Lutra lutra chinensis

(Gray, 1837)

Vernacular names
English : Eurasian otter
French : Loutre de Chine

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Mustelidae
Notes : 11 other subspecies known.

Identification
Body length of 82 cm, tail length of 50 cm, weight of 14 kg. Males are much larger than females. Long and thick tail, webbed feet. Coloration is mostly brown to dark grey-brown, becoming creamy-grey on breast, muzzle and belly.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in central and south China, and the island of Taiwan. Species found in most of Europe, north Africa, central and parts of southern Asia. Lives in lakes, rivers, marshes and coastal wetlands, in shallow water, to 4120 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is declining because of water pollution, habitat loss, hunting. Some Asian populations are endangered, some in Europe are recovering.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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