River otter

Call Number:

Keywords:

Abstract:

The North American river otter is a fascinating creature whose shy and secretive ways have further enhanced this image. The river otter's future has probably never looked better. Humans are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental contamination and the loss of habitat. We recognize that a healthy riparian zone reduces soil erosion, increases water quality, and provides a better home for many wildlife species, including the river otter. We have seen a genuine concern for otters in many regions, which has resulted in numerous efforts to reintroduce them to areas where they had been previously extirpated. The end result is that the river otter is now found in much of its historical range. It may be too optimistic to think that healthy, reproducing populations can be restored throughout the river otter's original range. Water pollution, habitat loss, and a variety of other limiting factors will continue to counteract restoration and recovery efforts. River otter management will likely continue to require a considerable investment in time, money, and expertise. Management is a self-refining process involving input from research, surveys, inventories, harvest data, and the results of such activities as habitat preservation and improvement, information, education, regulations, and law enforcement. Understanding river otter ecology and population dynamics for the purpose of better management is an ongoing process. Data on demographic parameters, feeding habits, habitat requirements, spacing behavior, home range requirements, intra- and interspecific relationships, general behavior, and tolerance levels are continually needed in order to improve existing management. These data are being used to develop population and habitat simulation models, which are beginning to assist wildlife managers. Because the river otter is such a difficult animal to study, the data used to develop these models are often extremely general and limited. More refined and better data are clearly needed if we are to increase the effectiveness of such management tools. This will require a firm commitment to the resource and a concerted effort by conservationists, conservation organizations, and natural resource agencies. If we are serious about our intent, the river otter may once again occupy and flourish in areas where it had long since disappeared.

Notes:

Reference Code: A87MEL01IDUS

Full Citation: Melquist, W. E., and A. E. Dronkert. 1987. River otter. Pages 627-641 in M. Novak, J. A. Baker, M. E. Obbard, and B. Malloch, editors, Wild furbearer management and conservation in North America. Ontario Trappers Assocation, Ontario, Canada.

Location: ANIMAL EF: MAMMALS