Seasonally, they may travel distances of 50 to 60 miles (80 to 96 km) along streams or lake shores, and their home ranges may be as large as 60 square miles (155 km2). The Giant River Otter only lives in three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata. Not only are we seeing the return of the River otter to many areas, but also that it is possible for humans and otters, to co-exist in the same areas. In some provinces and states, major otter re-introduction projects are underway with much success. Sea otter: Scientic name. At this point, they eat solid food but are not completely weaned for another month or two. As recently as the mid-1980s, more than 30,000 pelts were harvested annually. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. An otter is muscular, streamlined and solidly built. State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Female adults measure about 44 inches (112 cm) and weigh 19 pounds (8.6 kg). “Everything on the landscape ends up in the water, and that is where otters live and eat. 1999) and released 346 river otter from 1994 to 1996 in central Illinois (Fig. Females are about 25 percent smaller than males. “Otters need fresh water to keep their fur clean and to drink, but they’re very comfortable in any kind of water. Its height at the shoulder is about 10 inches. The River Otter Ecology Project is a registered 501 (c)(3) EIN #45-4997526 non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of river otters and our watershed. However, water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. See more ideas about otters, otter love, river otter. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. “Everything runs to the rivers,” said Chris DePerno, co-author of the study and a professor in NC State’s Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program. otter biology and history ^ Otters were once plentiful across most of North America but due to trapping pressure in the late 1800’s and early 20th century, these numbers dwindled. The Japanese river otter ... Ecology and biology Habits. river otter biology, habitat, history, resource value, and population management and provide direction for future management. Habitat. The male reproductive system contains a penis, testes, scrotum and more while the female reproductive system contains a vagina, ovaries, etc. River otters are most common in North America, and they are different from their sea otter cousins that are found in Monterey Bay. Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae With the demise of the wolverine (Gulo luscus Linnaeus) in the Adirondacks in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s, the river otter became the region’s largest member of the weasel family. When a female otter is in her most fertile state it is referred to as estrus. 2 Four appendices reporting on short investigations into matters related to the review: Ecology of the European Otter 5 Paul Glendell/English Nature Although there is a lot of information available about the biology and distribution of the otter,a great deal What is clear is that there is a delayed implantation of nine to 11 months, with actual gestation taking about 60 days. Lutra canadensis. The Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), often referred to as the river wolf, is a species in the Mustelid (weasel) family that is endemic to South America. It is both the world’s largest otter and largest member of the mustelid family, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. River Otter Habitats - Biology bibliographies - in Harvard style . Numerous species and varieties of fresh and anadromous fishes are eaten, but shell-fish, crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles are also frequently eaten, as are several species of crabs in coastal marshes. In South Carolina, they are common along waterways of the coastal plain. It is both the world’s largest otter and largest member of the mustelid family, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. Otter Spotters help the River Otter Ecology Project keep track of the lively creatures, whose population was decimated by trappers and pollution. As prey, otters provide a great source of nutrients to animals that hunt them for food. The Basics. When threatened or frightened, they emit a hair-raising scream that can be heard up to 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the water. river otter biology, habitat, history, resource value, and population management and provide direction for future management. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. River Otter. Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late spring and summer. There is evidence that river otters' play activities strengthen social bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories. Protect local waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn. FAST FACTS. The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe and Africa. Distribution. Answers: 3 on a question: River otters drink about 5 times as much water as a bald eagle drinks in a day. River otters exhibit a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. Sea Otters :: MarineBio Video Library Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4m in length. Otters reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). Their vocalizations include chirps, grunts, and loud piercing screams. The majority of the animals in our study area shared space with at least 1 other animal at the core-area scale, and animals tended to be attracted to each other and were frequently located m close proximity to other otters. River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. River otters use a variety of denning sites that seem to be selected based on availability and convenience. Their precolonial range apparently included all of North America except the arid Southwest and the northernmost portions of Alaska and Canada. They are powerful swimmers and are continuously active, alert, and quick—characteristics that give them immense aesthetic and recreational value. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter's total body length. (1.29m) for males and 3 ft. 8 in. The Otter Project > about sea otters > biology of the southern sea otter biology of the southern sea otter . and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4 m in length. By becoming a member, you'll help the Zoo save species and get great benefits for you and your family each time you visit! The fertilized eggs float around in the uterus for about 9 months before implantation occurs, rather than implanting on the uterine wall shortly after fertilization. Young are born between April and May and arrive silky black, blind, toothless and totally helpless. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. A mature male otter weighs 10 to 25 pounds and is 30 to 40 inches in length, plus a 12- to 15-inch tail. Size: to 30″ (body) Habitat: in and around water Notes: River otters are shy but playful creatures that spend much of their time just splashing around. River otters belong to the weasel family. The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. They occur at much higher densities in regions of the Great Lakes, in brackish marshes and inlets, and in other coastal habitats than farther inland. Popular AMA APA ... R., O'Brien, M. and Evans, H., 2010. Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. Recent releases totaling more than 1,000 otters have been made in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia in efforts to reestablish local populations. As of 2016, ROEP has catalogued more than 1,730 sightings and added to that tally close to 5,000 camera-trap videos and photos and roughly 1,300 samples of otter scat. North American River Otter (Lontra … Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. The normal anatomy section of the Inner Otter features expert descriptions and high quality images of normal sea otter anatomy. Consumption of game fishes in comparison to nongame (rough) fishes is generally in proportion to the difficulty, or ease, with which they can be caught. Popular AMA APA (6th edition) APA (7th edition) Chicago (17th edition, author-date) Harvard IEEE ISO 690 MHRA (3rd edition) MLA (8th edition) OSCOLA Turabian (9th edition) Vancouver. Recent research, however, indicates that otters prefer slower moving, easier to catch fish, such as suckers and catfish found along river bottoms, and pose no threat to game fish. Our organization is not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization. Increases in the range and numbers of river otters in response to the return of beaver has been dramatic, particularly in the southeastern United States. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. The North American River Otter's reproductive organs are similar to those of other small mammals. The Giant River Otter(Pteronura brasiliensis), often referred to as the river wolf, is a species in the Mustelid (weasel) family that is endemic to South America. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its life in the wild. They hunt singly or in pairs and although otters generally forage in water, they are equally at home on land, sometimes traveling between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 kilometers) in search of food. Female otters prepare dens that they keep scrupulously clean. During the mid-80s, zoologists still regarded the European otter as a species on the verge of extinction. Natal dens tend to be located on small headwater branches or streams leading to major drainages or lakes. However, the studies done in Kochi University revealed something different. It is encouraging to note that with these conservation programs, regulations on trapping and the improvement of water quality, the river otters are finally making a comeback in certain wetland areas. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter's total body length. SEA OTTER BIOLOGY. Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. Two litters were reared with older siblings in the family group. While young otters swim naturally, the mother must coax them into the water for their first swim. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! The pelage(covering, or coat, of a mammal, whether of wool, fur, or hair) is brown or reddis… It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Understanding river otter range, or the area that river otters inhabit, is an important tool to help us with land use planning, restoration decisions, and toxic spill planning and response. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks or burrowing through snow. Otter are carnivores, feeding on fish, crayfish, frogs, insects, small mammals, mollusks, and blue crabs. Their sex can be readily distinguished by the presence of a baculum (penile bone). Adults were river otters ≥ 2 years old and subadults were river otters < 2 years old. 1; Bluett et al. MRC 5516 Otters are large weasel-like animals that have long bodies, small ears, a broad snout, short legs with webbed feet, and a long hair-covered tail that is wide at the body and narrows toward the tip. With a streamlined body and webbed feet, this otter is a great swi… This work is supported by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. Their extirpation from many areas is believed to have been related more to poisoning by pesticides bio-magnified in fishes, and to the indirect adverse effects of water pollution on fish, their main food, than to excessive harvest. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. The loss of ponds and other wetland habitat that resulted from the extirpation of beaver in the late 1800s may have adversely affected continental populations of river otters more than any other factor. Accumulation of mercury and selenium in the brain of river otters (Lontra canadensis) and wild mink (Mustela vison) from Nova Scotia, Canada. Otters are found from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and north to Yukon Territory. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. Upon learning there was a need for volunteers with River Otter Ecology Project, I saw a chance to learn about the North American River Otter; not only to help chart the return of another otter species, but also, hopefully, help to prevent a recurrence of what I had observed all those years ago. Otters prefer shores of deep, clear water in lakes, rivers, marshes and ocean bays. By 1977, the river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - not necessarily for the river otter’s sake, but more so for that of similar species with endangered status, whom officials feared would be inadvertently targeted by the fur trade in a case of mistaken identity. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish. 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