and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Sea otters live in shallow coastal waters in the northern Pacific. Sea Otters that are found in river settings tend to have slender, serpentine bodi… They were thought to be extinct from the California coast, until 50 otters … Help protect endangered sea otters from extinction by learning more about this fascinating animal! Sea otters are one of the few mammals, other than primates, known to use tools. Finally, we are working with state and federal agencies and other groups to maintain, increase and broaden the current protections for sea otters so they can expand their population along more of California’s coastal waters. The Southern Sea Otter & Southwest Stock of Northern Sea Otters in Alaska are both listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Sea otters live in a cold ocean environment and rely on two traits to keep warm: a dense fur coat for insulation and very high metabolism to generate body heat. But it may be drawing attention away from the value of other habitat that could truly help the endangered species in its recovery—estuaries. Description . Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. OCEANWALKERS Sea otters are listed as an endangered species because they are vulnerable to oil spills from ships and coastal tanker traffic. No, but some sea otter populations are endangered. Direct conflict with humans, through shootings, fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes, take a toll on sea otters, but oil spills, pollution, disease and loss of kelp pose major threats. Worldwide, sea otters have slowly recovered but still stand far below their historical population numbers. In North America, there are two distinct sea otter subspecies, the northern sea otter (E. l. kenyoni) and the southern sea otter (E. l. nereis). The fund pays for important scientific research, public education and law enforcement that benefits sea otters. Reduced range and population size, vulnerability to oil spills, and oil spill risk from coastal tanker traffic were the primary reasons for listing. The Sea Otter was hunted to near extinction in the 19th century. Although the sea otter population has increased since these animals became protected, its geographic range has not expanded to match. The otters play an important role in controlling sea urchin populations, which would otherwise damage the kelp forest ecosystem. Sea Otter Conservation. The Endangered Species Coalition’s mission is to stop the human-caused extinction of our nation’s at-risk species, to protect and restore their habitats, and to guide these fragile populations along the road to recovery. 1-800-385-9712. In the United States Otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act. In August 2005, the "southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment" of the sea otter was listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. 10 Things You Can Do to Save Endangered Species, Support our work with a one time or recurring gift. Sea otters spend much of their lives in the water and can dive up to 330 feet when foraging for food, though most dives are much shallower. In 2006, Defenders of Wildlife worked with California lawmakers on legislation that established the California Sea Otter Fund, a voluntary contribution option on the state tax forms. They are one of the few animals known to use tools – they use small rocks to open shellfish. The Southwest stock, which includes otters in the Aleutian Archipelago, the Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak Island, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Sea otters live and play in the waters off the Pacific coast. The picture of sea otters frolicking among kelp beds and rocky shoals has become an iconic image of the California coastline. Join the Endangered Species Coalition Activist Network to receive emails with actions that you can take to protect endangered and threatened species. As of 2006, there are an estimated 73,000 sea otters in Alaska. Historically, sea otters numbered between 150,000 and 300,000 animals throughout the Pacific Rim. Newsom Approves Two Critical Environmental Protection Bills, Wrapping Up and Beginning Again in California, A New Chance to Protect Sea Otters Brings Andy to Defenders. This became necessary when researchers discovered that a protozoal parasite from flushed cat feces, Toxoplasma gondii, could pass through wastewater treatment facilities and harm sea otters. Today the species is protected under the Endangered Species Act & Marine Mammal Protection Act. They also have a reduced population size, which puts them in danger of becoming extinct. The Southern Sea Otter & Southwest Stock of Northern Sea Otters in Alaska are both listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of … Appearance: Sea otters are the smallest marine mammal in North America, but one of the largest members of the weasel family. 's coast Comments Sea otters had have been listed as endangered for a long time. Sea otters must eat approximately 25% of their weight in food each day to support their high metabolism. The sea otter can live its entire life without leaving the water. Sea otters are commonly spotted on WWF’s Alaska tours. India currently hosts three out of thirteen existing otter species, with the population rates of all three facing rapid decline due to poaching and loss of habitat. The North American Sea Otter is a much larger breed compared to Asian counterpart species, who only grow to around 10 pounds. Sea otters are on the red (endangered) list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). 9. Litter Size: Generally one pup, but sea otters can give birth to twins. Sea otters eat urchins, abalone, mussels, clams, crabs, snails and about 40 other marine species. The Sea Otter was hunted to near extinction in the 19th century. ), and female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg (44 lbs.) In the 1970s, they received additional safeguarding under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. They were thought to be extinct from the California coast, until 50 otters were found near Big Sur. Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), also known as California sea otters, were listed as threatened in 1977 under the Endangered Species Act. Gov. They are semi-aquatic, aquatic as well as marine and have few natural predators. 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