Wildlifeof Sri Lanka
Eurasian Otter
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: Vsevolod Rudyi · CC BY 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Lutra lutra
Basic stats
Diet
Mainly freshwater crabs; fish secondary (highlands)
Habitat
Streams and tributaries in the central highlands
Range
Headwaters of the Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe river systems
A survey of the highlands, above 1,000 m and in places above 1,500 m, found otter signs at 60 of 71 sites, about 85%, and in the headwaters of all four river systems studied: the Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe. Evidence included spraints, footprints, holts and animals seen directly (de Silva 1991).
Freshwater crabs, mainly three potamonid species, were the main food in the highland streams, with fish only of secondary importance. The survey warned that soil erosion from agriculture, pesticides, silt from mining and fish farms, where farmers may kill otters, threaten the animals (de Silva 1991). Nationally Vulnerable (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).
Quick answers
- What does the Eurasian Otter eat?
- Mainly freshwater crabs; fish secondary (highlands)
- What habitat does the Eurasian Otter live in?
- Streams and tributaries in the central highlands
- Where is the Eurasian Otter found?
- Headwaters of the Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe river systems