Some people blamed the decrease of otter numbers on mink. give three reasons why this seemed possible. Explain your answers.
I could only think of one answer, which was about food competition-
please help!!
thanks
From what I've read, it's likely that mink didn't cause the decrease in otter numbers. However, aggressive mink behavior, taking over some of the otter's habitat, as well as food competition could make it seem possible.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/news-otterincrease.html
It seems to be the other way around.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "mink otter" to get these possible sources:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.0030-1299.2004.12763.x?cookieSet=1&journalCode=oik
http://www.amblonyx.com/?id=LutraMink
http://www.daelnet.co.uk/countrynews/country_news_13092006.cfm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20031026/ai_n12749183
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
Certainly! While food competition is indeed one reason why some people blamed the decrease of otter numbers on mink, there are a few more factors that contribute to this possibility. Here are three reasons and their explanations:
1. Similar diets: Otters and minks have overlapping food preferences, primarily consisting of fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals. Since both species rely on similar food sources, an increased population of minks could potentially lead to reduced food availability for otters. This competition for limited resources may negatively impact the otter populations.
2. Habitat overlap: Otters and minks also share similar habitats, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Minks are known for their adaptability and ability to utilize a wide range of aquatic environments. If minks expand their range or increase in population, they could intrude into otter territories, leading to conflicts and further exacerbating food competition.
3. Predation on otters: Minks are opportunistic predators and have been observed preying on small mammal species comparable in size to otters. Although predation on otters is relatively rare, it is plausible that an increase in mink population could result in occasional predation events, creating an additional threat to otter populations.
It's important to note that these reasons are based on potential scenarios and observations, and may vary depending on the specific ecosystems and populations being studied. Scientific studies and field research are usually conducted to obtain concrete evidence and further understanding of species interactions and their impacts on wildlife populations.