Marine otter

The marine otter, a captivating yet little-known mammal native to South America, is a member of the weasel family. Unlike most otters, these charming creatures inhabit exclusively saltwater coastal environments. They are distinguished as one of the smallest otter species and marine mammals, featuring a dark brown fur coat and webbed paws perfectly adapted for swimming. Their diet primarily consists of crabs, shrimp, mollusks, fish, and other crustaceans.

You can observe these otters along the shores of southwestern South America, particularly in Peru, Chile, and Argentina. They favor rocky shorelines adorned with seaweed and kelp, typically avoiding sandy beaches. Marine otters are generally seen alone or in small groups and are diurnal in nature.

Regarding their family life, breeding occurs in December or January, with females giving birth to litters of two to five pups in the subsequent months. These pups remain with their mother for about 10 months, during which they learn essential hunting and survival skills.

Regrettably, marine otters have faced significant threats, largely due to past fur hunting and conflicts with fisheries. However, they are now protected by laws in Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Conservation efforts are underway to prevent poaching and to preserve their natural habitats.