Neotropical Otter

Neotropical Otter
Neotropical Otter, Corrientes, Argentina
Conservation status
Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Mustelidae
Genus:	Lontra
Species:	L. longicaudis
Binomial name
Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818)
Neotropical Otter range

The Neotropical Otter (or Neotropical River Otter), Lontra longicaudis, is an otter species found in Central America, South America and the island of Trinidad.^[1]

The Neotropical Otter is very similar looking to the Northern and Southern River Otter, which sandwich this species range. Overall length can range from 90-150 cm (36-59 in), of which about a third of the length is comprised by the tail. The body weight can range from 5 to 15 kg (11-33 lbs).^[2]

This otter is found in many different riverine habitats, including deciduous and evergreen forests, savannas, llanos and pantanal. It is possible that this species prefers to live in clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams, and is probably rare in sluggish, silt-laden lowland rivers. It is a solitary animal and feeds on fish and crustaceans. It is an endangered species, according to CITES Appendix I.

Subspecies

• Lontra longicaudis annectens
• Lontra longicaudis colombiana
• Lontra longicaudis enudris
• Lontra longicaudis incarum
• Lontra longicaudis longicaudis
• Lontra longicaudis raferrous"

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Waldemarin, H.F. & Alvares, R. (2008). Lontra longicaudis. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 21 March 2009. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of data deficient
2. ^ [1] (2011).

• Neotropical Rain forest Mammals, A Field Guide - Louise H. Emmons and Francois Feer, 1997