Long-Tailed Otter
VU

Long-Tailed Otter

Lontra longicaudis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neotropical_otter

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Long-Tailed Otter faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as wetlands across its range are drained for agriculture and urban development. Water pollution from mining, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff degrades the aquatic ecosystems this species depends on for hunting fish and crustaceans. Hunting for pelts and traditional medicine continues in some regions, while dam construction fragments river systems and disrupts the otter's movement patterns between territories.

Threat summary

Habitat

Long-Tailed Otters inhabit freshwater systems including rivers, streams, lakes, and marshes from Mexico through Central America to South America. They prefer areas with dense riparian vegetation that provides cover and abundant fish populations, typically avoiding heavily polluted or fast-flowing waters.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Long-Tailed Otter classified as Vulnerable?
Long-Tailed Otter is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Long-Tailed Otter faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as wetlands across its range are drained for agriculture and urban development. Water pollution from mining, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff degrades the aquatic ecosystems this species depends on for hunting fish and crustaceans. Hunting for pelts and traditional medicine continues in some regions, while dam construction fragments river systems and disrupts the otter's movement patterns between territories.
Where does Long-Tailed Otter live?
Long-Tailed Otter occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Long-Tailed Otter?
The main threats to Long-Tailed Otter are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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