Otter Scientific Research
There has been plenty of research relating to Otters over the years. As a result we do know quite a bit about these animals. We do know that they have been around for millions of years. They were once creatures that were only on land but then they adapted to a life that allows them to be in the water as well. We know that they are meat eaters and that they aren’t very picky when it comes to the prey they find.
We know that Otters live in cold waters and that they live in almost all parts of the world. This is with the exception of Australia and Antarctica. They have fur that is able to help them adapt to a variety of temperatures. They also have a very fast metabolism. Through research we know that they engage in mating rituals and that the mothers are extremely good caregivers to her offspring.
Discovering what ailments Otters have including diseases and exposure to bacteria also help to keep them healthy. Many Otters have spent time in captivity so that such research could be done on them. The results have lead us to deeply understand the needs of these animals. They also allow us to come up with further questions that we would like to investigate even further.
We also know what needs to be done in order to protect the Otters if they are going to have a future on Earth. At one time 14 species had been identified but one is already gone forever. Some of the others are in danger while others are at least hanging in there. By evaluating what the future can hold for them if we don’t change out ways we can understand the need to protect their natural environments.
The classifications for these Otter species have been done through careful research. While they all have some similarities, there are enough differences among them to give them their own category of species. As researchers find out more information they continue to add it so that those interested can keep up on what has taken place. You can find many sites online that give you updates by email as Otter research information becomes available.
Humans are the biggest predators and threats to the Otter according to research. Due to excessive hunting, fishing nets, and the destruction of their habitat humans aren’t making it very easy for them to continue being a part of life on this Earth. Natural predators that they may encounter include eagles, wolves, sharks, and killer whales.
Sadly, a great deal of what researchers would love to learn about with Otters continues to be pushed back. There simply isn’t enough funding for all of it to take place. Even with the valuable volunteers there is too much cost to get it all done. A great deal of the funding out there ends up going to do research on other animals that seem to have needs more pressing at this time.
There are still some areas of Otter research that need to be investigated further. Communication is the biggest one. They do have a large variation of sounds that they make. What they all mean though we haven’t yet discovered. We do have some good basic ideas though. Hopefully one day those theories will be able to be put to the test. Then we can have more definite information.
The level of intelligence that the Otters have is also interesting. We know they are one of the most intelligent mammals out there. Yet the limits to their learning process and reasoning have yet to be tested and pinpointed.
