Tuesday 30 September 2008 Neotropical River Otter

Mass: 5 to 15 kg (11 to 33 lbs)
Length: 36 to 66 cm (14.17 to 25.98 in)

The Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis) resides in swamps, streams, lagoons and lakes in Mexico and parts of South America (especially Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay). It is the most widespread of the Lontra genus.

If you have seen a North American river otter, then you could easily imagine a Neotropical River Otter, for they are quite alike in appearance. However, the Neotropical River Otter is shorter, around the mouth, the areas are white, its body is long and circular. Neotropical River Otters possess a soft wool-like undercoat that is layered with guard hairs, the latter maintains dryness to the undercoat when it is wet. Unlike seals, the Neotropical River Otter does not have an insulating layer of fats, but instead they depend on this fur for dryness and warmth.

Its head is both round and flat, ears placed low, the muzzle is just short and whisker-filled. The neck is also short, it has eyes which are widely-spaced. The best description for the nose of a Neotropical River Otter would be trapezoid-like.

The back legs are longer than the front ones, allowing them to swim adequately. If an otter is relaxed and swimming slowly, it could be seen paddling using all 4 paws, but if it is engaged in fast swimming (for example, being pursued, or chasing a prey), short paws are maintained close to its sides, the tail acts as a propeller. Its nostrils/ears could be closed when one is submerged.

Their diet mainly consists of mollusks and fish, but they are what we call opportunistic eaters, they can also eat birds, small reptiles or mammals.

This otter has no set breeding period, and just like its relative otters, a delayed implantation prior to breeding might occur. A newborn is born fully furred, but the eyes are shut, and these would open after approximately 44 days.

Interesting fact: One marks by scent via the leaving of feces on places like bridges or logs, and you know why? Experts believe this is an advertisement of one's gender.

Picture of the Neotropical River Otter © 2006 Carla Antonini, licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5

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Friday 05 September 2008 Bushy-tailed Woodrat

A Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) can be found in North America, ranging from arctic Canada down to northern Arizona and New Mexico, and as far east as the western portions of Nebraska and the Dakotas. The Woodrats can be recognized by their big ears and its bushy tail. Its back is pale gray with a mix of brown, with white underneath.

They are also called packrats and are known to be capable of building stick homes within caves and crevices. If you are wondering where the word "packrat" comes from, a Bushy-tailed Woodrat's house holds items brought in from the outside, such as glass, pine cones, cardboards, plastic odds and ends, wire...you name it.

The territory of the woodrats is small, and a long time back, it was thought by experts that they would not go away farther than 60m from their nests. However, recent studies assert that the female can go as far as 500m. Basically, a typical woodrat is solitary, nocturnal and strongly protective of its own territories. Most facets of its behavior is thought to be a by-product of predation, and they have a lot to escape from. Weasels, black bears, bobcats, hawks and so many others, of course...that includes man.

Their diet consists of a variety of ingredients. In dry locations, they can survive on succulents, but in woody habitats, they consume a lot of woody vegetation. A Bushy-tailed Woodrat gets all of the water it needs from the foods it consumes. As prey, they are the main food source for Spotted Owls, an endangered species.

Interesting fact: These woodrats get enticed by shiny things, they often get them from camps or other establishments. So, if you are camping in one of their territories, watch out!

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