Living on the Edge: Reproductive physiology, behavior, and recovery of southern sea otters

Nearly hunted to extinction during the fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries, the recovery of southern sea otters along the coast of California has been a slow and meandering journey. As a physiological oddball among marine mammals and a vital keystone species in coastal nearshore ecosystems, much can be learned from this iconic species. Collaborative research efforts examining the unique physiology, behavior, and ecology of southern sea otters have greatly improved our understanding of the recovery of this threatened keystone predator. Here, Nicole Thometz will discuss her research on the physiological ecology of southern sea otters, with a particular emphasis on sea otter moms and pups.

Speaker: Nicole Thomez, Univ. of San Francisco