Otter
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
When otters disappear, sea urchin populations boom. These little creatures then eat away at the kelp and other food on the seafloor, causing a trophic cascade, and localized extinction event.
Threats to Otters
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."