Otter, Other

The North American river otter, Lontra canadensis, is a semiaquatic mammal and an indicator species - its presence, or absence, is an indicator of the overall health of a given ecosystem. They are only found in riparian environments - complex habitats that straddle the banks of rivers, streams, and other freshwater estuaries, and which are home to myriad flora and fauna across scales. An otter’s presence signals high water quality, abundant prey, flourishing plant life, and microorganisms. Conversely, the absence of otters suggests a degraded ecological web and inhospitable conditions.

The health and population of river otters in New York State has severely declined, largely due to habitat destruction. The Cornell Botanic gardens in Ithaca, New York are uniquely positioned to host a recovery program: in close proximity to the university’s Swanson Wildlife Hospital, this low site envelops portions of the Fall Creek floodplain, resulting in a dynamic wetland environment that borders both urban natural contexts. Otter Portal seeks to rehabilitate injured otters, educate the public, and encourage the ecological stability of the surrounding area.