North American River Otter - The BASICS!

North American River Otter

(Lontra canadensis)

The posts this week are brief overviews of EACH of the otter species, focusing on recent information about each species and a vid or 2... 

 

This is the ONLY freshwater otter in ALL of North America, 

and, as long as it can access fresh water for cleaning up,

it is adapted to use brackish and marine habitats to!!!

North American River Otters are highly adaptable to different types of habitats, but they are very sensitive to pollution and changes in water quality. They are extremely playful, and turn almost all regular activities into a game. They do not tend to pair-bond (though sometimes they do), but males will help to raise the pups if given the opportunity. Males tend to be more solitary than females, but they don't do well alone for long periods of time and will seek out the company of other otters.



This is the ONLY otter species in the world with a population status of "Stable".




Status: Least Concern and Stable



The North American River Otter has a very large range and can be found throughout most of the US (the map below isn't quite accurate, we'll be creating a more accurate map, it is not found in very arid regions). It's habitat overlaps with the sea otter along the west coast of the US.

There are TONS (if you could weigh content on the internet ;) ) of videos "out there" of North American River Otters! GO! ENJOY!!! (but in the mean time, here are a few from us!)

Let's just start with this...

If you want more in-depth reading a few research articles you could explore on these otters includes:

>   Genetic variation among populations of river otters in North America: considerations for reintroduction projects, TL Serfass, RP Brooks, JM Novak. Journal of Mamm., 1998 
>   Deciphering ecological barriers to North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) gene flow in the Louisiana landscape, EK Latch, DG Scognamillo, JA Fike. Journal of Am Gen, 2008 
>  Ten new polymorphic microsatellite loci for North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) and their utility in related mustelids, AS Beheler, JA Fike, G Dharmarajan. Molecular Ecology, 2005 
>  Characterization of basal seminal traits and reproductive endocrine profiles in North American river otters and Asian small‐clawed otters, HL Bateman, JB Bond, M Campbell, M Barrie. Zoo …, 2009
>  Perfluorooctanesulfonate and related fluorinated hydrocarbons in mink and river otters from the United States, K Kannan, J Newsted, RS Halbrook. Environmental science & ACS Publ, 2002 
>  Prey selection by marine-coastal river otters (Lontra canadensis) in Newfoundland, Canada, D Cote, HMJ Stewart, RS Gregory. Journal of Mamm, 2008

South American River Otter - Basics!

South American /Southern River Otter 

(Lontra provocax)

The posts this week are brief overviews of EACH of the otter species, focusing on recent information about each species and a vid or 2... 

 

This otter shares large parts of it's the marine otter's marine habitat. 

Southern River Otters tend to have a very short life span. Few live to maturity, and only 1% live to 10 years of age. They are generally solitary, coming together mainly to mate. The female raises the pups alone, and there are no social groups beyond this.   They have territories like other otters, but the size of these territories is unknown and it appears that they are not particularly defensive of them.

Status: Endangered and Decreasing

South American River otters live in fresh and salt water habitats along the lower (primarily western) coast of South America, in red in the map on the left.







The habitat range of the Marine Otter overlaps in Chile with the other "most southerly" Lontra-otter, the South American River otter.














Southern River otter in captivity, eating.

If you want more in-depth reading a few research articles you could explore on these otters includes:

>   Understanding the inter-specific dynamics of two co-existing predators in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago: the native southern river otter and the exotic American. AEJ Valenzuela, AR Rey, L Fasola, A Schiavini - Biological invasions, 2013

>   Diversity of mtDNA in southern river otter (Lontra provocax) from Argentinean Patagonia

D Centrón, B Ramirez, L Fasola… - Journal of Am Genetic Assoc, 2008

>   Phylogeography of the Patagonian otter Lontra provocax: adaptive divergence to marine habitat or signature of southern glacial refugia? JA Vianna, G Medina-Vogel, BMC, 2011

ALL Otters Week! (we have our reasons... but you benefit! ;)

This week we'll be looking at... wait for it... OTTERS!
Which otters?!?

ALL OTTERS!

We'll take a brief peek each day at what is currently going on with each of the otter species around the world, right now...

First, some basic info about each species. There are 13 known modern species of otters, spread out across 5 of the 7 continents of the world.  Otters are not found in Australia, the surrounding islands, or Antarctica. See map above for distribution of specific species.


 Currently all, but one, of the species are experiencing a decline in populations. Five otter species are considered endangered, 2 are considered vulnerable (or near threatened), 5 are listed as near threatened, and only one of the species listed is in the category of "least concern" by the IUCN Otter Specialist Group.

Otter species status:	Status	Population Trend
Sea Otter ~ Enhydra lutris	Endangered	Decreasing
North American River Otter ~ Lontra canadensis	Least Concern	Stable
Neotropical Otter ~ Lontra longicaudis	Near Threatened	Decreasing
Marine Otter ~ Lontra felina	Endangered	Decreasing
South American River Otter ~ Lontra provocax	Endangered	Decreasing
Giant Otter ~ Pteronura brasiliensis	Endangered	Decreasing
Spotted-Necked Otter ~ Hydrictis maculicollis	Near Threatened	Decreasing
African/Cape Clawless Otter ~ Aonyx capensis	Near Threatened	Decreasing
Congo Clawless Otter ~ Aonyx congicus	Near Threatened	Decreasing
Eurasian Otter ~ Lutra lutra	Near Threatened	Decreasing
Hairy Nosed Otter ~ Lutra sumatrana	Endangered	Decreasing
Smooth Coated Otter ~ Lutrogale perspicillata	Vulnerable	Decreasing
Asian Small-Clawed Otter ~ Aonyx cinereus	Vulnerable	Decreasing

An introduction to each otter species...

Sea Otter ~ Enhydra lutris Sea Otters spend their entire lives in the ocean, only leaving the water in the case of extremely bad storms. They are also one of the known tool-using mammals, using rocks to break shells open so they can consume the shellfish inside. It is important that they are able to do this well because they have to eat about 30% of their body weight every day!

North American River Otter ~ Lontra canadensis North American River Otters are highly adaptable to different types of habitats, but are very sensitive to pollution and changes in water quality. They are extremely playful, and turn almost all regular activities into a game. They do not tend to pair-bond (though sometimes they do), but males will help to raise the pups if given the opportunity. Males tend to be more solitary than females, but they don't do well alone for long periods of time and will seek out the company of other otters.

Neotropical Otter ~ Lontra longicaudis Unlike most otter species, Neotropical Otters are relatively solitary. Male and female Neotropical Otters meet one day a year for breeding, and then go their separate ways. Neotropical Otters prefer clear, fast-flowing water. Habitat destruction and water pollution are major threats to this species.

Marine Otter ~ Lontra felina Marine Otters seem to be the only otter other than the sea otter that do not require access to fresh water to wash themselves. Though Marine Otters tend to be solitary, they are generally friendly (but not highly sociable) with other otters. They do sometimes hunt cooperatively, groups of two or three otters working together to catch larger fish. Also, Marine Otters have hairy noses! (Also known as the Sea Cat)

Southern River Otter ~ Lontra provocax Southern River Otters tend to have a very short life span. Few live to maturity, and only 1% live to 10 years of age. They are generally solitary, coming together mainly to mate. The female raises the pups alone, and there are no social groups beyond this.   They have territories like other otters, but the size of these territories is unknown and it appears that they are not particularly defensive of them.

Giant Otter ~ Pteronura brasiliensis From nose to tail, Giant Otters can be up to 6ft long! Their tails are flattened and flanged, and very strong. Their ears are comparably small, and their eyes very large.  Giant Otters are at the top of the Brazilian food chain. They eat fish, small caiman, crustaceans, snakes, and birds. Giant Otters are incredibly sociable, and often hunt in groups. They live in family groups of ten or more, sometimes up to twenty otters!

Spotted-Necked Otter ~ Hydrictis maculicollis Due to genetics work done on otters, this otter has been put in to a new genus, Hydrictis! (more about that in an other post!) Spotted-necked Otters are fairly small, weighing form 10 to 20 lbs.They live alone or in small family groups, but often form social and hunting groups of five to twenty members. They spend more time in the water than other freshwater species, almost never leaving the water's edge. Resting sites, holts, latrines, and breeding areas are all right next to the water; they are not very agile on land. Like other otters, the Spotted-necked Otter tends to turn everything it does into a game.

Cape/African Clawless Otter ~ Aonyx capensis The Cape Clawless Otter's feet have almost no webbing, and claws only on the three middle toes of the hind feet. The front feet are very sensitive and hand-like. In fact, they are so dexterous with their front paws that they are left- or right-handed, just like people are. They use their hands to dig for prey in the mud or under rocks. They tend to form loose social and foraging groups with other otters.  Like other otters, they are incredibly playful and are excellent swimmers.They don't spend as much time in the water as other otters, and are willing to travel farther from it in search of a new home. (Also known as African Clawless Otter)

Congo Clawless Otter ~ Aonyx congicus Congo Clawless Otters' back feet have small claws on the three middle toes, and very little webbing. The front feet have very small claws and no webbing. The front paws are very sensitive, like those of its close relative the Cape Clawless Otter, to increase success in finding food under rocks and in the mud.  Their short fur (providing less insulation) and the abbreviated webbing of its feet make the Congo Clawless Otter the least adapted otter for life in the water. Congo Clawless Otters are mostly solitary, only interacting with other otters when monogamous pairs come together to mate.

Eurasian Otter ~ Lutra lutra Eurasian Otters are found almost everywhere in Europe and Asia that is near water, fresh or salt, as long as there are freshwater pools nearby for drinking and bathing. They tend to live alone except when mating, when the male and female may stay close together for about a week, or for females, when raising a litter. Though they are excellent swimmers, Eurasian Otters can only hold their breath for about 30 seconds!

Hairy Nosed Otter ~ Lutra sumatrana Very little is known about the Hairy Nosed Otter. It is endangered and incredibly rare. The nose is completely covered in hair, and the feet are webbed, with strong claws.The major threat to Hairy Nosed Otters is from humans: hunting, habitat competition, destruction, and pollution. Despite efforts to establish a captive breeding program, there have only been three of these otters held in captivity (and unfortunately, all male).

Smooth Coated Otter ~ Lutrogale perspicillata  The Smooth Coated Otter prefers to live in undisturbed areas. They hunt during the day and at night, sometimes alone and sometimes in large groups. Smooth Coated Otters mate for life, and live in family groups consisting of the mated pair and their pups (often including full-grown pups). The alpha female is dominant and determines hierarchy within the group, while the alpha male moves the group through their territory. Smooth Coated Otters are proficient both on land and in water. They are powerful swimmers, and on land they climb and jump quite well.

Asian Small-Clawed Otter ~ Aonyx cinereus  The Asian Small-Clawed Otter is the smallest of all otter species, and also the most social. They mate for life, and live in family groups of between four and twelve, and sometimes up to twenty, otters. The group hunts, plays, and sleeps together. These otters will travel a long distance out of water in search of new habitats. They don't generally dive deeper than their body length in search of food, and spend more time out of the water than most otter species. (Also known as Oriental Small-Clawed Otter)

The Confluence: Dabbling in the Waters of Leonardo da Vinci

"Water is the driving force in nature."

~Leonardo da Vinci~

Leonardo daVinci, Notes on the Movement/Physics of Water.

 Confluence: (n) a flowing together or meeting of two or more things at a common point.

Leonardo daVinci is confluence personified: an artist, scientist, inventor, engineer, musician, and architect with a constant sense of questing.

Leonardo was fascinated with water, wanting to comprehend it's nature, properties, how it shaped nature, and how to control and use it. Water inspired his art/music, science, sense of wonder, and his urge to invent and engineer.



He often compared the flow of water to the flow of blood, rivers to veins, and used these workings to understand both systems better.

daVinci, Studies of Water Moving, 1508-09.

 

Leonardo studied and sketched water throughout his life, one of his early sketches shows his study of the Arno River (Italy), including the movement of water. Other sketches and notes show his scientific approach to understanding water.

Leonardo daVinci, 1473, Study of a Tuscan Landscape, Arno River.

Da Vinci mapped water as it impacted people:

(click maps for larger images)

 and landscapes:















Many of his inventions and engineering studies dealt with water:



















 and how we could potentially *capture* it.

My personal favorite?
How could it not be

da Vinci's underwater breathing device?

 Do you have a favorite?

Leonardo daVinci also explored expressing music through *capturing* water, here is a peek at the NOVUS build of the water organ designed daVinci (Chuck Zimmerman's YouTube):

A version  of the water organ that you can hear *playing*, built by Joaquin Saura following daVinci's sketches, plans and discussion found in the Madrid Codex II at the National Library in Madrid (Joaquin Saura's YouTube).

Leonardo da Vinci also used water to help capture some of his more symbolic and fantastical musings:

Leonardo's Allegory of Bull, Wolf, and Eagle.

Leonardo's sketch Neptune, 1504-05

 Da Vinci's association with water is something that I think many of us feel, a connection.
I'll leave you with a some final thoughts from da Vinci, 2 quotes:

" Water is sometimes sharp and sometimes strong, sometimes acid and sometimes bitter, 

sometimes sweet and sometimes thick or thin, sometimes it is seen bringing hurt or pestilence, sometime health-giving, sometimes poisonous. It suffers change into as many natures as are the different places through which it passes. And as the mirror changes with the colour of its subject, 

so it alters with the nature of the place, becoming noisome, laxative, astringent, sulfurous, salty, incarnadined, mournful, raging, angry, red, yellow, green, black, blue, greasy, fat or slim. 

Sometimes it starts a conflagration, sometimes it extinguishes one; is warm and is cold, 

carries away or sets down, hollows out or builds up, tears or establishes, fills or empties, 

raises itself or burrows down, speeds or is still; is the cause at times of life or death, 

or increase or privation, nourishes at times and at others does the contrary; at times has a tang, 

at times is without savor, sometimes submerging the valleys with great floods. 

In time and with water, everything changes. "

~ ~ ~

" The body of the earth is of the nature of a fish ...  

because it draws water as its breath instead of air. "

Leonardo da Vinci- 15 April, 1452 to 2 May 1519.

da Vinci on Water

Water Cycle #1 (fill in the gaps) > National Water Week! (April 10- 16)

This week is (U.S.) National Water Week.
A week to focus on water topics at our national level: clean water access, water recycling, wise water use, natural water flows, agricultural access, recreation, flooding, drought...

Want to know more about water, and how it impacts us? This week we'll explore some of those topics.

Here's a blank template... how do you think the water cycle works?

(we'll post a completed version later this week ;) )

or, if you prefer:

Join us to celebrate World Water Week August 27- September 2 (2016).