The Natural History of Marine Otter (Lontra felina)

The marine otter, Lontra felina, is the smallest and most recently evolved marine mammal found primarily in marine habitats. Populations of marine otters have been identified in freshwater and coastal environments. The marine otter is an opportunistic species, as it adapts its diet based on seasonal and prey availability. The reproductive patterns, activity patterns, distribution areas and social behavior of marine otters are still poorly understood. However, it has been estimated that there is variation in population and densities within their geographic range. Historical threats to the conservation of the species include habitat fragmentation, poaching and bycatch. In recent years, new threats have been studied, such as diseases, oil spills, microplastic and mercury pollution. Scientific knowledge on this mustelid is scarce; therefore, it is necessary to carry out exhaustive research to understand their distribution, behavior and conservation needs to generate better conservation strategies along its great latitudinal distribution.