Progress and status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States
Raesly EJ. 2001. Progress and status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 29(3):856-862
The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is an important North American furbearer species that was eliminated from most of its range by the early 1900s. Many state agencies have undertaken restoration efforts, although no comprehensive study on the extent or type of management exists. I conducted telephone interviews with wildlife agency biologists in the 49 continental states (USA) to update status and management of river otters, with emphasis on reviewing the use of reintroduction as a management tool to restore extirpated otter populations. As of 1998, river otters occupied at least portions of their historic range in every state except New Mexico. Between 1976 and 1998, 21 states and 1 national park implemented reintroduction projects, releasing 4,018 river otters. States conducting reintroduction projects obtained otters from a variety of sources, but 14 (64%) used at least some otters obtained from coastal Louisiana. All states implemented post-release evaluations, including radiotelemetry studies by 15 projects. Based on various forms of direct and circumstantial evidence, most biologists stated that reintroductions were successful in restoring extirpated otter populations.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Raesly, Elaine
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Lontra canidensis, Mammals, Management, Reintroduction, River Otter, Survey, United States
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Mammals