Because the otter food source is easier to excavate from rocky-bottom habitats, as opposed to soft-bottom habitats, more otters tend to live in waters with rocky bottoms with access to shallow-burrowing prey. There are 13 species of otter which live in Europe, Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America: Eurasian otters, smooth-coated otters, Asian small-clawed otters, hairy-nosed otters, sea otters, North American river otters, neotropical otters, giant otters, Southern river otters, marine otters, African clawless otters, Congo clawless otters and spotted-necked otters. However, small populations have been found in southeast Asia. Did you know that there are 13 species of otter around the world? They share their habitat with three other species of otter: Eurasian, smooth coated and hairy nosed. They can be found in almost any habitat, from villages, ricefields, all rivers and even heading up mountains.

African clawless otter – this species is found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa with the exception of the Congo River basin and some arid areas. Otter populations are affected by the density of prey they hunt. This is the small-clawed otter, and is the most commonly seen otter throughout Borneo. Hairy-nosed otters live in smaller families of 4 to 5 members. Hairy-nosed otter – This species of otter is one of the rarest on earth and it was once thought to have been extinct. I’ve trawled all the available otter resources I could find and have put together this guide to the different types of otters. These otters live in small streams, rivers, marshes, rice paddies, seacoasts and in mangroves. CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM: There is just one Hairy Nosed Otter in captivity– a rescued male at … The third otter is the smallest. I didn’t until I embarked on this little research project, and I hope you find it useful! Endangered Species Spotlight: Hairy Nosed Otter SPECIES: Hairy Nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana) CURRENT RANGE: Small isolated populations in southeast Asia. CURRENT THREATS: Habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade (both for skins and for pets).