Sea Otters

Context

A new study has shed light on the usage of tools by marine mammals such as sea otters. 

Otters, Especially Females, Use Tools To Survive a Changing World

• There are other animals who use different techniques to feed and  Survive.
• Chimpanzees: Use stones to crack nuts and sticks to get termites.
• Dolphins: Use sponges to protect their beaks while foraging.
• Galapagos Islands Finch: Uses cactus spines to dig grubs out of holes.

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About Sea Otters

• Scientific name:  Enhydra lutris
• These are intelligent mammals.
• Otters are not just strong swimmers, they are resourceful problem solvers. 
  • They can utilize objects in their environment, including human trash, to access food.
  • These marine mammals use rocks and other objects to break open hard prey. 
  • This behavior helps them access food that would be difficult to eat otherwise. 
• Conservation Status:
  • The U.S. Endangered Species Act lists the California sea otter as “threatened” 
  • IUCN lists most otter species as “endangered” or “vulnerable”.
• Legal Protection: 
  • International treaties like CITES and the International Fur Seal Treaty regulate trade and hunting to protect otters.
  • The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects otters from harm and harassment in U.S. waters.
  • Zoological parks play a role in raising awareness, rehabilitation, and research for otters.
• Feeding Behavior
  • Floating Feeding Position: Otters float on their backs while feeding.
  • Tools Used: Rocks, shells, discarded bottles.
  • Methods: Use tools as hammers or anvils to smash open hard-shelled prey; also bash prey onto docks and boats.
  • Common Prey: Sea urchins, abalone, crabs, mussels, clams, snails, fat innkeeper worms.

Benefits of Tool Use

• Access to Larger Prey: Using tools allows otters to eat certain larger prey that would otherwise be inaccessible.
• Reduced Tooth Damage: Tool use reduces the amount of direct biting on hard shells, thus protecting their teeth from damage.
• Survival technique: Tools are Essential for survival in environments with limited resources.

Main threats to Sea Otters

• Disease
  • Parasitic Infections: Intestinal worms and other parasites contribute to significant otter mortality.
  • Infectious Diseases: Protozoal diseases are especially lethal for marine mammals.
• Oil Spills
  • Major Threat: Oil contamination poses the greatest threat to sea otters.
  • Effects of Oil: Oil disrupts the insulating properties of their fur, causing hypothermia, and leads to ingestion or inhalation of toxic substances.
  • Prevention: Preventing oil spills is essential to protect sea otters.
• Habitat Loss
  • Kelp Forests: The loss of kelp forests impacts sea otters by reducing their shelter and food sources.
• Pollution
  • Pathogens and Contaminants: High levels of pollution in coastal waters expose otters to infectious diseases.
• Human Activities
  • Direct Conflicts: Sea otters face threats from human activities such as shootings, entanglements in fishing gear, and boat strikes.

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