About Lontra provocax (Thomas, 1908)
The southern river otter, scientifically named Lontra provocax (Thomas, 1908), is a medium-sized otter species. Its body can reach up to 70 cm (28 in) in length, with its tail adding an additional approximately 40 cm (16 in). Average body weight ranges from 5 to 10 kg (11 to 22 lb). The fur is dark brown on the upper parts of the body, and ranges from a lighter cinnamon color to almost white on the underside. Southern river otters occupy marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats, but are found most often in freshwater lakes and rivers that contain a large amount of dense vegetation, particularly along shorelines, which the otters use for cover. Their habitats also require root systems from mature trees, along with fallen tree debris. Despite being called a "river" (freshwater) otter, this species is just as well-adapted to foraging and hunting in brackish, and even fully marine, waters. This characteristic is similar to the South American marine otter (L. felina), an otter species that lives nearly entirely in marine coastal habitats.
