The ultimate goal of southern sea otter recovery is to reestablish ecological relationships in the ecosystems where sea otters and other nearshore species coevolved. The Marine Mammal Protection Act states that marine mammal stocks “should not be permitted to diminish beyond the point at which they cease to be a significant functioning element in the ecosystem of which they are a part.” For southern sea otters, this likely means that the population would have to exceed 8,400 animals in California alone. Sea otters eat many kinds of invertebrates, including sea urchins, abalone, clams, crabs, snails, sea stars, squid & octopuses. No sea otters, no kelp forests. Sea otters eat sea urchins & other invertebrates that graze on giant kelp. Sea otters primarily rely on their sense of touch (whiskers and forepaws) in murky waters to locate prey. At the moment Powtoon presentations are unable to play on devices that don't support Flash. Fun Facts. Paw-some. Sea otters don’t have blubber or fat to keep them warm like other marine mammals. It sometimes is considered a subspecies of Lontra canadensis.The southern river otter is listed as endangered, due to illegal hunting, water pollution, and habitat loss Sign up for free. Sea otter moms typically only give birth to 1 pup. Because of the activity in the sea will never ends because many people rely their life on it … Sea otter counts are conducted annually by the U.S. Geological Survey. The animals that they prey on devour kelp forests. As a keystone species, the southern sea otters play a critical role in keeping the California kelp forest ecosystem healthy. 3. That’s the same as an average teenager eating 120 hamburgers. With few exceptions, their prey consist of slow moving benthic invertebrates and shellfish. Sea otters have a profound impact on the coastal habitats which is why they are rightly known as keystone species. OCEANWALKERS Sea Otters live in coastal waters & estuaries. Mating and pupping occur throughout the year, but on average across the range, a peak period of pupping occurs from October to January, with a secondary peak in March and April. Otters use tools like rocks and sometimes soda cans. 2. Longest dive ever recorded was just under 8 minutes. Although they hunt on the sea floor, they return to the surface to eat. Is there a pupping season? Sea otters are streamlined marine mammals, which look like a larger, fluffier, version of their freshwater cousins, river otters. How Do Sea Otters Eat? The sea otter is covered in dense fur that consists of two layers. • To maintain its body temperature, the sea otter eats 25% to 35% of its body weight in single day. Adult sea otters can eat 25% - 30% of their body weight in one day! Reduced range and population size, vulnerability to oil spills, and oil spill risk from coastal tanker traffic were the primary reasons for listing. The Southern Sea Otter is found in California. Southern Sea Otter Facts Scientific Name: Enhydra lutris, or Enhydra lutris nereis Physical Characteristics: 4 feet long, approximately 65 pounds, males - 45 pounds, females Strong canine teeth for tearing food, flat molars for crushing External ears like a sea lion's with excellent hearing capability Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals. Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. Hunting for food is one of the most important daily activities for the sea otter. They are usually seen in rocky marine habitats where there is a high abundance of kelp canopy and typically in water depths about 20 m. Kelp canopy is an important habitat component used for resting and foraging. On an adult animal, there are an estimated 650,000 hairs per square inch. A newborn southern sea otter pup is a buff color, 22 to 24 inches (55 – 60 cm) in length and 4 to 5 lbs. Although called a "river otter", it inhabits both marine and freshwater environments. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. Two furry sea otters — holding paws. A quick glance at facts about California's southern sea otter population.-- Created using PowToon -- Free sign up at http://www.powtoon.com/ -- Create animated… The population index exceeded 3,090 for the first time in 2016. Both mating and birth take place in the water, and males have harems of several females. When the mothers dive for food, they tie their babies into kelp to ensure that they will not float away. Sea Otter Facts California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. On an adult animal, there are an estimated 650,000 hairs per square inch. Food preferences vary among individuals. Under state law, southern sea otters are "fully protected" mammals. Sea Otters do not migrate due to their coat of fur. (20 kg) in weight. 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