European otter vs Hairy-nosed otter

Lutra lutra compared with Lutra sumatrana

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Hairy-nosed otter is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Hairy-nosed otter
Kingdom same	Animalia (สัตว์)	Animalia (สัตว์)
Phylum same	Chordata (สัตว์มีแกนสันหลัง)	Chordata (สัตว์มีแกนสันหลัง)
Class same	Mammalia (สัตว์เลี้ยงลูกด้วยน้ำนม)	Mammalia (สัตว์เลี้ยงลูกด้วยน้ำนม)
Order same	Carnivora (สัตว์กินเนื้อ)	Carnivora (สัตว์กินเนื้อ)
Family same	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus same	Lutra (Otters)	Lutra (Otters)
Species	Lutra lutra	Lutra sumatrana

Evolutionary Relationship

European otter and Hairy-nosed otter share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Lutra. (Otters)

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Hairy-nosed otter

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Hairy-nosed otter
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.

Hairy-nosed otter

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.