The otter is a relatively common mammal in Portugal, but very difficult to observe due to its clandestine behavior, often nocturnal. At national level it is considered a species of conservation status of least concern (LC), but at global level it is considered a threatened species (NT).

The otter feeds on fish, amphibians and aquatic reptiles that it finds in different types of wetlands, in Portugal it is found in stream and river valleys. At Costa Vicentina there is a population that also hunts at sea, but remains dependent on fresh water, as after each visit to marine waters the animals have to wash their fur in fresh water.

Otters are very active and therefore capable of taking night walks away from the valleys. In these passages it can find other places with water such as dams or even biological pools. The later is the case of the biological pool shown in the photo. This is even visited regularly, as evidenced by the otter droppings that are found in slightly elevated positions, above stones or rocks exposed on the banks. The aquatic mammal leaves its business card, as seen in the photo in the foreground, an unmistakable sign that the otter likes to visit the biological pool.

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