Northern marine otter (SciiFii)

The northern marine otter (Lontra novanglia) is a species of otter of the genus Lontra that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines of North America to help boost biodiversity. Despite its appearance, habits, and tolerance to saltwater similarly to southern marine otters (Lontra felina), the closest living relatives of the northern marine otters are actually North American river otters (Lontra canadensis). An adult northern marine otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kilograms (11.0 and 30.9 lbs). The northern marine otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The northern marine otter (while spending much of its time out of the water) usually only lives in saltwater, coastal environments and rarely ventures into freshwater or estuarine habitats. This saltwater exclusivity is unlike most other North American otter species, except for the almost fully aquatic sea otter (Enhydra lutris) of the North Pacific. The northern marine otter is dark brown above and on the sides, and fawn on the throat and underside. The northern marine otter has webbed paws and strong claws. The ventral side (underside) of the paws are partially covered in fur. The teeth of the northern marine otters are developed for slicing instead of crushing. The usual prey items of the northern marine otter includes crustaceans, mollusks, marine worms, and fish, although it is known to feed on carrion of animals washed up ashore. The northern marine otter does not display sexual dimorphism. The northern marine otters are diurnal. The northern marine otters are most often seen individually or in small groups of up to three. They are difficult to spot, swimming low in the water, exposing only their heads and backs. It is not known whether they are territorial, as males are occasionally seen fighting, yet fights have also been observed even between mating pairs. Fighting takes place on prominent rocks above the waterline, which are also used for resting, feeding, and grooming. Marine otters have rarely also been observed feeding cooperatively on large fish. Northern marine otters may be monogamous or polygamous, and breeding occurs in May or June. Litters of two to five pups are born in July, August, or September after a gestation period of 60 to 70 days. The pups remain with their mother for about 10 months of parental care, and can sometimes be seen on the mother's belly as she swims on her back, a practice similar to that of the sea otter. Parents bring food to the pups and teach them to hunt. The conservation status of the northern marine otter is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss through oil spills, however, thanks to the conservationists, the northern marine otters are a protected species and have made a comeback.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii