The marine otter's scientific
name is Lontra felina. The generic name, lontra, means "otter". The
specific name, felina, means "cat-like", referring to the South
American nickname for the animal, “sea cat”.
The marine otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in
the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. Other mustelids include ferrets
The marine otter is
generally brown with a paler, lighter underside and especially light
throat. Adults range in size from 3-4 feet and weigh about 7-13lbs.
Marine otters are the smallest of the New World otters.
This species lives exclusively in marine habitats. Its range is
restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, along the western coast of
South America, including Peru and Chile. Rocky outcrops are
preferred, and marine otters are agile climbers on these rocks. A
variety of marine fish and crustaceans are consumed by the marine
otter. Mollusks and crustaceans are occasionally eaten, but not at
all as commonly as the sea otter of North America.
Marine otters usually live solitary lives, but monogamous pairs have
been observed. Breeding occurs from December to January, with 2-4
kits born after a two month gestation. The young remain with their
mother for about ten months. Small prey is eaten in the water, while
larger prey is brought ashore. Caves are used by this species to
rest, rear young and cache food.
The marine otter’s range once included the eastern and western
coasts of South America. However, it is now completely extinct from
most of its eastern range. Hunting for its fur initially decreased
this species numbers, but now overfishing and pollution are the
biggest threats to its existence.