European otter vs Granular Salamander

Lutra lutra compared with Ambystoma granulosum

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Granular Salamander is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Granular Salamander
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Amphibia (Amphibians)
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Caudata (Caudata)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Ambystomatidae
Genus	Lutra (Otters)	Ambystoma
Species	Lutra lutra	Ambystoma granulosum

Evolutionary Relationship

European otter and Granular Salamander share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Granular Salamander

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Granular Salamander
Diet	Carnivore	—
Average Lifespan	10 years	—
Average Length	1.0 m	—
Average Weight	10.0 kg	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

European otter

Habitat

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

Range

Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Granular Salamander

Habitat

Typically found in freshwater habitats, moist forests, and wetlands.

Range

Found in Mexico. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

European otter

Sleek semi-aquatic mustelid found along clean rivers, streams, and coastlines across Europe and Asia. European otters can reach 1.3 meters in length and are highly skilled fish hunters, using sensitive whiskers to detect prey movements. Requiring unpolluted water with abundant fish, they are an indicator species for freshwater ecosystem health. Once nearly extinct in Western Europe from hunting and pollution, populations have recovered significantly following water quality improvements.