Possessing sleek, waterproof fur, webbed feet, and keen senses, these charismatic creatures navigate their watery domains with grace and agility. Their long, streamlined bodies are covered in dense, waterproof fur, providing insulation and protection against the elements while swimming. Notably, their fur exhibits a dark brown hue on their back, gradually fading to a lighter shade on their belly, aiding in camouflage and thermoregulation.
Eurasian otters boast a diverse range of adaptations that enable them to thrive in aquatic habitats. Their webbed feet facilitate efficient propulsion through the water, allowing them to navigate swiftly and gracefully in search of prey. Furthermore, their acute senses, including keen eyesight and acute sense of smell, aid in locating food sources beneath the water’s surface, while sensitive whiskers help detect subtle changes in their aquatic environment.
As opportunistic predators, Eurasian otters exhibit a varied diet composed primarily of fish, supplemented by amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally small mammals and birds. Their piscivorous diet reflects their reliance on freshwater and coastal habitats rich in aquatic prey species. Additionally, Eurasian otters play a crucial role in regulating prey populations, helping to maintain ecosystem balance and biodiversity in their aquatic ecosystems.
Historically, Eurasian otters faced significant threats to their survival, including habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation of their fur. Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting led to population declines across much of their range. However, concerted conservation efforts have helped to mitigate these threats and stabilize Eurasian otter populations in many areas.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Cambodia
China
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Official estimate
Italy
Official estimate
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Official estimate
Korea
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Official estimate
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Official estimate
Uzbekistan
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
