Mammalia > Carnivora > Mustelidae > Lutra
Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758 – Eurasian Otter
Taxonomic Notes:

Juveniles:
Indian and global distribution:
records (based on images):
Identification:
Sexual, seasonal & individual variation:
Status, Habitat and Habits:
In India, Eurasian Otter has distribution in southern India, NE India, Jammu & Kashmir, and Leh-Ladakh. It is a semi-aquatic species, that stays close to water. It inhabits wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Its diet is composed mainly of fishes.
Conservation Status:
This species is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).
According to IUCN Red List assessment, population of this species is decreasing all over its range. There are no accurate estimates and there are only in the form of presence/absence. Major threat to its survival come from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, mining, over-fishing, and pollution. There are records of trapping, poaching and pet trade at various areas all over its range. Its population is also highly fragmented.
In India, Eurasian Otter has distribution in southern India, NE India, Jammu & Kashmir, and Leh-Ladakh. It is a semi-aquatic species, that stays close to water. It inhabits wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Its diet is composed mainly of fishes.
Conservation Status:

According to IUCN Red List assessment, population of this species is decreasing all over its range. There are no accurate estimates and there are only in the form of presence/absence. Major threat to its survival come from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, mining, over-fishing, and pollution. There are records of trapping, poaching and pet trade at various areas all over its range. Its population is also highly fragmented.
References:
Mammalia > Carnivora > Mustelidae > Lutra
Cite this page along with its URL as:
Bayani, A. 2023. Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758 – Eurasian Otter. A. Bayani, R. Chakravarty, P. Roy, and K. Kunte (editors). Mammals of India, v. 1.13. editors.
http://www.mammalsofindia.org/sp/398/Lutra-lutra