IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
© IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group
Volume 1 Pages 1 - 23 (May 1986)
Abstracts
African Otters - is their Existence Threatened?
Pages 9 - 11 (Report)
David Rowe-Rowe
Abstract
Increase in human population is the greatest single threat to wildlife
in Africa where the population growth rate is 3% per annum. The 1980
population of 450 million is expected to have almost doubled by the year
2000. If wildlife is to survive the human population growth must be contained.
Otters receive total protection in six of the African countries surveyed,
and in all but one country there are national parks and game or nature
reserves in which otters are generally safe from disturbance. One must
remember, though, that the laws protecting wildlife are only as good
as the degree of enforcement, and that protection of the animal starts
with conservation of the habitat.
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Sea Otters: Dietary Variation in Sea Otters (Enhydra
lutris)
Pages 11 - 12 (Report)
J.A. Estes
Abstract
The results of this recent work have altered my view on several
aspects of the foraging biology of sea otters. Whereas earlier it
appeared that individuals were rather catholic foragers, it now seems
that there is considerable variation among highly specialized
individuals. This finding has important implications to the ecology and
social behaviour of sea otters, particularly in view of the fact that
food can be a major limiting resource to this species. What are the
costs and benefits of feeding on different prey? In view of the long
period of association between mother and pup, is it possible that
foraging variation has a matrilineal pattern of inheritance? Is diet
related to social rank, and are there consequent differences in
reproductive success? These are some of the questions my colleagues and
I are now addressing and hope to answer in the years to come
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The Status of the Sea Otter in Canada
Pages 13 - 14 (Report)
G.B.Stenson
Abstract:
The
extirpation of otters in Canada was caused by commercial exploitation
and with continued protection it is likely that the population will
continue to increase. Suitable habitat appears to be plentiful and does
not appear to have been reduced significantly in quantity or quality
since historical times. Given the
remoteness of much of this habitat it is unlikely that human activities
pose much of a threat at the present time. One possible exception, however,
is the presence of oil pollution. Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters
rely upon their fur for insulation. This fur is highly sensitive to environmental
contamination and oiling has been shown to significantly reduce its insulative
properties This results
in increased metabolic rates and can cause death. Considering the limited
distribution of sea otters and the increased interest in offshore oil
development and transportation along the British Columbian coast, this
could pose a future threat. For now however, the future of sea otters
in Canada appears bright.
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The River Otter, Lutra canadensis, in
Canada
Pages 14 - 17 (Report)
G.B. Stenson
Abstract:
Water pollution is the chief danger facing the North American River Otter in
Canada.For the most part, however, the future of the river otter in Canada
looks bright. There is no indication that population levels are
declining under the current level of trapping and Canada contains large
regions of favourable habitat which appear to be supporting stable,
healthy populations.
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The Huillin in Argentina
Pages 17 - 19 (Report)
Claudio Chehebar
Abstract:
We recommend re-introduction of huillines in Lanin, Puelo and Los
Alerces National Parks, through translocations of animals, so as to
minimize the risks involved in the present dependence on Nahuel Huapi
and Staten Island (as far as we know) for the conservation of the
species in Argentina. Also, we recommend careful monitoring and
protection of the Nahuel Huapi population and protection of the Staten
Island ecosystems.
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A Progress Report on the Species Survival
Plan for Asian Small-Clawed Otters in United States Zoos
Pages 19 - 21 (Report)
Pat Foster-Turley
Abstract:
When the Asian otter SSP /committee was initiated, these otters were
maintained in more .than ten zoos, but were successfully reproducing
in none of them. Various explanations were offered to explain this breeding
.failure. New animals were imported from zoos outside the United States
to supplement the United States' captive population of :ageing, previous
pets. In the past two years two facilities have had repeated successful
births, and two others have recorded first births that were stillborn.
Research initiated by members of the SSP committee is now in progress
to understand more of the reproductive, genetic and behavioural make-up
of the Asian small-clawed otter. An assortment of these projects is summarized
below.
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