Taxonomy/Description

The southern otter's scientific name is Lontra provocax. The generic name, lontra, means "otter". The specific name, provocax, possibly means "provocative". If this specific name does indeed mean provocative, it may refer to the very active lifestyle of the southern river otter. The southern river otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink.

The southern river otter is generally brown dorsally, with a lighter, grayer underside. Adults grow to about three feet in length and weigh 10-20lbs. 

Habitat/Diet

This otter’s range includes the southeastern tip of South America, within the Patagonian region of Chile and Argentina. This is the smallest range of the thirteen otter species. Primarily freshwater, the southern river otter will also inhabit saltwater bodies. Rocky coasts of calm bays supporting mature forests with abundant ground cover are preferred in the marine environment. Lakes, rivers and streams are preferred for the freshwater habitat. A variety of fish and crustaceans are consumed by the southern river otter.

Behavior/Reproduction

Southern river otters are primarily nocturnal and solitary. They do not defend territories. Breeding occurs in July and August, with 1-4 kits born two months later. Social groups are composed of a single female and her offspring. The offspring become sexually mature at two years of age.

Conservation

Chileans hunted this species for fur during the early 1900’s, decreasing its numbers extensively. However, it now protected locally and internationally.