European otter vs Large Long-clawed Akodont

Lutra lutra compared with Chelemys megalonyx

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Large Long-clawed Akodont is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Large Long-clawed Akodont
Kingdom same	Animalia (สัตว์)	Animalia (สัตว์)
Phylum same	Chordata (สัตว์มีแกนสันหลัง)	Chordata (สัตว์มีแกนสันหลัง)
Class same	Mammalia (สัตว์เลี้ยงลูกด้วยน้ำนม)	Mammalia (สัตว์เลี้ยงลูกด้วยน้ำนม)
Order	Carnivora (สัตว์กินเนื้อ)	Rodentia (อันดับสัตว์ฟันแทะ)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Cricetidae
Genus	Lutra (Otters)	Chelemys
Species	Lutra lutra	Chelemys megalonyx

Evolutionary Relationship

European otter and Large Long-clawed Akodont share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (สัตว์เลี้ยงลูกด้วยน้ำนม)

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Large Long-clawed Akodont

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Large Long-clawed Akodont
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.

Large Long-clawed Akodont

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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.