Otter
Introduction
River Otters
Sea Otters
Otters are a keystone species. As the apex predators of kelp forests, they control sea urchin populations under control, so that they sea urchins don't overgraze and totally destroy the kelp forests.
Otters like to swim among the kelp and wrap themselves in the upper reaches of the giant algae to prevent being washed along by the ocean current.
Benefits of Otters
Keystone Species
"Sea otters significantly shape their communities by preying on sea urchins. Without the otters, sea urchins will grow in number and eat up the kelp forests that many other species depend on for habitat or food. Sea urchins can eat kelp at a rate of up to 30 feet per month, leaving barren sea floor in their wake. Luckily, sea otters are champion eaters, consuming up to 25% of their body weight daily – and sea urchins are their favorite food." - BestBees: Indicator Species and Keystone Species
Kelp Forest Health
Kelp is the largest known species of algae. Not only do algae help to produce up to 70% of Earth's oxygen, but they also help keep our waters clean, and provide food to vegetarian and omnivorous species.
Urchins are just one of the species that feed on kelp, but they can cause devastation if their natural predators can't keep their numbers under control.
Historically otters and star fish have helped keep sea urchin populations under control, but humans hunter otters mercilessly till the species vanished from much of their historical habitat, after this a mysterious disease killed off massive numbers of star fish.
As a result, sea urchin populations boomed, and these hungry little sea-dwellers ate away at kelp forests till they also disappeared from its historic range. These little creatures then ate away at the kelp and other food on the seafloor, causing a trophic cascade, and localized extinction event.
10:06 minute video talking about the importance of sea otters and how conservationists are taking action to regrow kelp forests
Threats to Otters
Hunting
Parasites Commonly Spread from Cat Poop
"Toxoplasma gondii is a near-ubiquitous parasite that infects a wide variety of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is transmitted by wild and domestic cats." - Researchers Warn Cat Poop Parasite Killing Otters in California Could Pose Human Health Threat
Tools & Apps
Europe
UK
Mammal Mapper "is a free app where you can record signs and sightings of mammals in the UK. Mammals can be recorded along a route whilst you’re walking, running, cycling or even a passenger in a car, or as one-off sightings, for example a hedgehog in your garden."
Organizations
Europe
UK
Mammal Society "a UK based charity devoted to the study and conservation of the mammals of the British Isles. We aim to raise awareness of the issues mammals face and share our scientific research so they can be best protected in the future. Although a small team we are mighty, and are dedicated to helping mammals across the nation."