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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