Organochlorine contaminants in sea otters: the sea otter as a bio-indicator
Article Abstract:
The organochlorine compounds detected in sea otter tissue may be one of the causes of the reduced population growth rate of California sea otters. The sea otters, being a high level predator, can biomagnify contaminants and act as bio-indicators. The liver tissues from sea otters in California, Aleutian islands, Alaska, and Southeast Alaska were collected during 1988-1992 and analyzed for the presence of organochlorine pesticide. Polychlorinated terphenyl and DDT levels were highest in California otters. Polychlorinated biphenyl, which reduces survival in minks, were also detected.
Publication Name: Endangered Species Update
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 1081-3705
Year: 1996
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Comparative demography of sea otter populations
Article Abstract:
The slower growth rate of California sea otter population than that of the northern population may be due to different demographic attributes. One of the reasons may be the difference in mortality rate. Food limitation is another factor which limits population growth. Interaction between the costal currents and prey recruitment influences organic food production and affects sea otter abundance. Predation by killer whales and environmental contaminations are also crucial determining factors. Depressed reproduction is unlikely to be the cause of the difference in the growth rates.
Publication Name: Endangered Species Update
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 1081-3705
Year: 1996
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Estimating the historical abundance of sea otters in California
Article Abstract:
The maximum number of sea otters that the marine environment of California will be able to support (K) has been estimated to be 13,513. The estimation is done by determining the equilibrium density of sea otters in three habitat types, and determining the amount of each habitat type present in California. According to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the southern sea otter population should be considered depleted if its adequacy is less than 60% of K. Therefore, the best estimate of the lower bound for depletion is 8,100 animals.
Publication Name: Endangered Species Update
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 1081-3705
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
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