Knowra Otter Otter Otters are semiaquatic carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae, distinguished by streamlined bodies, dense insulating fur, and adaptations for swimming and hunting in water.
Mustelidae : Mustelidae is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes weasels, badgers, martens, wolverines, and otters. Otters are the aquatic-specialized branch of this diverse carnivore family.
Aquatic locomotion : Aquatic locomotion is movement through water using body shape, limbs, or other propulsive structures. Otters propel themselves with combinations of body undulation, limbs, and tails.
Keystone species : A keystone species has an ecological effect disproportionately large relative to its abundance. Sea otter predation can restrain sea urchins and help sustain kelp forests.
Sea otter : The sea otter is a marine otter species native to the North Pacific coast. It is the most fully marine otter and uses tools to handle prey.
Fur trade : The fur trade is the commercial harvesting and exchange of animal pelts. Hunting for pelts severely reduced many otter populations.
Lutrinae : Lutrinae is the mustelid subfamily containing all living otters. This subfamily groups the species covered by the name otter.
Thermal insulation in mammals : Thermal insulation in mammals limits heat loss through fur, fat, or other tissues. Dense fur traps air and limits heat loss in cold water.
Trophic cascade : A trophic cascade occurs when predators indirectly alter organisms and processes at lower food-web levels. Otter predation can trigger cascading changes in coastal ecosystems.
River otter : River otter is a common name for several otter species that primarily inhabit freshwater systems. River otters contrast with sea otters in habitat and feeding ecology.
Sea otter conservation : Sea otter conservation comprises measures to protect sea otter populations and their coastal habitats. Legal protection and recovery efforts address losses from historical hunting and modern threats.
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