Tool use increases mechanical foraging success and tooth health in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

Science
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Abstract

Although tool use may enhance resource utilization, its fitness benefits are difficult to measure. By examining longitudinal data from 196 radio-tagged southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), we found that tool-using individuals, particularly females, gained access to larger and/or harder-shelled prey. These mechanical advantages translated to reduced tooth damage during food processing. We also found that tool use diminishes trade-offs between access to different prey, tooth condition, and energy intake, all of which are dependent on the relative prey availability in the environment. Tool use allowed individuals to maintain energetic requirements through the processing of alternative prey that are typically inaccessible with biting alone, suggesting that this behavior is a necessity for the survival of some otters in environments where preferred prey are depleted.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Tool use increases mechanical foraging success and tooth health in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Series title Science
DOI https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adj6608
Volume 384
Issue 6697
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 5 p.
First page 798
Last page 802
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