In Otter News

In Otter News….

Otter toe beans to make you smile. Enjoy!

Be Like Steve.

(source: FB/In Otter News)

Don't be a Brad!!

"Many people know about the Yellowstone wolf miracle. After wolves were reintroduced to the national park in the mid-1990s, streamside bushes that had been grazed to stubble by out-of-control elk populations started bouncing back. Streambank erosion decreased. Creatures such as songbirds that favor greenery along creeks returned. Nearby aspens flourished.

While there is debate about how much of this stemmed from the wolves shrinking the elk population and how much was a subtle shift in elk behavior, the overall change was dramatic. People were captivated by the idea that a single charismatic predator’s return could ripple through an entire ecosystem. The result was trumpeted in publications such as National Geographic.

But have you heard about the sea otters and the salt marshes? Probably not.

It turns out these sleek coastal mammals, hunted nearly to extinction for their plush pelts, can play a wolf-like role in rapidly disappearing salt marshes, according to new research. The findings highlight the transformative power of a top predator, and the potential ecosystem benefits from their return.

“It begs the question: In how many other ecosystems worldwide could the reintroduction of a former top predator yield similar benefits?” said Brian Silliman, a Duke University ecologist involved in the research.

The work focused on Elk Slough, a tidal estuary at the edge of California’s Monterey Bay. The salt marsh lining the slough’s banks has been shrinking for decades. Between 1956 and 2003, the area lost 50% of its salt marshes.

Such tidal marshes are critical to keeping shorelines from eroding into the sea, and they are in decline around the world. The damage is often blamed on a combination of human’s altering coastal water flows, rising seas and nutrient pollution that weakens the roots of marsh plants.

But in Elk Slough, a return of sea otters hinted that their earlier disappearance might have been a factor as well. As many as 300,000 sea otters once swam in the coastal waters of western North America, from Baja California north to the Aleutian Islands. But a fur trade begun by Europeans in the 1700s nearly wiped out the animals, reducing their numbers to just a few thousand by the early 1900s. Southern sea otters, which lived on the California coast, were thought to be extinct until a handful were found in the early 1900s.

In the late 1900s, conservation organizations and government agencies embarked on an effort to revive the southern sea otters, which remain protected under the Endangered Species Act. In Monterey Bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium selected Elk Slough as a prime place to release orphaned young sea otters taken in by the aquarium.

As the otter numbers grew, the dynamics within the salt marsh changed. Between 2008 and 2018, erosion of tidal creeks in the estuary fell by around 70% as otter numbers recovered from just 11 animals to nearly 120 following a population crash tied to an intense El Niño climate cycle.

While suggestive, those results are hardly bulletproof evidence of a link between otters and erosion. Nor does it explain how that might work.

To get a more detailed picture, the researchers visited 5 small tidal creeks feeding into the main slough. At each one, they enclosed some of the marsh with fencing to keep out otters, while other spots were left open. Over three years, they monitored the diverging fates of the different patches.

The results showed that otter presence made a dramatic difference in the condition of the marsh. They also helped illuminate why this was happening. It comes down to the otters’ appetite for small burrowing crabs that live in the marsh.

Adult otters need to eat around 25% of their body weight every day to endure the cold Pacific Ocean waters, the equivalent of 20 to 25 pounds. And crabs are one of their favorite meals. After three years, crab densities were 68% higher in fenced areas beyond the reach of otters. The number of crab burrows was also higher. At the same time, marsh grasses inside the fences fared worse, with 48% less mass of leaves and stems and 15% less root mass, a critical feature for capturing sediment that could otherwise wash away, the scientists reported in late January in Nature.

The results point to the crabs as a culprit in the decline of the marshes, as they excavate their holes and feed on the plant roots. It also shows the returning otters’ potential as a marsh savior, even in the face of rising sea levels and continued pollution. In tidal creeks with high numbers of otters, creek erosion was just 5 centimeters per year, 69% lower than in creeks with fewer otters and a far cry from earlier erosion of as much as 30 centimeters per year.  

“The return of the sea otters didn’t reverse the losses, but it did slow them to a point that these systems could restabilize despite all the other pressures they are subject to,” said Brent Hughes, a biology professor at Sonoma State University and former postdoctoral researcher in Silliman’s Duke lab.

The findings raise the question of whether other coastal ecosystems might benefit from a return of top predators. The scientists note that a number of these places were once filled with such toothy creatures as bears, crocodiles, sharks, wolves, lions and dolphins. Sea otters are still largely absent along much of the West Coast.

As people wrestle to hold back the seas and revive their ailing coasts, a predator revival could offer relatively cheap and effective assistance. “It would cost millions of dollars for humans to rebuild these creek banks and restore these marshes,” Silliman said of Elk Slough. “The sea otters are stabilizing them for free in exchange for an all-you-can-eat crab feast.”"

-via Anthropocene Magazine, February 7, 2024

Absolutely Adorable Pretty in Pink Transgender Girl!

For the first time in its history, Aquarium of the Pacific has paired a releasable rescued sea otter pup with a surrogate otter mom.

“We are thrilled to be able to further help this threatened species recover by expanding our conservation programs to now help stranded sea otter pups get a second chance at returning to the wild,” says Brett Long, Aquarium of the Pacific senior director of birds and mammals.

Read more:

Happy New Year, Mrs. Neuvillette!

Lots of fluff, new year special fic!

Neuvillette x fem! Reader

“My love, you look simply divine tonight..” you heard your boyfriend’s deep and soothing voice say as you turned around, feeling your heart skip a beat seeing him in an elegant suit, his long hair flowing freely. You blushed and approached him, fixing his tie and kissing his cheek. “Thank you Neuvi, and trust me, you look so heartbreakingly handsome..” Your sweet dragon tilted his head in slight confusion, not understanding your words of endearment correctly. “Heartbreakingly? Why my dear, I never wish to do that to you..” Your sweet laughter echoed through the room as you felt your heart melt, making you kiss his cheeks again. “Aawww don’t worry Neuvi; it’s just an expression! I know you’d never break my heart!”

He smiles in relief, holding your hand and kissing your palm. It was a habit he had developed ever since you started dating. “That puts my heart at ease Mon Amour. Now then, shall we get going? It is 11:30 pm.” You nodded excitedly, holding onto his arm which he held out for you. Archons, he was such a gentleman. As you both stepped out of the Palais Mermonia, your eyes shone brightly as you viewed the glittering city of Fontaine, everyone excitedly waiting for another new year. Festive lights adorned the city as people were out and about, mingling with friends and family. You and Neuvillette were headed to the Opera Epiclese, where he had stated he wished to show you a surprise. You thought that he must have prepared something for new year and nothing more, but soon you’d find out that you were very wrong. Tonight was going to change your life.

You both boarded the aquabus and chatted merrily with the melusine in charge of the trip. The best part about the aquabus in your opinion was the spectacular view of Fontaine it provided, the bright moonlight illuminating on the surface of the oceans as the atmosphere was simply stunning. Fontaine was so different from your home, that is Liyue, yet you had no problem whatsoever in adjusting thanks to the brilliant man seated beside you, your hand safely clasped in his. You were one of the many adepti in Liyue, who had fought alongside Rex Lapis in the archon war. However as time went by, the Liyue you knew and loved also changed as all the adepti departed to Juyeun karst, knowing their protection wasn’t needed. When the news of Rex Lapis’ passing spread, you knew that your millennia long contract with him had come to an end, and although you still held deep love for Liyue, you were no longer bound to stay there and protect the citizens. With Rex Lapis, blessing you departed from Liyue to fulfil your desire of exploring Teyvat, and soon reached Fontaine.

Who knew that you would end up meeting your soulmate and stay here forever? Meeting Neuvillette was purely coincidental, for he had first laid eyes on you when you were tending to the wound of an injured melusine, using your healing powers to ease her pain. When he saw you he instantly knew you weren’t from Fontaine, and he was completely awestruck by your beauty and kindness. And then, when you turned around to lock eyes with him, your entire world changed as a delicate red string appeared, wrapping around your ring finger and his, connecting not just your bodies, but also your souls together. Neuvillette on the other hand, instantly felt his draconic instincts telling him that he had found his mate, and the magical red string that he saw further convinced him of the same, although he did not completely understand what it was. That was the day you both pledged to love one another endlessly, and you chose to settle down in Fontaine, for you really did not have anyone else to go back to in Liyue. 4 years had passed by already, and your bond with Neuvillette had only grown stronger. You both were devoted to one another, your love deeper than any oceans in Fontaine. Sure it was a little tricky to get used to living in a city as developed as Fontaine, but Neuvillette’s unwavering support helped you through it all.

“Dearest, are you alright?” Your beloved’s voice snapped you out of your memory lane, as you noticed the worried expression on his face. “Oh? Oh yes of course love, forgive me, I was just reminiscing about our past.” He lets out a soft chuckle, placing a chaste kiss on your forehead. “Ah I see, is it perhaps you miss your home? If you wish, you can go visit Liyue any time you want dearest.” You shook your head, resting it on his shoulder. “No neuvi, that’s not the reason, I’m quite alright. Besides, I have no one to visit in Liyue really..we adepti are not that close with one another anymore..”

Sensing your slight sadness, neuvillette gently squeezes your hand, holding you close. He knew of your past, and he knew that you missed the way adepti used to be close with one another before the archon war. Now times had changed, and with it so had the bonds you made. “Know that my love for you is unchanging and eternal Mon Amour. I am with you, always.” You looked up at him with those beautiful eyes of yours, your delicate features being adorned with that pretty smile of yours his heart went crazy over. “I know Neuvi, which is why I wish to stay here with you. You make me the happiest, and as long as I have your support and love, I don’t need anyone else!”

He chuckles sweetly, hugging you close to him, thinking to himself- Dont you worry mon amour, I’m going to make you so happy tonight. Eventually you both got off the aquabus, holding hands as you walked down the pathway towards the Opera Epiclese. “The city looks so beautiful tonight Neuvi, we can sense the joy in the atmosphere! It’s really so lively!” You said, admiring the way people were so cheerful and happy. “Believe me my dearest, the city’s beauty is nothing compared to yours..” and there we go, he managed to make you blush yet again! Giggling shyly, you shook your head, making him chuckle too. Eventually you two reached the fountain of Lucine and Neuvillette left your hand, walking forward. With a snap of his fingers, the water in the fountain started glowing beautifully, the plants and flowers around you both gleaming and shining due to the existing water droplets on them. It looked absolutely magical, making you feel like you were in an enchanted fairy tale.

“Oh my..neuvi this is…oh wow..” you really had no words to describe it, the gleaming water droplets seeming like shining fairy lights. He smiles at you, going to you slowly while taking a deep breath to compose his nervous self. This was it, the biggest step in your relationship was here. “Mon amour, I have something to say..” You looked at him with a big smile, cupping his cheek softly “go ahead Neuvi, tell me, I’m listening..” Well, here goes nothing.

“Mon amour..the moment our eyes first locked, I knew you were the only one my heart and soul was bound to. You’ve taught me love, you’ve given me the honour of being with you and experiencing what true happiness feels like. Without you, I am nothing. You fill me with so much joy, so much hope and so much love..before you entered my life, I was alone and merely just…existing. But with you I’ve realised what living life to the fullest feels like..You are simply magnificent, one of a kind. My love for you is everlasting and ever growing..I wish to spend my entire life with you, just like this, holding your hand in mine. So…” getting down on one knee, he opened a beautiful engraved box. On a velvet pillow lay a beautiful ring, with a big diamond in between, surrounded by two shining cor lapis stones. “Will you let me have the honour of calling you my wife? Will you marry me and become Mrs. Neuvillette?”

You were a crying mess by now. Words could never describe how euphoric your felt right now. It was a dream come true; there was no other way to describe it. You nodded vigorously through your tears, falling into his arms giving him perhaps the tightest hug you had ever given. “YES! Yes Neuvi, I’d love to be your wife!!” At that very moment, the clock struck midnight as fireworks erupted all over the night sky. Neuvillette smiled ever so happily, embracing you close to him. He held your left hand, gently slipping the beautiful ring onto your ring finger, right where the red string had shown itself 4 years ago.

“I love you Mon Amour, I cannot wait to marry you.” You smiled through your tears, admiring him so much. He could sense your joy, and it was contagious for he himself was beyond ecstatic. “Oh Neuvi…I love you so much too, you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me..” as you both stood back up, he held you close, leaning his forehead against yours. “Happy New Year my beloved.” You giggled softly, wrapping your arms around his neck, your ring shining brighter than the stars. “Happy new year Neuvillette..”

And once again, you both locked eyes, lilac meeting gold. The two of you were so happy, that nothing else mattered in this moment. Without wasting any more time, he leaned in, sealing the new year with a sweet kiss filled with pure love. This was perhaps the best way to start the new year, one you knew would be the best year of your lives. He was your home, your everything. And now, you were his fiancée. Happy new year, Mrs. Neuvillette!