(full paper is archived in the Miller Library)
Title: Activity time budgets as indicators of the status of
the sea otter population in California
Student Author(s): Underwood, Karen E.
Faculty Advisor(s): Estes, James
Pearse, John
Pages: 30
Location: Senior Thesis UC Santa Cruz
1982
Keywords: Enhydra lutris, Hopkins Marine Life Refuge, HMLR
Abstract: The sea otter population in California faces the
increasing threat of oil pollution, as well as conflicts with man for
food resources. Management of the sea otter is needed, but before a
management plan can be implemented, the status of the sea otter must
be known. Activity time budgets are one way of assessing population
status.
Samples of sea otter daily activity were taken over a ten month
period along two sections of the Monterey Peninsula. One section had
been sampled in a similar study several years earlier. Results from
this previous study suggested the population was below its carrying
capacity. Results from my study proved to be nearly identical,
indicating the population is stable. Comparisons of time budgets
with Alaskan populations of known status indicate the populations in
Monterey and at the edge of the range are not at equilibrium density,
yet other studies suggest that the population may be food limited.
Because of the inconsistancy in data, the population status cannot be
determined at this time with certainty.
Distinct feeding peaks occurred in the early morning and evening,
which also corresponded with data from previous studies. Peaks and
lulls in feeding activity were indicative of differential food
availability. No significant differences in activity time budgets or
diurnal activity patterns were found between the two areas sampled in
this study.