Head to head
Neotropical Otter vs Southern River Otter
Neotropical Otter
VS Southern River Otter
Both otters belong to the same genus and share parts of southern South America, but their range size and conservation status differ considerably.
| Neotropical Otter | Southern River Otter | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lontra longicaudis | Lontra provocax |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened | Endangered |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Range size | Mexico to northern Patagonia | Southern Chile and Argentina only |
| Habitat flexibility | Rainforest rivers, mangroves, temperate rivers | Freshwater and coastal marine habitat |
| Local name | Long-tailed otter | Huillin |
| Historical threat | Hunting and habitat loss across its range | Hunted heavily for fur |
| Habitat | Wetlands, ocean, coastal, rainforest | Wetlands, ocean, coastal |
Neotropical Otter vs Southern River Otter: common questions
Which otter has the larger range?
The neotropical otter does, found from Mexico south to northern Patagonia, a far larger range than the southern river otter's more restricted distribution across southern Chile and Argentina.
Which otter is more endangered?
The southern river otter is, classified as Endangered with a fragmented and declining population, compared with the neotropical otter's Near Threatened status across its much larger range.
Do both otters use both freshwater and marine habitat?
Yes, both species move between freshwater rivers and coastal marine habitat, though the neotropical otter does so across a far broader range of climates and habitat types than the southern river otter.