Robust age estimation of southern sea otters from multiple morphometrics.

Reliable age estimation is an essential tool to assess the status of wildlife populations and inform successful management. Aging methods, however, are often limited by too few data, skewed demographic representation, and by single or uncertain morphometric relationships. In this study, we synthesize age estimates in southern sea otters from 761 individuals across 34 years of study, using multiple noninvasive techniques and capturing all life stages from 0 to 17 years of age.

Helminth parasites of the southern sea otter Enhydra lutris nereis in central California: abundance, distribution and pathology.

From October 1997 to May 2001, the gastrointestinal tracts from 162 beach-cast southern sea otters Enhydra lutris nereis were examined for helminth parasites and associated lesions. Carcasses were collected opportunistically in central California between Pt. San Pedro and Pt.