Eurasian otter
Lutra lutra lutra
Unlike harbor seals, otters do not have an insulating layer of fat. The fur, on the other hand, provides the otter with effective insulation against the cold and wet. The hairs are interlocked with microscopic grooves and anchors. This dense fur mesh holds insulating air bubbles and repels water. In this way, the skin of the otter remains dry. After the otter went extinct in Switzerland in the second half of the 20th century (1989), there are now increasing indications that this water marten is returning to Switzerland. Since 2009, reliable evidence of free-living otters in Switzerland has been obtained annually.
| Taxonomy | Carnivorans, caniforms, musteloids, mustelids, otters, Eurasian otter (several subspecies) | |
| Habitat | shores of streams and lakes, wetlands | |
| Activity pattern | crepuscular and nocturnal, hunting in water and on land | |
| Social structure | solitary, mother with young | |
| Diet | fish, amphibians, mice, small birds, invertebrates | |
| Weight | females 4 to 6 kg, males 4 to 10 kg, newborn 100 g | |
| Head to torso length | 60 to 80 cm | |
| Shoulder height | 22 cm | |
| Tail length | 30 to 40 cm | |
| Gestation time | 52 to 63 days | |
| Litter size | 1 to 4 young | |
| Age at sexual maturity | after 18 to 24 months | |
| Life expectancy | up to 22 years | |
| Commerce | Fur | |
| Current population | regionally eradicated - also in Switzerland; Repopulation through immigration from neighboring countries | |
| At Zoo Zurich since | 1952, internationally coordinated breeding (EEP) |
Distribution
Animal sound
Sponsors
| H. Thierbach, Pfäffikon ZH | |
| S. Eilmes, Oftringen | |
| P. Bitzer, Richterswil | |
| Gemeindeverwaltung Gossau ZH | |
| M. Baltisberger, Zürich | |
| S. Eigenheer, Dänikon ZH | |
| C. Blöchlinger, Trimmis | |
| Basler & Hofmann AG, Zürich | |
| M. Bachmann, Winkel | |
| lutra analytics GmbH, Zürich | |
| Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Team Switzerland | |
| M. Speck, Turgi | |
| S. Tanner, Zürich | |
| Th. Meier, Bühler | |
| B. +. M. Weisenhorn-Schlegel, Zürich | |
| Ch. B. Staehelin, Zürich | |
| P. Haberzeth, Bachenbülach | |
| Trisoco GmbH, Glattbrugg | |
| Ch. + R. Berger, Ludiano | |
| A. Brütsch + Th. Frei, Galgenen | |
| St. Müller, Guntershausen | |
| F. Martins, Zürich | |
| C. Benz + F. Buenzli, Zürich | |
| M. Glinz, Neftenbach | |
| K. Weber, Zürich | |
| M. Wyss, Zürich | |
| M. Baumgartner, Nürensdorf | |
| L. Canonica, Zürich | |
| O. Federer-Bazzi, Hinwil | |
| N. Perrottet, Wetzikon | |
| M. Rickli, Altendorf |
