Every month, museum visitors choose the exhibit they liked the most. What they singled out for August was the European Otter (Lutra lutra).

Also known simply as the common or river otter, it is a semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. It is found throughout Europe, from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and Greece, as well as in parts of Asia and North Africa. It prefers clean freshwater habitats, such as rivers, streams, and lakes, along with dense riverside vegetation that provides ideal shelter and nesting sites.

It has a long, streamlined body reaching up to 90 cm in length, short legs with webbed feet, and dense, waterproof fur that keeps it dry and warm. Its diet consists mainly of fish and amphibians, as it has excellent hunting skills—able to stay underwater for more than 4 minutes.

During the 20th century, its population suffered a severe decline due to water pollution and the loss of its habitats.


13/9/2025