European otter vs Holly Leaf Split

Lutra lutra compared with Lophodermium neesii

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Holly Leaf Split is Not Evaluated.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Holly Leaf Split
Kingdom	Animalia (Animals)	Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum	Chordata (Chordates)	Ascomycota (Sac Fungi)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Leotiomycetes (Leotiomycetes)
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Rhytismatales (Rhytismatales)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Rhytismataceae
Genus	Lutra (Otters)	Lophodermium
Species	Lutra lutra	Lophodermium neesii

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Holly Leaf Split

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Holly Leaf Split
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.

Holly Leaf Split

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.