Species of Otters
Otter classification is not straightforward. There have been various schemes used through the years, but the one I am going to use has the otters grouped according to the latest DNA research by Koepfli et al (2008).
Lutra-Type Otters
- Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis
- Congo Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis
- Asian Small-Clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus
- Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata
- Sea Otter Enhydra lutris
- Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra
- Spotted-Necked Otter Lutra maculicollis
- Hairy-Nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana
Lontra-type Otters
- North American River Otter Lontra canadensis
- Marine Otter or Sea Cat Lontra felina
- Neotropical Otter Lontra longicaudis
- Southern River Otter Lontra provocax
The Giant Otter
- South American Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis