MARINE BIOLOGY FEBRUARY 2011

River Otters & Tufted Puffin

River Otter

Common Name: River Otter Scientific Name: Lontra

Canadensis Size: Mass- 11 to 30 lbs.

Length- 30 to 51 in. Habitat: Can live in

freshwater or coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Like to build “Dens” similar to a beaver’s dam.

Endangered Species: The river otter’s fur is highly desirable, making this species very popular with hunting.

Description of the River Otter

Feeding: Mainly Aquatic Organisms such as turtles, crayfish, and crabs.

Physical description: Long furry skinny sleek bodies, thick tails, & short legs.

Reproduction: Internal Fertilization. Births occur from November to May. Females give birth to from 1 to 6 young per litter, with an average of 2 to 3.

Interesting Facts about River Otters

North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters.

Males and females do not associate except during the mating season. Males often breed with several females.

In Mexico they are found in the delta areas of the Rio Grande and Colorado river.

Tufted Puffin

Common Name: Tufted Puffin

Scientific Name: Fratercula Cirrhata

Size: Mass-24 to 29 oz.Habitat: Build their nest

on the shores of islands and coastal regions.

Endangered Species: Not considered Endangered by Officials, many do believe it is endangered.

Description of Tufted Puffin

Feeding: Prey mostly on small fish but sometimes eat crabs & octopus.

Physical description: All black feathers on torso & wings, colorful yellow & orange on the bill & behind the eye. White feathers around the eyes and face.

Reproduction: External Fertilization, eggs. 1 egg per season on average.

Interesting Facts of the Tufted Puffin

Has only 1 egg each breeding season.Tufted puffins have a limited range of calls,

including a low grumbling noise heard usually from underground in breeding colonies.

Puffins build their nests in the rock and on cliff faces