Otter

Fish otter in Liechtenstein

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a member of the marten family, is a strictly protected species in Liechtenstein.

Otters colonize large, interconnected water systems with sufficient cover in the form of riparian vegetation and other structures. Otters are semi-aquatic native mammals. Its shape - the elongated, slender body shape as well as the densest fur of all mammals (up to 35,000 hairs per cm2) keeps the excellent swimmer and diver dry.

The otter feeds mainly on fish and is therefore dependent on the presence of bodies of water. As an opportunist, it hunts what its habitat provides: In trout waters mainly trout and bullheads, in lakes rather carp-like fish, pike or eels. Amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds and crayfish can also make up part of its diet.

Persecution as a fur-bearing animal and competitor for food, altered aquatic landscapes, the resulting destruction of aquatic ecosystems and their pollution with environmental toxins led to the otter disappearing from large parts of Europe in the 20th century.
With the protection of the species, the identification and containment of environmental toxins and the ecologization of hydraulic engineering, the populations recovered. Individual animals have been recorded in Switzerland again since 2009, with repeated offspring appearing on the Aare around Bern and in the Engadin since 2014.

In Liechtenstein, there is currently (as of February 2024) confirmed evidence of otters again.
The last alleged sighting in Liechtenstein in the 20th century occurred in 1974 (source: Volume 28 of Naturkundliche Forschung Liechtenstein).
As part of the beaver population survey during the winter months of 2021/2022, traces of otters were detected in Liechtenstein at the beginning of February 2022.
At the end of January 2024, the first photographic evidence of a male otter was found on the Liechtenstein inland canal.

In the event of suspected cases, the public is asked to contact the Office of Environment, which is responsible for monitoring protected species in Liechtenstein.

Forests and Landscape otter