European otter vs Irrawaddy dolphin

Lutra lutra compared with Orcaella brevirostris

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Irrawaddy dolphin is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Irrawaddy dolphin
Kingdom same	Animalia (động vật)	Animalia (động vật)
Phylum same	Chordata (động vật có dây sống)	Chordata (động vật có dây sống)
Class same	Mammalia (lớp Thú)	Mammalia (lớp Thú)
Order	Carnivora (bộ Ăn thịt)	Cetacea (Whales & Dolphins)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Delphinidae (Oceanic Dolphins)
Genus	Lutra (Otters)	Orcaella
Species	Lutra lutra	Orcaella brevirostris

Evolutionary Relationship

European otter and Irrawaddy dolphin share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (lớp Thú)

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Irrawaddy dolphin

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Irrawaddy dolphin
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.

Irrawaddy dolphin

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.