Pelister was expanded in 2007 from its original size to 14,300 hectares to enhance protection across a larger portion of the massif. The park spans elevations from 891 to 2,601 metres above sea level and features distinctive geological formations, including Pleistocene-era granite "stone rivers" or moraines, glacial cirques, and two glacial lakes situated at around 2,200 metres.
Known for its rich biodiversity with more than 1,050 plant species, Pelister has extensive forests of the endemic Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce), alongside diverse ecosystems supporting protected wildlife including the grey wolf, European otter, and bearded vulture.
European otter in the context of Parco naturale della Valle del Ticino
The Ticino Valley Natural Park is a nature reserve\regional park in Piedmont, Italy.
It is an riverine park that forms a greenway outside of Milan, near Pavia and Varese. It is located along the Ticino. Inhabiting the park are foxes, badgers, weasels, skunks, and martens, along with reintroduced European otters and roe deer. It is a notable fishing and birdwatching locale. Located in the park are Bernate Ticino and Morimondo Abbey.