In the United States Otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Male sea otters usually weigh 22 to 45 kg (49 to 99 lb) and are 1.2 to 1.5 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in) in length, though specimens up to 54 kg (119 lb) have been recorded. River Otter Lutra Canadensis. I'm meant to be doing a piece of Coursework on any Biological Issue (a problem) so i decided to do Conservation. Threats This species of sea otter is actually native to the Eurasia. Giant otters are piscivores, consume mainly seasonal fish, up to 8.8 lb (4 kg) a day. The river otter, once common throughout much of North America, was first reduced by trapping and then displaced from many areas by … Large numbers of them have died too over the years due to outbreaks of viruses or bacteria in some bodies of water. Amazing behaviors All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Pollution and global warming are huge threats to the Otters. With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. The trade of sea otters was continued until the animals were virtually wiped out. Go to Article. However, such problems still continue because those laws often aren’t strictly enforced. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. In 1986, river otters were listed as an endangered species in Nebraska. It's likely that fewer than 100 otters existed in Illinois at this time. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. The river otter's playful antics endear them to children and adults, but the creature has nearly disappeared from lakes and rivers around the world. River otters are subject to predators and disease, but human activities are their greatest threat. River otters don’t breed until they’re at least five years old. Numbers of otters rebounded relatively quickly and the species was removed from the state endangered list in 1990. Otters are mammals that are extremely playful and sensitive. River otters can be found from 45° to 66° north latitude and from 120° to 139° west longitude. The otters experienced a steep drop in numbers in … The largest concentration lived along the Mississippi River and its backwaters in northwestern Illinois. Range of a River … Finding groups online that you can join the efforts of is very simple. North American river otters are listed in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix II. Shape The World. Females are smaller, weighing 14 to 33 kg (31 to 73 lb) and measuring 1.0 to 1.4 m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 7 in) in length. This species of sea otter can grow and reach the number of 95 cm in length for its body and 35 cm in length for its tail. Threats . Threats . See also: Endangered Species in Pacific Ocean – Herbivores in The Pacific Ocean. North American river otters are a species whose population can indicate how healthy (or not) the environment is. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. However, there are several emerging threats to this sensitive species. The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels, and ferrets, and are by far the loudest member of the group.Giant river otters are very sociable and live in families of between 3-10 individuals that hunt together. ScienceDaily. Young otters remain in the den for a month but grow up quickly. The Giant River Otter from the Amazon lives in packs, as do North American river otters, female Southern river otters, (males are solitary). A river otter’s diet consists largely of fish. Fish make up the greatest portion of the otter’s diet; followed by crayfish. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. © 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. Fortunately for our endangered rockfish, though, the otters seem to specialize in the small lower intertidal and shallow subtidal fish such as the gunnels, sculpins, and pricklebacks. 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