European otter

Despite being a common species across Portugal, it is not always easy to observe the European otter. The fact that it is a nocturnal species and that its burrows often have submerged entrances makes it difficult to see them.

Lutra, known as the European otter, spends much of its life in the water. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and they spend most of their time in rivers, lakes, streams, canals, marshes, small reservoirs, estuaries, or even in saltwater environments. It spends so much time in water that it only goes to land when it needs to rest or reproduce.

Therefore, water is a crucial feature in the habitats of these mammals, but there are other common denominators in the environments that are most favourable to them: abundant vegetation cover, great availability of food, and a diverse variety of shelters. They dig their burrows in areas adjacent to waterways – often taking advantage of rock cavities – and it is not uncommon for the burrows to have submerged entrances.

One of the secrets that explains how this mammal is so well adapted to aquatic life is its fur, which is dense and waterproof. Its long tail is also an important “navigation” tool: a rudder that guides the direction of its movements. Its webbed paws allow it to swim quickly, and its flattened head – with its narrow snout, small ears and eyes – allows it to move almost invisibly.

Being a top predator in its habitats (it has no predators), Lutra lutra is a carnivorous species that bases its diet on fish, crustaceans, and also on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Although it is a very common and widespread species in Portugal – where it has “Least Concern” conservation status – European otter populations are under pressure in some regions of the globe, which is why the species is internationally classified as a “Near Threatened” species. The expansion of the species in Portugal may be related to the introduction and growth of the red crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ), an invasive species present in most Portuguese river basins, which represents an abundant food source for otters.

Did you know that…

• Although they can live in small groups, they tend to be more of a solitary than a social species, with the exception of when mating and when they bear their young. Even so, it is common to see them playing – chasing each other and sliding – a behaviour that is thought to be associated with the improvement (and teaching, when it comes to cubs) of hunting techniques.
• One of the forms of communication between otters is through olfactory marking. Glands at the base of the tail exude an odour with which they cover trunks, vegetation, and their own skin to mark territorial boundaries and make their identity and sexual status known.
• Otters have a calendar day dedicated to their species. International Otter Day is celebrated on 29th May and several national entities – such as the Oceanário in Lisbon – usually organise special activities to make the general public aware of the characteristics of these animals and raise awareness of the conservation of the species.