| Lutra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mustelidae |
| Subfamily: | Lutrinae |
| Genus: | Lutra Brisson, 1762 |
| Type species | |
| Mustela lutra Linnaeus, 1758 | |
| Species | |
 | |
| Range ofLutra lutra (brown),Lutra sumatrana (green) | |
Lutra is agenus ofotters, one of seven in the subfamily Lutrinae.
The genus includes these species:
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurasian otter
| Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) | coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa | Size: Habitat: Diet: | NT |
| Hairy-nosed otter
| Lutra sumatrana (Gray, 1865) | Southeast Asia | Size: Habitat: Diet: | EN |
| Image | Scientific name | Common name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
 | L. nippon | Japanese otter | Japan |
The genus most likely evolved in Asia during the latePliocene epoch;[1] the oldest fossil belonging to the genus is of the speciesL. palaeindica, and dates from the late Pliocene.[2]
Lutra species are semiaquatic mammals, so they are well-adapted to both water and land. They prefer shallow, narrow areas of streams surrounded by mature trees and with rocks, especially where weirs reduce the flow of the water, as well as attract fishes. They seem to tolerate roads and residential and agricultural areas, but only moderate human interaction. They clearly avoid areas without vegetation cover and rocks.[3]
The otters' diets consist mainly of fish (hence, the aquatic environment). However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and the otters use other resources for their food supply. Their diets can consist ofamphibians (mainly frogs and pond turtles), bird predation (mainly anserine species), smallrodents, andinvertebrates such as water beetles, snails, and crayfish. They have also feed on plants, specifically grasses. With this large diversity of prey and resources for their diets, otters are considered "opportunistic eaters".[4]
Some otters live insolitude, while others live in groups.
Lutra species are known to exhibit strong territorial behavior. Family group territories are distinct from those of solitary maleLutra. In a family group, adult males can be seen patrolling and defending their territories while females will raise their cubs in a secure area within the males' territories. Additionally, a family group choose areas that are rich in resources to support their cubs during the first year. Solitary males, however, choose their territory for reproductive purposes and ensure they have access to breeding females. These territories are marked withspraints as a means to claim ownership and deter rivals. As a result, there are overlapping boundary zones that cause many conflicts between males and is resolved through threatening signals and avoidance.[5]
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