Scientific name
Lutra lutra
Popular name
Otter
Description
The Eurasian otter is the largest mustelid in Romania. Being a water dependent mammal, it has a body adapted to the laws of hydrodynamics. The small ears are provided with two folds that cover them when the otter goes into the water and the eyes are also adapted, the otter being able to see underwater. The tail, thick at the base and thin to the top, is used for advancing and steering. Also, the legs are short, but wide and end with 5 fingers joined through an interdigital membrane that helps to swim and propel.
It can reach 1.5 m in body length and the weight of a male is generally 6-8 kg, while the female weighs less. The fur is dark brown, lighter on the belly and a bit grizzle on the front side of the head, also during winter being thicker and shinier. It is a nocturnal and solitary animal, a male’s territory being likely to extend over the territory of several females.
Food
The main type of food for the otter is fish of all shapes and sizes, for it dares to attack also large fish which it pulls on the shore and deposits in a particular place under a stone or a log, where it can be kept for a long time. Usually, it chooses the bloody part of the fish gills and the boneless meat on the back, leaving the rest for others. Besides fish, the otter feeds on crayfish, amphibians, snails, birds, and water mice.
Reproduction
Like other mustelids, the otter has a polygamous reproductive system based on the territoriality of both genders. Within its territory, the male controls one or more females. The otter breeds throughout the year and the cubs are born in winter or in summer, but the females can give birth generally every two years. The otter has a prolonged gestation and gives birth to 2-4 cubs who will be around for a year or more.
Habitat
The presence of the otter is closely related to the existence of food resources. In Romania, the otter is spread throughout the country, mostly in lakes and large water valleys, but especially in the ponds and delta of the Danube river. The existence of places rich in fish attracts the otter up to the mountain, above 1500 m altitude, near the streams with trout. Sometimes, in search of favorable places, it crosses the watercourses, over the top of the mountains.
Distribution
The otter can be found in Europe, Asia (except the southeastern islands) and the extreme north of Africa. In Romania, it lives in all major river basins.
