What primarily caused the significant range contractions of river otters during the 20th century?
Answer
Declines in water quality and habitat destruction
The text states that declines in water quality and habitat destruction led to significant range contractions throughout the 20th century.
Related Questions
What is the scientific name for the North American river otter?What primarily caused the significant range contractions of river otters during the 20th century?Which group of states is generally indicated as lacking large, continuous river otter populations due to aridity?How do river otters function regarding water quality assessment in their habitat?Besides good water quality and abundant food, what is the third essential requirement for a thriving river otter population?Which region of the Eastern United States is highlighted as particularly important strongholds for river otter populations?What tell-tale sign of otter activity is often observed on muddy or snowy banks near foraging spots?In the Rocky Mountain region, river otters are typically found close to which types of water systems?While primarily freshwater mammals, what other environments can North American river otters thrive in?What are examples of suitable den sites (holts) that river otters might utilize?In the Pacific Northwest, where are river otters commonly found inhabiting?How does the health of an upstream tributary relate to the stability of downstream otter populations?