SEA OTTERS (Enhydra lutris), are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is a tough label to bear as these smallest of the marine mammals are a keystone species in their coastal marine ecosystem. Their presence, or lack of it, has a greater effect than other species on the balance of nature in the kelp forests where they make their home. Otters prey on sea urchins that can destroy kelp by overgrazing if the urchins become too abundant. Kelp forests thrive where sea otters are present to keep urchin populations in check.
WCS Wild View: Saving Sea Otters
WCS Wild View: Saving Sea Otters