Sea Otter Habitat Climate

In the presence of otters urchins skulk in watery rock crevices getting by on kelp detritus and algae growing on rocks. Sea otters are a keystone species meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species.

Southern Sea Otter Marine Mammal Commission

Aquarium Of The Pacific Bp Sea Otter Habitat Sea Otter Habitat

Balancing Act Otters Urchins And Kelp Kqed

Sea otters have webbed feet water repellent fur to keep them dry and warm and nostrils and ears that close in the water.

Sea otter habitat climate. All members of this family have very thick fur. The sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern north pacific ocean. A female sea otter and her pup on an iceberg in the winter.

Get ready for some awesome otter facts and photos. If sea otters migrate it is due to the abundance of food in an area and kelp. Sea otters eat sleep mate and even give birth in the water.

Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg making them the heaviest members of the weasel family but among the smallest marine mammals. Held every year during the last week in september sea otter awareness week spotlights the important role of sea otters in nearshore ecosystems of the north pacific ocean. A recent publication has revealed the importance sea otters have in maintaining healthy and balanced ecosystems.

Unchecked sea urchin populations can consume enough kelp to turn forest to desert. This traps air next to their skin so that their skin stays dry. Sea otters usually are dark brown frequently with lighter guard hairs.

They sleep this way often gathered in groups. Sea otters often float at the waters surface lying on their backs in a posture of serene repose. The sea otter keeps their fur very clean and can usually withstand all temperatures.

Without sea otters sea urchins would devour the kelp forests off the coast that provide cover and food for many other marine animals. Sea otters live in subtropical to arctic waters on the pacific coastthey live in very cold weather. Although it can walk on land the sea otter is capable of living exclusively in the ocean.

They have two layers of fur an undercoat as well as longer guard hairs. Kelp forests where otters hang out are some of the most efficient absorbers of carbon dioxide known. Most sea otters living in the southern climate live along the pacific coast of south america.

As predators sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of the near shore kelp ecosystems. Sea otters belong to the weasel family. Without otters fishing overhead emboldened sea urchins turn mobile and eat live kelp.

We promise that youll be otterly entertained. Like any land based forest kelp forests sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis transforming it into the energy they need to build their leafy structure. Unlike most marine mammals the sea otters primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur the densest in the animal kingdom.

Sea otters help fight climate change american marine biologist james estes has recently unveiled that sea otters marine mammals native to the coasts of the north pacific ocean contribute to saving our planet.