Chordates • Earth.com

Neotropical otter

(Lontra longicaudis)

galery

Description

The neotropical otter or neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) is an otter species found in Central America,South America and the island of Trinidad.It is physically similar to the northern and southern river otter,which occur directly north and south of this species' range.The length of the neotropical otter can range from 90–150 centimetres (35–59 in),of which the tail comprises about a third.Body weight ranges from 5–15 kilograms (11–33 lb).Otters are members of the family Mustelidae,the most species-rich (and therefore diverse) family in the order Carnivora.This otter is found in many different riverine habitats;including deciduous and evergreen forests,savannas,llanos and pantanal.They prefer to live in clear fast-flowing rivers and streams.They are a relatively solitary animal and feed mostly on fish and crustaceans.The neotropical otter is covered in a short,dark grayish-brown pelage.Fur color is lighter around the muzzle and throat.They possess a long wide tail,with short stout legs and fully webbed toes.Sexually dimorphic,the males are about 25% larger than the females.Body mass of the otter generally ranges from 5 to 15 kilograms.Neotropical otters will communicate with nearby otters via scent marking.Communication may also occur via whistles,hums,and screeches.The dental formula seldom varies from that of Eurasian otters,except in the few cases of otters that have dental anomalies.Females and males have the same formula.The dental formula (for half the skull) is as follows: Upper: 3 incisors,1 canine,4 premolars and 1 molar,Lower: 3 incisors,1 canine,3 premolars and 2 molars.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Mustelidae
Genus:Lontra
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